Kansas Transportation Safety Conference
Preconference
Monday, April 20 – 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – McDowell/Tuttle Room
Trolling for Evidence
MODERATOR: Al Ackerman, Law Enforcement Liaison, KDOT
SPEAKER: Sgt. Frank Imparato and Ashley Eller
BIOS: Sgt. Frank Imparato began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sgt. Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the Communications unit, Sgt. Imparato was assigned to the Road Patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the Road Patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sgt. Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sgt. Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired driving.
Ashley Eller began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a Dispatcher. In 2006, she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010, Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 Operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION This course teaches officers how to use open-source information to help document the behavior of arrestees in impaired driving cases. Officers will learn how to use information found on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. This course features a section on how to properly build a fictitious profile on the platforms mentioned above to allow officers the ability to search on the platform without using their personal information. This course also covers how to build community relations using social media. The content of this course is structured for officers of all calibers who are looking to improve their investigations and bolster their case when testifying.
Monday, April 20 – 1-4:30 p.m. – McDowell/Tuttle Room
Improved Internal Communication for Police Officers
MODERATOR: Troy Wells, Law Enforcement Liaison, KDOT
SPEAKERS: Sherri-Jo Stowell and Sgt. Faith Goodrich
BIOS: Sherri-Jo Stowell is a Licensed Insights Discovery Practitioner and owner of Sworn Impact. She supports police professionals in improving communication with the public and within teams and specializes in translating behavioral insights into practical tools for daily police work.
Sgt. Faith Goodrich is a Sergeant with the Aurora Police Department. She has 30 years of experience in public safety and brings operational leadership experience and a pragmatic approach to communication in patrol and specialty assignments.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION This fast-paced class gives officers a simple, shared language and practical tools to communicate better at work. We use Insights Discovery, a psychological self-awareness tool, and real examples from the field. You’ll spot your own style, read others’, and adjust how you brief, talk on the radio, write reports, and debrief. This isn’t a lecture; it's active and entertaining. Expect short demos, true stories, quick drills, and a bit of friendly competition to keep the energy high.
Keynote and Luncheon Plenary Speakers
Opening address – Tuesday, April 21, 9:15-10 a.m. – Large Ballroom
What Else Is Possible
Keynote Speaker: Devin Henderson
BIO: Devin Henderson is a multi-talented powerhouse: an experienced presenter and seasoned performer, having logged thousands of performances as an award-winning comedian, magician and in-demand keynote speaker. His unique combination of skills and storytelling and his hilarious and engaging interactions make him an audience favorite. His clients have included Pepsi, Hallmark, Cerner, and hundreds more. His performances have been called "unreal," "unexpected," and "unforgettable," and he delivers the ultimate keynote experiences to inspire possibilities, purpose, and impact.
Keynote Description: For many individuals and teams, a once-held vision of unlimited possibility becomes small and limited as a result of life’s daily stressors, persistent insecurities, self-doubt, isolation, and even failure. But what if your people could reclaim and even expand their full potential at any time? And what if their truest potential was bigger, richer, and more satisfying than they previously envisioned? Seasoned speaker and performer Devin Henderson brings an unforgettable experience of impact and inspiration and helps people and organizations take a break from the worries of the day while breaking free from their perceived limits. They will discover practices for maintaining mental strength and resilience to realize their greatness like never before.
“WHAT ELSE IS POSSIBLE” TAKEAWAYS
- Be resilient to fears and challenges that sabotage what's possible when left unchecked.
- Attain a seemingly impossible goal without slowing down or giving up.
- Rethink what's possible and uncover untapped potential like never before.
- Collaborate with teammates to achieve greater things together!
0.75 AICP Credit
Tuesday Luncheon Plenary – April 21, 12-12:50 p.m. – Large Ballroom
Purpose in Progress: Resilience That Restores and Saves Lives
Plenary Speaker: Melissa Wandall
BIO: Melissa Wandall is the President of both the National Coalition for Safer Roads and M3 Motivational Concepts. She is a nationally recognized speaker, advocate, and philanthropist who transformed personal tragedy into a powerful force for change. She was instrumental in passing Florida's Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act and continues to work alongside law enforcement, advocates, and community leaders to prevent roadway fatalities and protect lives. As the founder of The Mark Wandall Foundation, she also provides vital support to grieving youth while delivering a message of resilience, purpose, and the enduring impact of every life.
