Kaila Krichmar (R) pictured with CWEA Past President, Gilbert Barela, and CWEA staff, Nick Bailey and Megan Barillo at the Annual Conference in Palm Springs. Photo by Jennifer Yount Photography.
Kaila Krichmar, ehsInc, CWEA Safety Committee Chair, Photo by Tashia Peterman
Kaila Krichmar takes pride in her achievements as a member of CWEA’s Safety Committee. Her volunteer efforts on the committee show her belief that building a strong safety team in any organization can lead to a safer environment.
Following safety protocols provides significant benefits to an organization, such as reducing injuries, enhancing employee retention, raising safety awareness, and lowering insurance and workers’ compensation costs. It also promotes professional growth, cultivates a positive safety culture, and encourages employee involvement in safety management.
“Volunteering and working on CWEA’s Safety Committee has given me a sense of pride in keeping people safe and making sure they make it home at the end of the day,” she said. Krichmar has a strong background in safety.
She studied Business at California State University, Fullerton, where she also gained practical, hands-on experience working at the University’s Health and Safety Office. This early experience sparked her interest in safety and laid the foundation for her career.
In 2011, she was hired by ehs International, Inc. (ehsInc), based in Orange County. She continued her professional development and earned her Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification. Krichmar currently serves as the Vice President of Business Development at ehsInc and oversees the company’s Consulting Division.
Krichmar started her involvement with CWEA in 2014 by joining the Santa Ana River Basin Section, where she served on the board as a Corporate Director. In 2019, when ehsInc’s Chief Executive Officer, Marjorie Del Toro, was approached to revitalize CWEA’s state Safety Committee, she invited Krichmar to serve as part of her team as co-chair.
Krichmar was a good choice for the newly forming committee, as her work experience would help build on the committee’s mission, which is dedicated to the advancement of programs to reduce risk and promote health and safety in the wastewater industry and represent member interests in regulatory standard development to improve the general welfare of the workforce.
Although their first year was met with unexpected challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted many of their activities, the move to virtual meetings eventually proved to be a valuable tool. As interest in health and safety increased, the Safety Committee was able to reach a broader audience and build momentum. The committee played a key role in embedding safety into conferences and making it a central focus of CWEA’s programming going forward.
Krichmar and Del Toro’s shared vision was to bring the same energy and impact of CWEA’s Northern Safety Day to Southern California while also establishing a strong leadership foundation to ensure the committee’s long-term success. In 2022, the Safety Committee hosted its first successful Southern Safety Day.
“This was an exciting milestone for our team,” Krichmar said. “We’re thrilled to be preparing for the fourth consecutive Southern Safety Day.” The event will take place on October 8 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim. Krichmar said there will be a phenomenal lineup of presenters. “It’s truly an event you won’t want to miss – and there’s still time to register,” she said.
Looking back, Krichmar is incredibly grateful for the opportunities that Del Toro has encouraged and supported her to pursue through volunteering with CWEA.
“It’s not just about planning a successful event – it’s about the meaningful relationships I’ve built with so many dedicated professionals along the way,” she said.
She is thankful to serve on the Safety Committee term with SOCWA Safety & Emergency Manager, Sean Peacher, ACWA JPIA Sr. Risk Control Advisor, Andrew Corral, and ACWA JPIA Lead Risk Control Advisor – Retired, Peter Kuchinsky.
“I feel so fortunate to work with each of them,” she said.
Krichmar encourages others to get involved with the Safety Committee, even if they don’t have a traditional safety background.
“Safety impacts all of us,” she says. “There’s a place for everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, connect with others in the industry, or simply want to be part of something bigger – consider joining the Safety Committee. We’d love to have you.”
The Safety Committee team is already working on content for programs and sessions that will take place in 2026. For those who are interested in volunteering, providing content or getting involved, email Krichmar at [email protected].
• Oct 8 – Anaheim: Southern Safety Day
• Oct 15 – Woodland: Northern Safety Day
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