The Central States Center for Ag Safety and Health, based at UNMC, has undergone leadership transition as Risto Rautiainen, PhD, retires from UNMC and Matthew Nonnenmann, PhD, steps in as the center’s director.
Dr. Rautiainen joined UNMC in 2009 as a faculty member in the UNMC College of Public Health and founding director for CS-CASH, establishing and growing the seven-state agricultural safety and health center.
His colleagues commended him for leading the center with consistency and integrity, balancing scientific rigor with compassion for agricultural producers, workers and families.
John Lowe, PhD, the Anne M. Hubbard Distinguished Chair and professor in the UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health, said Dr. Rautiainen has an extraordinary ability to bring people together around a shared mission while always keeping the needs of agricultural communities at the center of the conversation.
“Through his thoughtful leadership, mentorship and vision, Risto transformed CS-CASH into a respected regional resource and inspired countless colleagues, students and partners,” Dr. Lowe said. “We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him all the best in retirement.”
With Dr. Rautiainen’s retirement June 30, Dr. Nonnenmann took over as the new CS-CASH director.
Dr. Nonnenmann came to UNMC in 2023, with a background as an industrial hygienist and expertise in measuring and controlling dust and bioaerosols. He is a professor in the UNMC College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health.
Dr. Lowe said, “As CS-CASH begins a new chapter, I can think of no one better prepared to lead the center than Dr. Matt Nonnenmann.”
“His longstanding commitment to agricultural health and safety, combined with his collaborative leadership style and dedication to mentorship, will build upon the strong foundation established by Dr. Rautiainen,” Dr. Lowe said. “We are excited for the future of CS-CASH under Matt’s leadership.”