Plenary Description: Behind every statistic is a story, and behind every story lies the opportunity to make a difference. In this powerful presentation, Melissa Wandall explores how resilience, purpose, and connection fuel the shared vision of Kansas’ Drive to Zero plan. Through her own journey and years of advocacy, she reminds us that lasting change begins when we move beyond the data, lead with humanity, and unite through collaboration, believing that one action and a shared commitment can save a life.
0.75 AICP Credit
Wednesday Luncheon Plenary – April 22, 12-12:50 p.m. – Large Ballroom
#NoMoreEmptySeats — It Made a Difference For that One
Plenary Speaker: Bill DeMott
BIO: Bill DeMott spent over 30 years in professional wrestling and sports entertainment, entertaining people all over the world. He has performed, produced, and been working on TV and behind the scenes as an actor in commercials and movies and as a reality TV star. DeMott is an author, life coach, and victim advocate. More importantly, Bill is a husband and father of three. He serves in his church and is the founder of The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation. Keri Anne DeMott was tragically killed on October 15, 2015. Her life was taken in a head-on collision caused by a multiple-DUI offender. Keri Anne was 20 years old. Since that time, the DeMott family formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in their daughter’s name with the mission of raising awareness about the decisions that are made every day and how those decisions affect so many people. Bill now travels across the nation speaking to students from elementary school through college and youth groups and at corporate events, safety events, and law enforcement agencies. His mission is to share his daughter’s story and motivate others to be aware of the decisions they make in everyday life. These decisions include bullying, social media, texting, and making the decision to not drive drunk, impaired, or distracted. DeMott brings his life experiences and knowledge to each event and presentation. He takes his audience on an emotional, inspirational, and motivational journey and reinforces to everyone in attendance to be more aware of how what we do, what we say, and how we act can influence and affect others.
Plenary Description: The #NoMoreEmptySeats presentation delivers a powerful and deeply personal message about how one decision, good or bad, can change countless lives. Bill DeMott shares the story of his daughter, Keri Anne, who was killed by a repeat DUI offender in 2015, and how his family transformed tragedy into purpose through The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation. Designed specifically with law enforcement and public safety professionals in mind, this presentation reinforces the impact that officers have not only through enforcement but also through education, visibility, and daily interactions within their communities. Bill addresses decision-making, accountability, and officer influence from a human perspective, reminding us that every contact, every stop, and every moment of intervention carries the potential to save a life. Through powerful storytelling, images, and statistics, Bill challenges audiences to look beyond numbers and case files and reconnect with why they wear the badge in the first place. The goal is not only to prevent impaired, distracted, and reckless driving but also to restore purpose, unity, and resolve across those on the front lines.
0.75 AICP Credit/1.00 EMS Communications, Operations Credit
Breakout Sessions
Concurrent Sessions 1
Tuesday, April 21 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Flint Hills
Driving Change: The Work Zone Safe Initiative
MODERATOR: Gayle Donaldson, KDOT
SPEAKERS: Michael White, Kevin Shelton, Haley Dougherty
BIOS: Michael White is the Executive Director of the Kansas Contractors Association. Mr. White previously worked for ITC Holdings as Director of State Government Affairs. Michael led the state government affairs activities for ITC and provided strategic planning and support for electric transmission development in multiple states. Prior to joining ITC, he was the Legislative Director and Chief of Staff for Kansas Senate President Stephen Morris from 2007 to 2011. In 2001, Michael began his lobbying career in Kansas with the contract lobbying firm Kearney & Associates, specializing in association management and lobbying.
Kevin J. Shelton is the President of C-Hawkk Construction, a Kansas-based traffic control, pavement marking, and roadway safety services company that has supported contractors and public agencies for more than three decades. With over 35 years of experience in work zone safety, signing, striping, and traffic control operations, Kevin has led C-Hawkk in delivering reliable, high-quality safety solutions across Kansas and the region. Kevin serves as a board member for ATSSA, collaborating with industry and public sector leaders to strengthen nationwide roadway safety standards and training. As Board Chairman of the ATSS Foundation, he helps oversee charitable and educational initiatives, including scholarship programs, a free online Teen Driver work zone safety course, and an award-winning work zone safety activity book for children, all aimed at raising awareness and instilling safe driving practices among youth and the next generation of transportation professionals.
