Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
john@whatworksinstitute.com

John is the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of the What Works Institute. Before launching What Works in November of 2024, John served as Director at the Phylmar Group, a US west coast-focused EHS network organization that covers critical and emerging safety, health, environmental, and regulatory issues. John and the What Works team continue to manage and direct Phylmar membership in their new capacities.

Prior to this, John had a 16-year career at the National Safety Council, and last served as the organization’s Vice President of Workplace Strategy. In that capacity, he led vision and strategic direction for the NSC Workplace Practice, including for thought leadership programs and offerings including the Campbell Institute, Work to Zero, SAFER, the MSD Solutions Lab, NSC Networks, and the Council’s deep array of training, survey, and consultative services. John also led a variety of research and impact initiatives around emerging topics and issues of interest to safety & health leaders.

John has previously held quality management, project management, and coalition-building positions in the communication and educational fields. He graduated from Northwestern University with a dual bachelor's degree in Sociology and English.

Chief Experience Officer & Co-Founder
michelle@whatworksinstitute.com

Michelle Garner-Janna is the Chief Experience Officer & Co-Founder of the What Works Institute. Prior to launching What Works in November of 2024, Michelle had a 30 year career as an accomplished business executive leading Health, Safety, Environmental, Manufacturing & Maintenance functions.

In her most recent role, she led Global Health, Safety & Environment Cummins Inc., a 62,500+ employee global power leader in over 190 countries and territories. She is a Certified Safety Professional, Certified Professional Ergonomist, and Certified 6-sigma Greenbelt. Michelle holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University as well as an Executive MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.  She is a past Board member of the National Safety Council and past Chairperson of the Campbell Institute.

Michelle is also a professional member and past President of the West TN American Society of Safety Professionals, a member of the Memphis Wastewater Hearing Authority and is active in community affairs by frequently volunteering her time.

Director, Customer Success
paulgibson@whatworksinstitute.com

Paul Gibson is the Director of Customer Success at the What Works Institute, where he collaborates with companies to enhance their health and safety programs. With experience spanning public, private, and non-profit sectors, Paul is dedicated to helping organizations improve safety standards, ensuring employees can celebrate holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries with their loved ones.

Paul spent over 14 years at the National Safety Council (NSC), where he established himself as an industry leader by forging partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to advance their corporate safety initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Paul resides in Chicago, IL, with his wife and son.