On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, the Valley’s Most Admired Leaders were recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal (PBJ) in a virtual event. Sunland’s own Joe Zaleski, CHST, CRIS was one of 28 honorees, recognized for their integrity, values, vision and commitment to excellence. The PBJ received over 150 submissions for some of the Valley’s most influential CEO’s, Executive Directors and others who have helped shape their successful companies in the Phoenix-Metro area.

For over 20 years, Joe has created, implemented and managed health and safety programs in the construction industry across the country. Joe is a certified instructor in FA/CPR/AED, OSHA 500 and is a certified Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) and Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS).  He is affiliated with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, American Society of Safety Engineers and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in Arizona.  For over two decades, Joe has been an active member of the United States Navy and currently serves as an Equipment Operator Senior Chief.

At Sunland, Joe oversees safety & risk initiatives and compliance for over 550 employees in eight divisions located throughout Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico, as well as Sunland’s asphalt materials company, Solterra Materials, LLC.  Before Joe joined the organization in 2014, Sunland had cycled through multiple safety directors.  Our Experience Modification Rate (EMR) was at the highest it’s ever been at a 1.08.  Today, with a renewed focus on safety, Sunland’s EMR has lowered to a 0.61 in 2020 and is expected to decrease.  Due to stellar safety performance as well as claims and risk management, Sunland entered a captive insurance program in 2017.  With Joe’s direction, enthusiasm and passion for his work, safety has become widely known throughout the company as the foundation of Sunland’s core values.

“It is an honor to be part of the Most Admired Leaders Class of 2020,” said Joe Zaleski, CHST, CRIS.  “I am very grateful for the recognition.”

For the full list of honorees, click here:  https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2020/12/02/2020-most-admired-leaders-honorees.html