GHSA 2021 Annual Meeting Agenda

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GHSA's 2021 Annual Meeting, Moving Mountains: Forging a New Traffic Safety Landscape, took place at the Sheraton Denver Downtown in Denver, Colorado.

Agenda

Saturday, September 11

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. — GHSA Executive Board Meeting
Director's Row H (Plaza Building Lobby Level)

(Board Members only)

Luncheon sponsored by Aurora and Conduent


6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. — Executive Board and Highway Safety Champion Reception

(Invitation only)

Sponsored by the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility

Sunday, September 12

8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. — Registration
Plaza Foyer Registration Desk


8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. — State Member Orientation
Plaza Ballroom C

Sponsored by Alliance Highway Safety


9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. — Regional Meetings

The following rooms have been set aside for regional gatherings (State members only), should they choose to meet.

  • Region 1: Governor's Square 9
  • Region 2: Governor's Square 11
  • Region 3: Governor's Square 14
  • Region 4: Governor's Square 16
  • Region 5: Governor's Square 10
  • Region 6: Director's Row E
  • Region 7: Director's Row F
  • Region 8: Governor's Square 15
  • Region 9: Governor's Square 17
  • Region 10: Director's Row H

Governor's Square rooms are in the Plaza Building Concourse Level
Director's Row rooms are in the Plaza Building Lobby Level


10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Exhibits Move In/Set Up
Plaza Foyer


11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — GHSA Business Meeting
Plaza Ballroom A/B

Luncheon sponsored by LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Afternoon break sponsored by NASCAR


5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. — Welcome Reception & Exhibitor Showcase
Plaza Foyer

(Open to all attendees)

Sponsored by Intoxalock

  • Light hors d'oeuvres and cash bar
  • Live entertainment

 

Monday, September 13

7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. — Registration
Plaza Foyer Registration Desk


7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Exhibits Open
Plaza Foyer


7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. — Continental Breakfast and Musical Interlude in Exhibit Hall
Plaza Foyer


8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. — Opening General Session
Plaza Ballroom A/B/C

Opening Ceremonies

  • Presentation of the Colors — Colorado State Patrol Honor Guard
  • National Anthem — Trooper Kelby Siegfried, Colorado State Patrol

Welcome

  • Chuck DeWeese, GHSA Chair and Assistant Commissioner, New York Governor's Traffic Safety Committee
  • Colonel Matthew C. Packard, Chief, Colorado State Patrol

Guest Speakers

Jennifer HomendyJennifer Homendy, Chair, National Transportation Safety Board

Chair Homendy will present on the current state of transportation safety, the National Transportation Safety Board's highway safety priorities and opportunities for collaboration.

 

Nat BeuseNat Beuse, Vice President of Safety, Aurora

Beuse will provide an update on Aurora's automated vehicle initiatives, efforts to improve road safety and opportunities for collaboration between tech companies and state highway safety offices.

 


10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. — Break in Exhibit Hall
Plaza Foyer

Sponsored by AAA


10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Workshop 1: Experiencing Déjà Vu? A "Groundhog Day" Approach to Impaired Driving is Not the Answer
Plaza Ballroom F

With evidence of increased impaired driving during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have a renewed urgency to shift our strategy to address impaired driving from a conventional, or “one size fits all,” punitive approach to a paradigm that is focused more on individualized accountability, treatment and partnerships. Join a panel of national experts to discuss how we can evolve our impaired driving programs and avoid déjà vu.

Moderator

  • Darrin Grondel, Vice President of Traffic Safety and Government Relations, The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility

Panelists

  • Judge Richard Vlavianos, Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin
  • Jennifer Tibbits Knudsen, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Colorado District Attorneys' Council

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Workshop 2: Building a Project and a Partnership: What Subrecipients Need to Know About Working with the State Highway Safety Office
Plaza Ballroom E

If you’re a highway safety grant subrecipient, learn how to create, develop, and nurture successful traffic safety partnerships — at both the community and statewide level — that positively impact traffic safety and result in long-term success for your organization and your partners.

Moderator

  • Amy Davey, Administrator, Nevada Office of Traffic Safety

Panelists

  • Pam Shadel Fischer, Senior Director of External Engagement, Governors Highway Safety Association
  • Nicole Barnett, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator, Allegheny County Health Department
  • Peter Vander Aa, Deputy Administrator, Nevada Office of Traffic Safety

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Workshop 3: Key Partnerships to Improve Traffic Records
Plaza Ballroom D

Accurate and timely traffic safety data underpins any successful highway safety program. During this session, panelists will highlight the 2019 award-winning online adjudication program in the Connecticut Judicial Branch, developing successful collaborations with your traffic records coordinating committee and best practices in data integration.