Haley Dougherty serves as the State Safety Engineer for the Bureau of Transportation Safety at KDOT. Though originally from Colorado, Haley graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and has lived in northwest Kansas ever since with her husband and now two young daughters. Before coming to KDOT in 2018, she worked in the private sector as a Designer, Technician, and Construction Inspector. With nearly ten years in the industry, she has experience with design, construction, inspection, and severe crash prevention. She is passionate about transportation safety and always aware of the overlap with other areas of transportation.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: Launched statewide in April 2025, the Work Zone Safe program is Kansas’ new online training designed to equip teen drivers with the skills they need to safely navigate work zones. Developed in partnership with the Kansas Contractors Association, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Kansas Turnpike Authority, the program addresses the heightened crash risks facing new drivers and provides schools, parents, and driving instructors with ready-to-use educational tools. This session will highlight the program’s rollout, early engagement efforts, and resources available to support teen transportation safety.
1.00 AICP Credit
Tuesday, April 21 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Kings ABC
Community First Aid and Crash Response
MODERATOR: Noel Schneider, KDOT
Speakers: Bill Sullivan, Sheriff John Merchant, Kassy DeWitt
BIOS: Bill Sullivan was the first First Responder Liaison in the country working for a department of transportation. Prior to becoming a First Responder Liaison for the Kansas Department of Transportation, Bill worked at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as the Law Enforcement Liaison for Region 7. While there, he provided training, grant opportunities, and technical assistance to state and local law enforcement for the five states in Region 7, including Missouri and Kansas. Before working at NHTSA, Bill retired as a Major with the Olathe, Kansas Police Department, where his career included Patrol, Investigations, and Commander of the Traffic unit.
Bill attended Southeast Missouri State University as a Criminal Justice major and has a bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University. He is a graduate of the 203rd Session of the FBI National Academy.
Bill is currently enjoying his retirement!
Sherrif John Merchant has the honor of being the longest-serving Sheriff in the history of Brown County. He was appointed to the position in March of 2008 and immediately began working to enhance safety and security within his community. His concepts included Child Safety Seat Techs within his department, a fitting station which helped educate parents and caregivers on keeping their children safer when traveling in vehicles, and providing child safety seats where needed. Sheriff Merchant proudly served on the National Child Passenger Safety Board from 2012 to 2015. Sheriff Merchant also established the Teen Lifesaver Program in 2016. As a key member of the Sheriff's Office, he teaches and certifies high school students and those who work with children in First Aid, CPR, and AED. Through the Sheriff’s diligence in seeking out community safety partners, this is done at no cost to participants. Over 2,000 individuals have been certified in these lifesaving skills,
and several positive outcomes have been noted. Sheriff Merchant has been the recipient of numerous awards throughout his tenure and was recently appointed by the Governor to sit on the Kansas C-POST Board. Sheriff Merchant’s catchphrase is “Proactive Law Enforcement for Safer Communities.”
Kassandra (Kassy) DeWitt is a Paramedic and the Director of Phillips County EMS, a rural northwest Kansas service powered by a dedicated volunteer workforce. With more than 15 years of experience in emergency medical services, she is a strong advocate for strengthening rural EMS systems through education, collaboration, and innovation. Kassy will be sharing how Phillips County EMS successfully integrated AVEL eCare Telemedicine into frontline response, enhancing clinical support and improving outcomes for rural patients.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: This session will help teach local community first aid and crash response, including information geared for high school students. Hear from speakers with programs in Brown County (Sheriff John Merchant and Bill Sullivan) along with Phillips County EMS Director Kassy DeWitt, who will share how rural medical response has been enhanced using AVEL eCare telemedicine.
1.0 AICP Credit/1.00 EMS Operations Credit
Tuesday, April 21 – 10:30-11:30 – Alcove
Kansas Safety Corridor Pilot Program: Update from the Halfway Point
MODERATOR: Chase Null, KDOT
SPEAKER: David Schwartz
BIO: David Schwartz is a 31-year veteran of the Kansas Department of Transportation. He has worked in planning and safety and currently coordinates Kansas’ Safety Corridor Pilot Program. He is always looking for innovative ways to find and address traffic safety issues, so please reach out if you have a concern or an idea!
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: This session will provide an up-to-date overview of the Kansas Safety Corridor Pilot Program, highlighting how data-driven interventions are improving safety along high-risk highway segments. Attendees will learn about recent traffic speed trends and restraint usage within the corridor, cooperative law enforcement initiatives designed to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, and the deployment of new speed feedback signs aimed at encouraging driver compliance. The presentation will share early outcomes, lessons learned, and next steps as Kansas evaluates the effectiveness of this multi-agency safety effort.
