Steve Hawkins began his occupational safety and health career in 1986 as an occupational safety specialist with the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In 1999, he was appointed to the Assistant Administrator position, and in 2012, he was appointed as the agency’s administrator.

In 2020, after serving 16 months as deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Steve left the department to join FDRsafety. Steve leads a team of safety and health professionals who consult with employers and labor organizations on workplace safety and health issues, compliance challenges, and safety culture improvement. He frequently serves as an expert witness and presents topics at regional and national conferences.