Moderator

  • Chris Bortz, Traffic Safety Program Manager, Kansas Department of Transportation

Panelists

  • Tim Kerns, Director, Highway Safety Office, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
  • Stacey Manware, Deputy Director, Superior Court Operations, Connecticut Judicial Branch
  • Angelisa Jennings, Deputy Director, Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office

12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. — Welcome Luncheon
Plaza Ballroom A/B/C

Sponsored by Acusensus Inc. and Michelin North America, Inc.

Welcome

  • Carol Gould, Chair, GHSA Annual Meeting Planning Committee and Highway Safety Manager, Colorado Department of Transportation, Office of Transportation Safety

Sponsor Remarks

  • Mark Etzbach, Vice President of Sales North America, Acusensus Inc.
  • June Satterfield, Director, Industry Standards and Government Relations, Michelin North America, Inc.

Guest Speaker

Brad MeltzerBrad Meltzer

Best-selling author and History Channel host Brad Meltzer will inspire and dazzle attendees with his personal story of perseverance, focus and the commitment to one's dreams.

 

GHSA Executive Board Members and conference sponsors are invited to sit at the reserved tables.


1:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. — Exhibits Open
Plaza Foyer


2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Workshop 4: Bridging Diverse Worlds: Highway Safety Outreach in Communities of Color
Plaza Ballroom F

Elevated traffic deaths among Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) demand greater and more equitable highway safety investment. Join highway safety officials and diversity and outreach experts for a facilitated discussion on how to engage BIPOC in your state’s highway safety planning process and build and deliver effective behavioral safety programs. Come prepared to share what your state is doing.

Moderator

  • Pam Shadel Fischer, Senior Director of External Engagement, Governors Highway Safety Association

Panelists

  • Chuck DeWeese, Assistant Commissioner, New York Governor's Traffic Safety Committee
  • Laura Sonderup, Managing Director and Senior Strategist, Heinrich Marketing

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Workshop 5: Serve and Protect: Occupational Support for Law Enforcement Officers
Plaza Ballroom E

Law enforcement professionals face many challenges as they serve and protect others. In doing so, however, they often disregard their own safety and well-being. Learn how health, safety and wellness are not only critical for the individual officer, but also the overall health of their respective agency.

Moderator

  • Tim Burrows, Consultant, Governors Highway Safety Association

Panelists

  • Robyn Robertson, President and CEO, Traffic Injury Research Foundation
  • Rob Bledler, Senior Manager of Safety, Security and Emergency Management, Snohomish County Public Utility District
  • Stephen Powers, Chief Operation Officer, Emergency Safety Solutions
  • Sergeant Michael T. Honn, Legislative Liaison, Colorado State Patrol

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Workshop 6: Leaning into the Curve: A Roundtable Discussion on the Future of Motorcycle Safety
Plaza Ballroom D

Motorcycle riders continue to face risks on the road and remain disproportionally represented in fatal crashes. A panel of experts will discuss the latest initiatives in motorcycle safety training, research, public outreach campaigns and the past, present and future of keeping safe on two wheels.

Moderator

  • Glenn Davis, Highway Safety Manager, Colorado Department of Transportation, Office of Transportation Safety

Panelists

  • Brett Robinson, Executive Director, State Motorcycle Safety Association
  • Chanyoung Lee, Program Director, University of South Florida
  • Stacey "Ax" Axmaker, Founder and Chief Knowledge Officer, Be Crash Free
  • Sam Cole, Traffic Safety Communications Manager, Colorado Department of Transportation

3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. — Break in Exhibit Hall
Plaza Foyer

Sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving


4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. — General Session on Automated Vehicles and First Responders
Plaza Ballroom A/B/C

With automated and driver assistance technology becoming ever more prevalent, an invited panel of national experts from Waymo, Cruise, Aurora, the California Highway Patrol, and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute will discuss how law enforcement and other first responders can prepare for the new vehicles coming onto roadways.

Welcome & Moderator

  • Russ Martin, Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations, Governors Highway Safety Association

Panelists

  • Tammy Trimble, Senior Research Associate, Division of Data & Analytics, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
  • Jim Epperson, Deputy Commissioner, California Highway Patrol
  • Rob Patrick, First Responder Specialist, Waymo
  • Mufaddal Ezzy, Senior Director, Public Affairs and State & Local Government Relations, Aurora

Tuesday, September 14

7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Registration
Plaza Foyer Registration Desk


7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. — Exhibits Open
Plaza Foyer


7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. — Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
Plaza Foyer


8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. — General Session: Achieving Greater Equity in Traffic Safety Enforcement and Engagement
Plaza Ballroom A/B/C

Moderator

  • Chuck DeWeese, GHSA Chair and Assistant Commissioner, New York Governor's Traffic Safety Committee

Speaker

Carmen BestChief Carmen Best (Ret.), former Chief of Police, Seattle Police Department

Chief Best will share her experiences as the first Black woman to hold Seattle's top law enforcement post. During her tenure, she brought greater equity and diversity to the department and strengthened community-based approaches to policing.

