YOUR ASSOCIATION
NEHA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Shelby Norwood, REHS Aria Resort and Casino, Nevada
The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is shin- ing a spotlight on the people within our membership through this feature in the Journal . This month, we are pleased to introduce you to Shelby Norwood, a safety and sanitation manager with the Aria Resort and Casino in Nevada. She has worked at Aria for 5 years and has been in the environmental health profession for 10 years. Shelby oversees over 200 permits at Aria Resort and Casino and Vdara Resort and ensures compliance with food regulations from the Southern Nevada Health District. Further, she is in charge of property-specific food safety standards and policies. She manages, organizes, and conducts all food safety training courses while overseeing internal inspections of pantries, bars, lounges, kitch- ens, and warehouse facilities. Shelby also oversees water manage- ment programs to prevent Legionnaires’ disease and workplace safety to ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Why did you join NEHA and what aspects of membership have you found most valuable to your career? I joined NEHA because of my REHS credential. I have continued to be a member as it has been integral in staying connected to other professionals who share my passion for public health and environ- mental health. Why did you choose the environmental health field? I chose environmental health because I am passionate about pub- lic health and the way our environment aects us. Whether it is the food we eat, the water we drink, or the environments we live and work in. The idea of preventing diseases and promoting healthier environments through science and policy really reso- nates with me and makes me feel as though I am a part of some- thing bigger than myself. If you were not an environmental health professional, what other profession would you like to work in? This is such a great question. I honestly cannot see myself work- ing outside of environmental health or public health. If I had to choose, I would want to be somewhere outdoors as a park ranger, which I think falls under the environmental health umbrella. Please describe any hobbies, activities, or causes you are passionate about. I have three cats and two dogs at home, so I am always busy. I enjoy going to Pilates a few times a week to connect with myself and take a break away from my small zoo and from work. I also enjoy get-
ting out into nature and taking photos. Zion is my favorite week- end getaway from the city. What is your favorite vacation spot and why? My husband is from Panama City Beach, Florida, and I love going back to visit on vacation. Being born and raised in the desert, the beach is something that is always a treat for me. There are quite a few state parks near Panama City Beach, and we enjoy hiking or walking along the beaches. What accomplishment are you most proud of? In 2023, I was featured in the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness’s 40 Food Safety Professionals under 40. It is something of which I am extremely proud. Who do you look up to and why? I look up to Bill Marler for his unwavering commitment to food safety and his advocacy for victims of foodborne illnesses. What I admire most about Bill is his ability to combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of public health. He not only has been a fierce advocate in the courtroom but also worked tirelessly to push for systemic changes in food safety regulations. Bill’s compassion for people aected by foodborne outbreaks and his ability to use his platform to create real change in the food industry are quali- ties that I deeply respect. His dedication to improving food safety and protecting public health drives me to approach my work in environmental health with the same level of passion, integrity, and commitment to making a dierence. Is there a resource that you use frequently for your work that you would recommend for other environmental health professionals? The Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code regulations, espe- cially the public health reasons section in the Annex. It gives you the “why” behind the regulations. What was the best professional advice given to you? An African proverb shared at the NEHA 2019 Annual Educational Conference & Exhibition by Vince Radke: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I have this proverb printed and hanging at my desk. It reminds me that teamwork and collaboration are so important in the daily work we do to protect public health.
We thank Shelby Norwood for sharing with us!
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Volume 87 • Number 9
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