About Us

Underwriters Laboratories

Underwriters Laboratories is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the UL mission through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide the safe, sustainable commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security and sustainability.  

We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of our affiliate, UL Inc., which also advances our shared public safety mission through its testing, inspection, audit, certification, validation, verification, advisory and training businesses. To learn more about these business solutions, visit UL.com. 

UL

UL fosters safe living and working conditions for people everywhere through the application of science to solve safety, security and sustainability challenges. The UL Mark engenders trust, enabling the safe adoption of innovative new products and technologies. Everyone at UL shares a passion for making the world a safer place.

 

Science for a Safer World

Underwriters Laboratories research is independently conducted with the highest levels of technical rigor and is actively sought out by and accepted in the scientific world. Our efforts in standards development and active role in the global standards community help elevate minimum thresholds for safety worldwide. Safety and STEM education programs empower healthier and safer choices while inspiring the next generation of science leaders. Community and public outreach initiatives disseminate science-driven insights broadly to drive awareness of key safety threats and adoption of safer behaviors.

We leverage our combined capabilities and scientific expertise to collaborate with stakeholders around the world in driving positive change.

Executive Leadership

Terrence R. Brady

Terrence R. Brady

President and CEO, Underwriters Laboratories

In his role, Terry sets the direction, priorities, and strategies for UL’s standards development, scientific research, education, and public outreach activities. He previously served as UL’s Chief Commercial and Legal Officer, managing key functions including legal services, ethics and compliance, government affairs, global security and brand protection, corporate marketing, and enterprise strategy.

Terry graduated with honors from Dartmouth College and Notre Dame Law School, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy.

Marilyn Black
Marilyn Black
Vice President and Senior Technical Advisor
Advancing research and identification of chemical safety risks along with collaborative solutions
Tom Chapin
Tom Chapin
Vice President, Research
Overseeing Underwriters Laboratories research to assure quality and drive achievement of objectives
Cara Gizzi
Cara Gizzi
Vice President, Education and Outreach
Leading the development of safety and sustainability educational solutions to inspire behavior change
Steve Kerber
Steve Kerber
Vice President, Research
Advancing fire safety science with the fire service, fire investigators and other fire safety professionals
Phil Piqueira
Phil Piqueira
Vice President, Global Standards
Overseeing development and maintenance of science-based standards solutions that help ensure and enhance public safety

Board of Trustees

Governance of Underwriters Laboratories is guided by an eight-member board comprised of individuals with a broad range of backgrounds and professional experience.
James M. Shannon

James M. Shannon

Immediate – Past President, International Electrotechnical Commission
Terrence R. Brady
Terrence R. Brady
President and CEO

Underwriters Laboratories

James P. Dollive
James P. Dollive
Former Executive VP & CFO

The Schwan Food Co. (Retired)

Philip S. Khoury
Philip S. Khoury
Ford International Professor of History and Associate Provost

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Richard P. Owen
Richard P. Owen
Sr Electrical Inspector

City of St Paul

David Paulison
David Paulison
Senior Partner

Global Emergency Solutions, LLC

Darryll Pines
Darryll Pines
Nariman Farvardin Professor of Engineering and Dean

A. James Clark School of Engineering

Elisabeth Tørstad
Elisabeth Tørstad
Chief Executive Officer

Asplan Viak AS

George A. Williams
George A. Williams
Chief Executive Officer

PMI Energy Solutions, LLC