Rick Taylor
Nominated for: Lifetime Achievement Award
Title: Vice President, EHS & Sustainability
Company: Parker Hannifin
Years in Profession: 30+
Nominator: Christian Missonak, Benchmark Gensuite, customer of Rick.
Provide an overview of the nominee's 20-plus years of professional experience, including previous management positions held, current role, and key accomplishments. (500 words max.)*
Rick Taylor is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the field of environmental engineering and management. Throughout his 28-year tenure at Parker Hannifin, Rick has held various positions and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
Rick started his career at Parker Hannifin as an environmental engineer, where he played a crucial role in implementing sustainable practices and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Over the years, he undertook diverse assignments within the company, showcasing his versatility and expertise. Currently, Rick holds the position of Corporate VP of EHS & Sustainability.
In his current role, Rick is responsible for overseeing and managing a wide range of critical initiatives. He spearheads the company's sustainability program, emphasizing environmental stewardship and resource conservation. Additionally, he oversees safety measures, ensuring a secure working environment for all employees. Rick is also in charge of energy procurement, striving to optimize energy usage and reduce the company's carbon footprint. Moreover, he takes charge of EHS compliance, guaranteeing that Parker Hannifin meets all relevant regulatory standards.
Rick's contributions extend beyond his role at Parker Hannifin. He serves as a member of the Sustainable Cleveland Stewardship Council, an organization dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in Cleveland. Rick's commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation is further evident in his involvement on the board of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. He has also served as the President of the Board of Directors for NAEM and on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Northeast Region.
Rick has played a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining Parker Hannifin's strong commitment to sustainability, ensuring the company's operations align with environmentally responsible practices. Rick's dedication and expertise have made him a highly respected figure in the field, and his contributions have helped shape the industry's approach to environmental and safety management.
Please list a minimum of two examples that demonstrate the nominee's distinguished service and leadership within the fields of environment, health, safety and/or sustainability at the corporate management level. Examples may include: Company or industry-related recognition and awards, board appointments, publications, public speaking engagements, and relevant service or volunteer positions. (500 words max.)*
Rick Taylor's distinguished service and leadership within the fields of environment, health, safety, and sustainability at the corporate management level can be exemplified through the following notable examples:
- Board Appointments and Service: Rick Taylor's dedication to environmental and sustainability causes is evident through his board appointments and service. He is a member of the Sustainable Cleveland Stewardship Council, an influential organization focused on promoting sustainability practices in Cleveland. This appointment demonstrates his commitment to driving positive change at both the local and corporate levels
- Additionally, Rick's involvement with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park further underscores his passion for environmental preservation. Serving on the board of this organization showcases his commitment to protecting and conserving natural resources and highlights his influential role in supporting the national park's mission
- President of the Board of Directors for NAEM: Rick Taylor's leadership extends beyond his corporate role at Parker Hannifin Corporation. He has served as the President of the Board of Directors for NAEM (National Association for Environmental Management), a prominent professional association that advances environmental, health, and safety management practices in various industries. This leadership position demonstrates his industry-wide influence and recognition as a thought leader in the field of environmental management
By assuming this role, Rick has actively contributed to shaping industry standards, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving best practices in environmental stewardship. His service as the President of the Board of Directors for NAEM speaks to his leadership abilities and his dedication to promoting sustainable practices across different organizations and sectors.
Identify and define the nominee's impact on company performance. Outline pertinent EHS&S initiatives and/or programs. Provide measurement of impact through metrics or KPIs. (500 words max.)*
Rick Taylor's impact on Parker Hannifin Corporation's performance can be seen through his leadership in implementing various environmental, health, safety, and sustainability (EHS&S) initiatives aligned with the company's Win Strategy 3.0. The following outlines pertinent initiatives and their associated metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
Environmental Initiatives:
- Technology Solutions and Environmental Impact Assessment: Aligning technology solutions to meet changing customer expectations and conducting environmental impact assessments during product design phases
- Energy and Carbon Reduction (Scope I and II): Incorporating energy efficiency assessments and climate life cycle considerations in new equipment purchases to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions
- Scope III Emissions Reduction: Targeting a 15% reduction in emissions related to materials sourcing, logistics, and services (indirect footprint) by 2030, and 25% reduction by 2040 through the CDP Supply Chain program
- Water Conservation: Implementing plans to reduce raw water consumption and increase recycled water usage
- Waste and Materials Management: Working towards reducing hazardous waste production and implementing local recycling initiatives to minimize the waste footprint I
- SO 14001 Certification: Achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard certification in 117 sites to ensure compliance, efficient resource utilization, and waste reduction
- Supply Chain Initiatives: Implementing tools like EcoTransIT World to calculate emissions related to subcontracted transport services
Social Initiatives:
- Safety: Achieving a significant reduction in the Recordable Incident Rate and Lost Time Incident Rate since 2015. Utilizing corrective action tracking systems to analyze and address over 75,000 issues
- High Performance Teams (HPTs): Promoting engagement and empowerment among team members through the HPTs concept. Achieving a high response rate and engagement score in the Global Engagement Survey, positioning Parker Hannifin in the top 8% of companies across all industries
- Grant Program: Directing over 6 million dollars to local charitable causes in 2022, supporting organizations and giving back to the community
Governance Initiatives:
- Board Diversity: Ensuring diversity within the Board of Directors, with 58% diversity based on gender, race, or ethnicity
- Cybersecurity: Maintaining a dedicated cybersecurity team that follows the NIST Cyber Security Framework to identify areas of risk and implement continuous improvements
These initiatives and associated metrics showcase Rick Taylor's impact on Parker Hannifin's performance by driving responsible and sustainable growth, improving safety records, fostering employee engagement, promoting diversity, and ensuring robust governance practices. By integrating EHS&S into the company's Win Strategy 3.0, Rick Taylor has contributed to the company's long-term success and positioned Parker Hannifin as a leader in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance.
