John L. Nickerson Named 2026 CEO Who ‘Gets It’ by the National Safety Council

Old Lyme, CT - John L. Nickerson, Principal and CEO of JLN Associates LLC (JLN Safety), has been named a 2026 CEO Who “Gets It” by the National Safety Council (NSC) - a national honor recognizing executives who demonstrate an exceptional, personal commitment to worker safety, health, and well-being.

The announcement was made by NSC from Washington, D.C., as part of its annual CEOs Who “Get It” recognition program. The 2026 honorees will be profiled in the February 2026 issue of Safety+Health magazine and formally celebrated at the NSC Leaders in Safety Awards event on May 6, 2026, during the 2026 NSC Safety Summit.

The CEOs Who “Get It” distinction highlights executives whose leadership goes beyond compliance and traditional safety programs to build environments where safety culture is lived every day - from senior leadership through every level of the organization.

In announcing the honorees, NSC noted that each leader has made measurable progress in reducing preventable injuries while fostering inclusive cultures rooted in communication, trust, and employee engagement. Their approaches extend beyond the workplace to address mental health, off-the-job well-being, and the real-world challenges employees face.

What sets this year’s honorees - Nickerson included - apart is their focus on making safety real and personal. They invest in tools, training, and systems that empower teams to identify hazards early, speak up when risks emerge, and work together toward shared safety goals. For Nickerson, this commitment includes building a realistic, field-based safety training center, maintaining open lines of communication, and reinforcing leadership presence in the field to strengthen trust and shared responsibility for safety.

“These leaders recognize that safety is more than a policy - it’s a commitment to the whole person,” said Lorraine Martin, President and CEO of the National Safety Council. “Whether through innovative technology, cultural transformation, or bridging the gap between work and life safety, this year’s honorees are redefining what it means to truly care for employees.”

Nickerson’s recognition underscores Eastern Connecticut’s growing influence in national safety leadership and reflects JLN Associates’ long-standing commitment to protecting workers, first responders, and communities through proactive safety systems and education.