At an institution as large and busy as SMC – with more than 30,000 students, 1,600 employees and ongoing construction – it is Cozetta Wilson’s enormous task to make SMC as safe as possible. She is also in charge of helping SMC do its part for the environment, plan for emergencies such as earthquakes, and consider the financial risks of running a large college.

It’s a task she feels excited about, ever since she took over the risk manager position Oct. 1.

“My main focus is to have a really excellent emergency response and business resumption plan,” Wilson said. “In the event of an emergency, we don’t have the luxury of shutting down.”

Overseeing an office with three employees, Wilson is in charge of workplace safety, the environmental and safety aspects of SMC’s ongoing construction projects, emergency preparedness, and the alternative transportation program. Her office also manages the benefits, insurance and workers compensation programs.

With 11 years experience in the environmental, health and safety field, Wilson said coming to SMC was a “natural progression” that will allow her to get more involved in business management than her previous positions – which included stints at the Pasadena Unified School District and Mattel, Inc.

Wilson said the SMC community has been welcoming. “I’m very impressed with how the various departments are eager to have my help,” she said.