Describe the nominee's leadership style and provide examples of his/her commitment to advancing professionals within the EHS&S fields. (500 words max.)*
Rick Taylor's leadership style is characterized by his visionary approach, strategic thinking, and commitment to expanding the influence of EHS&S professionals. He demonstrates a strong passion for EHS&S issues and consistently works towards driving positive change within and beyond Parker Hannifin.
Rick's commitment to expanding the influence of EHS&S professionals is evident in his efforts to empower them within the organization. He recognizes their expertise and provides them with the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for professional development. By fostering an environment where EHS&S professionals can thrive and make significant contributions, Rick empowers them to drive positive change and play a pivotal role in the company's success.
In addition to empowering individuals, Rick Taylor actively promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing among EHS&S professionals. He understands the importance of creating networks and engaging with industry associations. Rick actively participates in organizations such as the National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM), where he served as the President of the Board of Directors. Through these engagements, Rick facilitates the exchange of best practices, advancements in EHS&S management, and the collective influence of EHS&S professionals.
Rick Taylor's commitment to expanding the influence of EHS&S professionals is further demonstrated through his stakeholder engagement efforts. He actively engages with employees, customers, suppliers, and the community to understand their perspectives, gather feedback, and build partnerships. By involving stakeholders in decision-making processes and integrating their input, Rick ensures that EHS&S considerations are at the forefront, fostering a culture of sustainability and responsible business practices.
Rick leads by example, demonstrating his commitment to EHS&S principles. His personal dedication to environmental stewardship and community involvement, such as his service on the Sustainable Cleveland Stewardship Council and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park board, inspires others and reinforces the importance of EHS&S.
Rick advocates for the integration of EHS&S considerations into all aspects of business operations. He emphasizes that EHS&S should be an integral part of corporate strategy, decision-making, and day-to-day activities. By championing the business case for EHS&S integration, Rick expands the influence of EHS&S professionals, demonstrating the value they bring to the organization's overall performance and long-term sustainability.
Provide two examples of nominee's commitment to industry advancements and lifelong learning. Examples may include: Continuing education, corporate or university teaching, patents, strategic initiatives, breakthrough program development, and other definable actions. (500 words max.)*
Rick Taylor's commitment to industry advancements and lifelong learning is evident through his active pursuit of continuing education and his involvement in strategic initiatives. Here are two examples that highlight his dedication:
- Continuing Education: Despite his extensive experience and accomplishments, Rick recognizes the importance of staying updated with the latest knowledge and trends in his field. To further enhance his expertise, he has consistently pursued continuing education opportunities throughout his career. Notably, Rick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Akron, and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace College. These advanced degrees reflect his commitment to lifelong learning and his dedication to acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in his field
- Strategic Initiatives and Breakthrough Program Development: Rick Taylor has been actively involved in developing and implementing strategic initiatives that drive advancements in the environmental, health, safety, and sustainability (EHS&S) realm. His visionary approach has led to the creation of breakthrough programs that have made a significant impact. While specific details may not be available, his leadership in implementing Parker Hannifin's sustainability program and integrating EHS&S considerations into the company's Win Strategy 3.0 demonstrate his commitment to advancing industry practices and driving positive change. These strategic initiatives have not only enhanced Parker Hannifin's EHS&S performance but have also influenced the broader industry by showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to sustainable business operations
Rick Taylor's commitment to industry advancements and lifelong learning is reflected in his pursuit of continuing education and his involvement in strategic initiatives. His dedication to staying updated with the latest knowledge and driving innovative programs showcases his passion for advancing the field of EHS&S and contributing to industry-wide advancements.