Sarah Ischer, CIH, CSP

Sarah Ischer, CIH, CSP, is a respected health and safety leader and currently serves as the Senior Director of Expertise at the What Works Institute. With a career spanning over a decade, Sarah is known for her commitment to advancing workplace health and safety through evidence-based strategies, practical innovation, and people-centered solutions. She thrives on building inclusive, high-performing safety cultures that prioritize employee well-being across diverse industries.

Before joining the What Works Institute, Sarah led impactful initiatives at the National Safety Council (NSC), including directing the MSD Solutions Lab and managing organization-wide environmental, health, and safety operations. Her foundation in industrial hygiene has equipped her with deep experience in areas like ergonomics, chemical safety, hearing conservation, ventilation controls, and regulatory compliance. She has also served as a Radiation Safety Officer and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to risk reduction and performance improvement.

Sarah earned her M.S. in Occupational and Environmental Health from the University of Iowa, where her research centered on bioaerosols and agricultural health. She is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and currently serves on the National Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH). A vocal advocate for women in STEM and active member of AIHA, Sarah continues to lead with purpose, championing equity, inclusion, and the future of health and safety in the modern workplace.

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Develop Your Skills as a New or Emerging People Leader

• Missouri University of Science and Technology - BS
• University of Iowa - MS