1.00 AICP Credit
Tuesday, April 21 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – McDowell/Tuttle
MODERATOR: Jim Hollingsworth, KDOT
An Overview of NCHRP 20-102(24): Infrastructure Modifications to Improve the Operational Conditions of Automated Vehicles
SPEAKER: Samantha Anderson
BIO: Samantha Anderson, EIT, is a Transportation Engineer at Kimley-Horn in Kansas City. She holds a master’s degree in Transportation Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University. Samantha works at the intersection of data, policy, and design, with a focus on connected and autonomous vehicle planning. She brings a strong research background in safety, intelligent transportation systems, travel demand modeling, and travel behavior analysis. Passionate about safety and research, Samantha is dedicated to translating complex research findings into practical, real-world transportation solutions.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: The adoption of Automated Vehicle (AV) technologies has the potential to transform transportation by advancing safety, enhancing mobility, and improving climate resiliency. Yet their successful deployment depends on infrastructure that can support AV systems across a wide range of operating conditions known as the Operational Design Domain (ODD). This presentation will share early insights from the NCHRP 20-102(24) project, Infrastructure Modifications to Improve the Operational Conditions of Automated Vehicles. Attendees will be introduced to the project’s AV Infrastructure Guidelines, which provide practical, actionable recommendations for infrastructure owner-operators (IOOs) preparing their networks for AV deployment. The guidance addresses critical focus areas including pavement markings, roadway surfaces, signage, signals, work zones, geometric design, policy, and digital infrastructure, helping IOOs make informed decisions today to support the transportation systems of tomorrow.
1.00 AICP Credit
Breakout Sessions
Concurrent Sessions 2
Tuesday, April 21 – 1:30-2:30 p.m. – McDowell/Tuttle
MODERATOR: Maura Fitzgerald, KDOT
How to Identify and Leverage Local Influencers
SPEAKERS: Jordan Garcia, Gayle Donaldson
BIOS: Jordan Garcia is President of JNA Advertising, where he leads one of the Midwest’s most innovative and efficient agencies. Jordan has extensive experience in public-sector marketing and has overseen the Kansas Department of Transportation’s statewide safety campaigns since 2015, helping shape high-impact initiatives across digital, broadcast, and grassroots platforms. He began his career at Publicis in Chicago, one of the world’s largest advertising firms, managing over $45 billion in media for brands such as Miller Brewing and Procter & Gamble. After a brief stop at Barkley, he joined JNA in 2011 and has since become a trusted strategic and creative partner to government agencies across Kansas.
Gayle Donaldson is Assistant Manager of the Behavioral Safety Section at KDOT. She leads a team of grant managers who help local communities invest in traffic safety education and enforcement activities to help the state reach its goal of reducing fatalities from traffic crashes. She has previously worked in a variety of marketing and communications roles in healthcare and local and state government. Gayle joined KDOT in 2024 and enjoys keeping her hand in communications through the various advertising strategies KDOT uses to encourage driver safety on the roads.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: Attendees will learn about practices to identify and cultivate local influencers to share behavioral safety messaging at the grassroots level such as at high school events, with businesses, and in communities. Methods to share messaging at low-to-zero cost will be discussed. This breakout session will also cover a statewide example of Kansas’ safety messaging investment in NIL partnerships in sports marketing with Avery Johnson and Kansas’ longtime partnership with Miss Kansas.
1.00 AICP Credit
Tuesday, April 21 – 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Alcove
MODERATOR: Max Wilcox, KDOT
Public Transportation: Safe Mobility for an Aging Population
SPEAKERS: Rene Hart, Trell Grinter, Michael Wilson
BIOS: Rene Hart leads the Public Transportation unit within the Division of Multimodal Transportation and Innovation at the Kansas Department of Transportation. She has over 15 years of experience in transportation planning and administration. As the Public Transportation Manager, Rene is responsible for managing the FTA 5311 and 5310 grant programs. Rene enjoys working in the field of public transportation, knowing the value it brings to so many people who depend on it as part of their daily lives. Mobility management, increased access to healthcare, and technical assistance for rural transit agencies are some of the rural transit initiatives of KDOT’s Public Transportation program. In all these efforts and more, Rene strives to increase opportunities for coordination by bringing together multi-sector disciplines to collaboratively address transportation challenges, with the ultimate goal of providing safe and accessible public transportation to Kansas residents.
