Chris Garza is the Principal Consultant and Owner of Feather & Mane Environmental & Safety Consulting, based in Austin, Texas. With over 19 years of experience in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) field, Chris has held roles ranging from floor-level positions to directorships, providing consulting services across biotech, oil and gas, electrical utilities, water utilities, food production, car manufacturing, firearms, construction, and pharmaceuticals. At Feather & Mane, Chris leads a team conducting EHS assessments utilizing OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other regulatory standards. He excels in developing strategies, implementing workforce training, managing safety programs, and fostering human-optimized performance initiatives. Known for identifying organizational safety culture and driving meaningful improvements, Chris is dedicated to creating safer and more sustainable workplaces. Chris is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with multiple certifications and formal training in both safety and environmental disciplines. Actively involved in professional organizations, he serves as Secretary for the Central Texas Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and contributes as a member of the Consulting Practice Committee. Chris is also a volunteer consultant for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris is a devoted husband and father. He serves as a Certified Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Coach, instilling discipline and safety in children and adults alike, and he coaches his kids' sports teams. Chris’s commitment to building relationships, fostering community, and delivering value reflects his passion for helping others and advancing the OSH profession.
As a passionate advocate for safety and environmental excellence, I am honored to seek the position of Assistant Administrator for the Consultants Practice Specialty Group. This role represents an opportunity to contribute to a community that has profoundly shaped my professional journey and provided me with invaluable mentorship and friendships. My goal in this position is to foster a culture of collaboration and connection within our group. I believe that as consultants, our strength lies in the diversity of our experiences and our ability to support one another. I will strive to create opportunities for members to network, share expertise, and access resources that enhance their practices. Throughout my career, I have prioritized building relationships and helping others thrive. Whether facilitating connections between members, stepping in to lead Central Texas Chapter meetings during challenging times, or mentoring new professionals in our field, I aim to make every interaction meaningful. My experience leading Feather & Mane Environmental & Safety Consulting has further reinforced my belief in open communication, inclusivity, and trust as drivers of success. I am still early in my ASSP leadership journey, but I am eager to expand my contributions and make a lasting impact. This role provides a unique chance to give back to the community that has supported me and to help others achieve their goals. Together, we can continue to elevate the Consultants Practice Specialty Group as a leader in safety and health excellence. Thank you for considering me for this position.