 

Panelists

  • Denise Blake, Director of Field Operations, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
  • Jake Nelson, Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research, AAA
  • Sheriff Aaron Appelhans, Albany County, Wyoming

10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. — Break in Exhibit Hall
Plaza Foyer


10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. — Workshop 7: Safety on Foot, Pedal or Scooter: Protecting Non-Motorized Road Users
Plaza Ballroom F

People traveling on foot and by bicycle, e-scooter, wheelchair or other non-motorized device have a right to the road, but they are at greater risk for injury and death — particularly in urban areas, at night and when involved in a collision with a SUV. Mitigating this problem requires a comprehensive approach that leverages engineering, public education, emergency response and equitable enforcement. Explore the latest research addressing these modes and behavioral safety strategies that state highway safety offices can employ to advance vulnerable road user safety.

Moderator

  • Pam Shadel Fischer, Senior Director of External Engagement, Governors Highway Safety Association

Panelists

  • Rolf Eisinger, Vision Zero Project Manager, City and County of Denver Department of Transportation
  • Krista Nordback, Senior Research Associate, University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center
  • Richard Retting, Senior Program Officer, The National Academies of Sciences

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. — Workshop 8: Hot Issues in Alcohol, Drug and Multi-Substance Impaired Driving
Plaza Ballroom E

From the latest in toxicology, implementing a successful law enforcement phlebotomy program, use of screening devices (oral fluid/marijuana breathalyzer) and implementing scientifically valid consumer outreach campaigns, this workshop will feature some of the nation’s premiere experts discussing the leading and innovative issues, technologies and programs in impaired driving.

Moderator

  • Jake Nelson, Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research, AAA

Panelists

  • Jennifer Harmon, Crime Laboratory Director, San Diego Sheriff's Department
  • Mike Lynn, CEO and Co-founder, Hound Lab
  • Jared D. Olson, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association
  • David Ocamb, Vice President - Research, Planning, Strategy, Stratacomm (David Ocamb was chosen to speak in this session based upon his years of experience in traffic safety marketing and advertising campaigns at the state level prior to joining the Stratacomm team.)

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. — Workshop 9: Transportation Reauthorization: Ask Us Anything!
Plaza Ballroom D

Public policy experts will provide an update on transportation reauthorization, upcoming changes to NHTSA grant requirements, and answer your questions about legislative discussions on Capitol Hill. Come with your questions about the latest congressional developments.

Moderator

  • Russ Martin, Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations, Governors Highway Safety Association

Panelists

  • Stephanie Manning, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
  • Brandy Axdahl, Senior Vice President, The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility
  • Jane Terry, Vice President, Government Affairs, National Safety Council

12:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Highway Safety Awards Presentation & Luncheon
Plaza Ballroom A/B/C

Sponsored by The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

Master of Ceremonies

  • John Saunders, Director of Highway Safety, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Sponsor Remarks

  • Michelle Anderson, Director of Operations, The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. — Workshop 10: Can I Have Your Attention? Ending Distracted Driving through Policy, Engagement and Enforcement
Plaza Ballroom F

Driver distraction continues to pose danger to vehicle occupants as well as pedestrians and bicyclists at alarming rates, and traffic safety professionals are still searching for solutions. Learn about a new library of resources for improving distracted driving laws, get a behind-the-scenes look at state legislative discussions and preview a pioneering technology solution to distracted driving enforcement.

Moderator

  • Kara Macek, Research and Program Consultant, Governors Highway Safety Association

Panelists

  • Jennifer Smith, CEO and Co-founder, StopDistractions.org
  • Michael Hanson, Director, Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety
  • Mark Etzbach, Vice President of Sales North America, Acusensus Inc.
  • Brian Halaiko, Senior Consultant, P&C Public Policy, Nationwide Insurance

2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. — Workshop 11: Tribal Traffic Safety Partnerships to Improve Tribal Road Safety
Plaza Ballroom E

Learn how states and tribes are partnering to develop relevant highway safety programs and messaging for tribal communities. Featured initiatives include Safe on All Roads (SOAR) messaging in Montana, Wyoming’s community-based programs that have led to fatal crash reductions, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Safety programs.

