Chamber Buzz: MIOSHA - Deputy Director, Dawn Jack

The Chamber Buzz presented by Everwise Credit Union is a free monthly breakfast for members that will feature updates from elected officials, community leaders, new chamber members, and special guests. New for 2026, the series will be hosted at the Berrien RESA Bertrand Innovation Center (BIC) , doors open at 8:00am on the first Wednesday of the month from February through November. Join us on July 1st for an informative Chamber Buzz featuring MIOSHA’s deputy director, Dawn Jack. Dawn will provide a comprehensive overview of the agency, including its structure, jurisdiction, and the relationship between MIOSHA and federal OSHA. Attendees can expect updates on recent standards, insights into MIOSHA’s current strategic goals and priorities, and an overview of training opportunities available through the MIOSHA Training Institute. The presentation will also highlight cooperative programs and grant opportunities, State Emphasis Programs, and share recent trends in workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities—offering valuable knowledge for employers and community members alike. Dawn Jack has served as deputy director of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) since November of 2023. In this role, she helps oversee statewide efforts to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Michigan workers across a wide range of industries. She manages the day-to-day operations of the agency including oversight of the MIOSHA Appeals Section, rule promulgation, public information requests, MIOSHA’s Safety and Health Management System, policy development, and human resources. Dawn previously served as MIOSHA’s appeals director for nearly 14 years. She emphasizes education, proactive hazard prevention, and equitable enforcement of safety standards. With a strong background in occupational safety, regulatory compliance, and workforce engagement, Dawn has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that promote safer workplaces, reduce injury rates, and strengthen partnerships between employers, employees, and government agencies. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she has contributed to modernizing MIOSHA programs through data-driven strategies, outreach campaigns, and training initiatives aimed at both emerging and high-risk sectors. Her work reflects a commitment to fostering a culture where workplace safety is a shared responsibility and a fundamental right for all workers. As MIOSHA’s Continuous Improvement Champion, Dawn has greatly improved MIOSHA’s service to its customers through expanding the availability of appeal information and resources for the public, creating the online Penalty Reduction Agreement (PRA) program, enabling electronic submission of abatement, transitioning MIOSHA to paperless work processes, and accepting electronic payments for citation penalties and public record requests. Dawn has been a successful attorney for 23 years and continues to represent MIOSHA in appeals of whistleblower investigation determinations under the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act. She is bold and committed public servant who began her public service as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Wayne County, Michigan where she conducted countless misdemeanor and felony trials and plea negotiations. Just prior to joining MIOSHA, Dawn served as an assistant attorney general for the State of Michigan where she vigorously defended state departments and employees in employment, tort, prisoner, and civil rights litigation in both the state and federal court systems. Dawn’s career is marked by a passion for public service and a focus on continuous improvement, making her a key figure in shaping occupational safety policy and practice in Michigan. Breakfast is complimentary, but register to reserve your spot!