Trell Grinter is an innovative leader in public transit with a decade of experience managing and modernizing mobility systems. As OCCK Inc.'s Director of Transportation, Trell oversees strategic planning, operational performance, and service delivery for a broad range of transit services, including fixed-route, paratransit, and on-demand and micro-transit solutions. With a strong focus on accessibility, equity, and safety, Trell has driven initiatives that expanded service coverage, improved rider experience, and introduced cutting-edge technologies to increase efficiency and reliability. A collaborative advocate for community-focused mobility, Trell works closely with local governments, community organizations, and state and federal agencies to meet evolving transit needs. Trell is also passionate about developing future transit leaders through mentorship, public speaking, and workforce development. Guided by the belief that mobility is a fundamental right, Trell continues to champion safe, affordable, and accessible transportation for all.
Michael Wilson serves as the Director of Mobility Management for the Flint Hills Region, bringing a rare combination of service-driven insight, resilience, and innovative leadership to the field of public transportation. A disabled U.S. Army veteran, Michael views mobility as more than a logistical necessity — it’s a pathway to equity, connection, and opportunity. He collaborates across sectors, from social services to local food systems, working to ensure that transportation functions as a bridge rather than a barrier for Kansans of every background and ability. With a foundation of deep technical knowledge and a compassionate, people-centered approach, Michael is helping communities reimagine transit not as part of the problem but as a part of the solution.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: Recent research indicates that public transit’s death or injury rate is about one tenth that of car travel. Beyond these statistics, safety is an important consideration when it comes to planning for and operating public transportation. Many safeguards are put in place for the safety of passengers as well as drivers. These efforts include physical protection barriers, bus stop site design elements, and safety equipment for emergency response and threat assessment training. Mobility Managers play a key role in providing the public with resources on the availability of public transportation and assist people as they navigate transportation options or transition from driving to public transportation so they feel confident and secure as they maintain their independence and quality of life. KDOT staff, together with an Area Agency on Aging, are involved in providing public transportation, and a Kansas Mobility Manager will share how some of these safeguards are used to provide a safe and reliable transportation option for many Kansans who cannot or choose not to drive a personal automobile.
1.00 AICP Credit
Tuesday, April 21 – 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Flint Hills
MODERATOR: Amy Smith, KDOT
2025 Windstorm in Western Kansas Recap
Speaker: Capt. Stephen LaRow
BIO: Capt. Stephen LaRow has 21 years of law enforcement experience in the state of Kansas with the last 17 with the Kansas Highway Patrol. As the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program Lead, Capt. LaRow oversees the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. This includes commercial motor vehicle inspections, vehicle size and weight enforcement, safety audits, crash data, and compliance reviews.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: This presentation will provide a review of the conditions motorists and responders on Interstate 70 experienced during the 2025 windstorm in western Kansas. Learn information to aid in preparation and response to extreme weather conditions while traveling, including flooding, heat, wind, dust, tornado, and smoke.
1.00 AICP Credit/1.00 EMS Operations Credit
Tuesday, April 21 – 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Kings ABC
MODERATOR: Melissa McCoy, KDOT
Electric Hybrid Vehicle Fire/Rescue Response Operations
SPEAKER: Tony Thampan, Shivraj Patil
BIOS: Tony Thampan
Shivraj Patil is a Traffic Engineer with GFT at the Wichita, Kansas office. He is primarily involved in ITS and traffic engineering projects and serves as one of GFT’s Transportation Operations Team Leaders for the Midwest. Shivraj is also the Project Manager for KDOT’s Statewide Traffic Management Center, WICHway, located in Wichita, and the Statewide Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for Kansas. Shivraj is a tennis enthusiast and a full-time Jayhawk basketball fan!
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: This presentation will introduce the audience to preparedness and response for handling incidents involving electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and autonomous vehicles (AVs). Hear from NHTSA and a TIM community professional speaking on crash responses for ensuring safe operations at incident locations with EVs, hybrids, and AVs. The session will also highlight areas for future research needs that will help nationwide first responders combat these fast-growing technologies.