Moderator

  • Franklin Garcia, Modal Director, New Mexico Department of Transportation

Panelists

  • Cody Beers, Senior Public Relations Specialist, Wyoming Department of Transportation
  • Sheila Cozzie, Transportation Planner/Cultural Liaison, Montana Department of Transportation
  • Kimberly Belone, Program Analyst, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Indian Highway Safety Program

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. — Taste of the State Reception
Punch Bowl Social, 65 Broadway

Sponsored by Uber

  • Heavy hors d'oeuvres
  • Cash bar

Games, karaoke, bowling and more fun activities as GHSA takes over this large indoor and outdoor dining and gaming venue.

Bus transportation will be provided from the Sheraton Denver Downtown. Buses will depart from the 15th Street entrance of the hotel approximately every 10 minutes beginning at 5:45 p.m. Return buses will depart from Punch Bowl Social approximately every 10 minutes until 9:15 p.m. Masks are required for bus transportation and all indoor activities.

Wednesday, September 15

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. — Continental Breakfast
Plaza Foyer


8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. — General Session: Curbing the Driver's Need for Speed
Plaza Ballroom A/B/C

In the midst of an historic pedestrian safety crisis, the pandemic sparked an unprecedented drop in motor vehicle traffic that should have resulted in a significant drop in crashes, injuries and deaths. But an increase in excessive speeding is plaguing our roadways and putting everyone at risk. A panel of national experts will discuss how we can get drivers to slow down and save lives.

Moderator

  • Jonathan Adkins, Executive Director, Governors Highway Safety Association

Panelists

  • Lorraine Martin, President and CEO, National Safety Council
  • Colonel Matthew C. Packard, Chief, Colorado State Patrol
  • Melissa Wandall, President, National Coalition for Safer Roads
  • David Ocamb, Vice President - Research, Planning, Strategy, Stratacomm (David Ocamb was chosen to speak in this session based upon his years of experience in traffic safety marketing and advertising campaigns at the state level prior to joining the Stratacomm team.)
  • Sandy Spavone, Executive Director, Family Career and Community Leaders of America

10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. — Workshop 12: Thinking Outside the Box: Post-COVID Innovative Highway Safety Ideas
Plaza Ballroom F

Although 2020 brought many challenges to all aspects of life, innovation and adaptability became the name of the game during this rocky year. We’ll hear from experts who had to really think outside the box on how to maintain a focus on traffic safety and what we’ve learned that we can apply in the future. Come ready to share your ideas!

Moderator & Panelist

  • John Tomlinson, Highway Safety Manager, Idaho Office of Highway Safety

Panelists

  • Corporal Kyle Wills, Boise Police Department
  • Shelly Baldwin, Director, Washington Traffic Safety Commission
  • Michael Schwendau, Program and Policy Chief, Wisconsin Bureau of Transportation Safety

10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. — Workshop 13: Highway Safety Criminal Justice in 2021
Plaza Ballroom D

Law enforcement and criminal justice remain essential components to preventing dangerous driving but face numerous challenges in lack of resources, changing public opinion and prevailing practices. This panel discussion will consider the comprehensive challenges faced by the criminal justice system in enforcing, prosecuting and adjudicating traffic offenses. Be ready to share your thoughts on and insights on potential solutions.

Moderator

  • Michael Hanson, Director, Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety

Panelists

  • Jennifer Tibbits Knudsen, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Colorado Distric Attorneys' Council
  • Michael Morris, Law Enforcement Liaison, New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police
  • Sergeant K.S. Wallace, Guilford County, North Carolina Sheriff's Office

10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. — Workshop 14: Increasing Safety on Rural Roads
Plaza Ballroom E

A significant proportion of fatal crashes occur on rural roads and every state has less-populated areas. This panel will review the shared challenges and opportunities in rural areas, as well as highlight unique efforts underway in Colorado and North Carolina.

Moderator

  • Mark Ezzell, Director, North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program

Panelists

  • Sam Cole, Traffic Safety Communications Manager, Colorado Department of Transportation
  • Grady Hunt, Member, North Carolina Board of Transportation
  • Jaime Sullivan, Director, National Center for Rural Road Safety

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. — General Session and Closing Luncheon
Plaza Ballroom A/B/C

Sponsored by Ford Driving Skills for Life

Moderator

  • Chuck DeWeese, GHSA Chair and Assistant Commissioner, New York Governor's Traffic Safety Committee

Sponsor Remarks

  • Jim Graham, Global Program Manager, Ford Driving Skills for Life, Ford Motor Company Fund & Community Services

Guest Speaker

Jim KellyJim Kelly

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, known for his toughness on the field, was personally tested by the loss of his eight-year-old son and battling cancer three times. He will speak about the power of the four F's - Faith, Friends, Family and Fans and what it really means to be "Kelly Tough."

 


2:00 p.m. — Adjourn