LEADERSHIP TEAM

Jay Helms is a trusted safety and risk management leader with more than 30 years of experience supporting operational integrity in some of the most high-consequence environments. As Client Engagement Manager for Safety Management Group’s Texas region, Jay leads the effort to connect client priorities with SMG’s comprehensive EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) solutions. He works closely with owners, executives, and field teams to ensure safety programs are not only compliant, but practical, measurable, and aligned with broader business goals. 

Jay’s career began with a fire department pager on his hip and a drive to protect people that has guided him ever since. From firefighting and Coast Guard aviation rescue to leading emergency response for global energy projects, he has spent his career running toward risk with purpose. His leadership spans roles such as Director of HSE, Regional HSEQ Manager, and Security Specialist across oil and gas, infrastructure, transportation, and public sectors, giving him the perspective to operate seamlessly from the boardroom to the jobsite. 

Before joining SMG, Jay led his own risk consulting firm, delivering complex safety and operational solutions for clients including SABIC, Toyota, AES, DSM, Swisslog, and Ideal Contracting. Known for his field-first mindset, he combines operational credibility with strategic vision, helping clients uncover not just what they need, but why they need it. His approach bridges the gap between technical safety requirements and the operational realities of high-performance organizations. 

Jay studied Security Management at American Military University and  Safety Management and Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Houston. He is a Certified Infrastructure Preparedness Specialist (CIPS), ISO 45001 Lead Auditor, and former Deputy US Marshal and Texas Peace Officer. 

As part of SMG’s investment in Texas, Jay plays a key role in building a regional presence that delivers faster response times, localized expertise, and solutions tailored to the state’s diverse industries. In every engagement, he focuses on building trust, solving problems, and aligning safety priorities with operational objectives. His ability to design programs that are both effective in the field and sustainable over the long term helps clients strengthen their operations, protect their people, and achieve measurable results.