Chinonye Akunne, MPH
Internal Auditor in Environmental Safety and Health
American Electric Power (AEP)
Chinonye Akunne, MPH is an Environmental Health and Safety leader with over 12 years of experience driving safety excellence, regulatory compliance, and organizational transformation across the manufacturing, utility, and consumer packaged goods industries. She is also the founder of two startup companies.
Currently, Chinonye serves as an Internal Auditor in Environmental Safety and Health at American Electric Power (AEP). In this pivotal role, she leads comprehensive internal audits across an 11-state utility footprint, evaluating complex safety risks and environmental compliance. She partners with executive leadership to validate internal controls and translate audit findings into actionable strategies that mitigate risk and foster a proactive culture of safety and environmental stewardship.
Previously, as Director of Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability at a Facilities Management company, Chinonye built and implemented a company-wide safety and ESG program that reduced workplace incidents by 23% in its first year and achieved a 98% improvement in compliance. Earlier in her career, she held global roles with an Automotive manufacturer as an Industrial Hygienist, where she spearheaded international safety data systems, saving over $1.5 million annually while supporting facilities internationally.
Through her entrepreneurial work, Chinonye blends safety science with product innovation. She is passionate about developing leaders, advancing workplace safety culture, and creating businesses that protect people while strengthening communities. In her free time, se enjoys traveling, visiting museums and trying new foods and experiences.
Currently, Chinonye serves as an Internal Auditor in Environmental Safety and Health at American Electric Power (AEP). In this pivotal role, she leads comprehensive internal audits across an 11-state utility footprint, evaluating complex safety risks and environmental compliance. She partners with executive leadership to validate internal controls and translate audit findings into actionable strategies that mitigate risk and foster a proactive culture of safety and environmental stewardship.
Previously, as Director of Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability at a Facilities Management company, Chinonye built and implemented a company-wide safety and ESG program that reduced workplace incidents by 23% in its first year and achieved a 98% improvement in compliance. Earlier in her career, she held global roles with an Automotive manufacturer as an Industrial Hygienist, where she spearheaded international safety data systems, saving over $1.5 million annually while supporting facilities internationally.
Through her entrepreneurial work, Chinonye blends safety science with product innovation. She is passionate about developing leaders, advancing workplace safety culture, and creating businesses that protect people while strengthening communities. In her free time, se enjoys traveling, visiting museums and trying new foods and experiences.