Center of Visual Expertise announces new appointment

The Center of Visual Expertise (COVE) has named safety industry executive Colin Duncan as a managing director. The addition of Duncan strengthens the leadership capability and expertise COVE provides its clients as it introduces its visual literacy curriculum to the industrial market. The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) announced the creation of COVE in March 2018. The enterprise is led by Doug Pontsler, formerly of Owens Corning.

“We are delighted to have Colin join the team,” said COVE Chairman and Managing Director Doug Pontsler. “He has significant knowledge of the safety world and is a recognized innovator and thought leader in the sector. His previous work with the National Safety Council and Campbell Institute will help organizations integrate visual literacy into their programs.”

Duncan brings extensive leadership and operational experience in the safety service sector to COVE, having served for several years as chief executive officer of industry leader BST. He was subsequently chief operating officer of DEKRA Insight following the acquisition of BST by German TIC group DEKRA. In that role, Duncan oversaw operations and acquisitions in occupational safety, process safety, safety software and human reliability. An expert in the safety industry, he frequently writes articles on strategy, safety and leadership and is a frequent presenter at conferences globally.

Duncan is a fellow of the National Safety Council and an advisor to several enterprises in the safety world. He is a professorial lecturer at George Washington University where he and former OSHA administrator Dr. David Michaels have recently established the Workplace Safety and Health Management Research Unit.

“I am honored to be part of this exciting and important enterprise. I am deeply committed to the goal of saving lives and improving performance,” said Duncan. “Visual literacy can play an essential role in enhancing safety and operational programs with its innovative approach. Ultimately it will transcend safety and the workplace and be part of helping people stay safe 24/7.”

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The Center of Visual Expertise leverages resources and capabilities from the Toledo Museum of Art and is guided by an experienced advisory board of respected professionals in the industrial, marketing and museum spaces.

To learn more about COVE, visit covectr.com.