1.00 AICP Credit/1.00 EMS Operations Credit?
Breakout Sessions
Concurrent Sessions 3
Tuesday, April 21 – 3-4 p.m. – Flint Hills Room
MODERATOR: Lori Haskett, KDOT
Using Drones in Crash Response and Post-Crash Care Medical Response
Speakers: Brian Kassin, Technical Trooper Clayton Tarpley
BIOS: Brian Kassin is the Chief of Strategic Plans and Programs for the KDOT Division of Aviation. This includes the creation of initiatives to advance innovative aviation technologies across the state of Kansas. As Program Manager for KDOT and as a Lead Participant in FAA’s BEYOND Program, he leverages stakeholders throughout multiple levels of government and across sectors to engage and forge partnerships that proliferate the benefits of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to Kansas. While integrally active in policy formulation and charged with leading KDOT’s team of UAS flight crews, Brian also holds a Part 107 certificate. When he isn’t working, he enjoys all things that go fast, such as sports cars or motorcycles, but it usually means chasing his two kids around the neighborhood.
Technical Trooper Clayton Tarpley joined the Kansas Highway Patrol in July of 2001 and has been stationed in Kearny County within Troop E (southwest Kansas) throughout his tenure with the KHP. Prior to joining the KHP, Clayton worked as a Sheriff Deputy with the Kearny County Sheriff Department from 1998 to 2001. In February 2008, Clayton transferred to the KHP’s CHART team. He acquired accreditation as a Collision Reconstructionist through ACTAR in 2011. As a Reconstructionist, Clayton successfully completed courses in Passenger Vehicle, Commercial Motor Vehicle, Pedestrian, and Motorcycle Reconstruction. During his tenure with CHART, Clayton has investigated, reconstructed, or assisted with the investigation of over 350 serious injury or fatality collisions and testified as a lead investigator in criminal, civil, and grand jury hearings relating to collisions. Clayton serves as the KHP’s Senior CHART Team Member and a Lead Instructor at KHP’s training center in the areas of collision investigation and forensic diagramming. Clayton is a Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspector with Advanced Level 1, Hazardous Materials, Cargo Tank, and Other Bulk Packages certifications. Clayton is FAA Part 107 certified to operate UAS and has used various UAS platforms to document collision scenes, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: This will be a two-part presentation: Crash Response and Innovative Medical Care Delivery. Learn how emergency response uses drones in first responder programs.
1.00 AICP Credit/1.00 EMS Trauma Credit
Tuesday, April 21 – 3-4 p.m. – Kings ABC
MODERATOR: Haley Dougherty, KDOT
Designing Safer Intersections: Proven Solutions, Public Engagement, and Lessons from Missouri
Speaker: Katy Harlan, Kataryna Garlock
BIOS: Katy Harlan has been with Missouri DOT since 2018 and currently serves as the Traffic Safety Engineer. In this role, she oversees the Highway Safety Improvement Program, assists in crash data analysis, and is the statewide contact for the Safety Assessment for Every Roadway (SAFER) program. She also coordinates and performs a variety of other tasks to facilitate the implementation of safety engineering solutions to perpetuate safety throughout Missouri’s roadway network on the road to zero. Katy holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Missouri and is a licensed Professional Engineer with the state of Missouri.
Kataryna Garlock
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: MoDOT experts will showcase real-world projects using innovative intersection designs, including R-Cuts, J-Turns, DDIs, and roundabouts, and share the safety outcomes and lessons learned from their implementation. This session connects these proven countermeasures to broader safety goals such as Drive to Zero and highlights practical strategies for educating and engaging the public on the value of lifesaving roadway designs.
1.00 AICP Credit
Tuesday, April 21 – 3-4 p.m. – Alcove
MODERATOR: Maura Fitzgerald, KDOT
Advancing Traffic Safety Analysis with Replica’s Driver Event Data
Speakers: David Schwartz, Jake Herrman
BIOS: David Schwartzis a 31-year veteran of KDOT. He has worked in planning and safety and is currently coordinating Kansas’ Safety Corridor Pilot Program. He is always looking for innovative ways to find and address traffic safety issues, so please reach out if you have a concern or an idea!
Jake Herrman has nearly a decade of experience working in transportation planning, helping agencies plan and implement safety-focused infrastructure improvements. As a Solutions Architect at Replica, he works with state and local government agencies to interpret and make data-informed choices. Prior to Replica, Jake worked at the Virginia Department of Transportation and as a consultant to federal, state, and local transportation agencies.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: This session will showcase how Replica is transforming traffic safety analysis through rich, data-based insights. Jake Herrman will introduce the platform’s capabilities, including the use of driver event data, such as hard braking, speeding, and mobile phone use, to identify risk patterns and support data-driven decision-making. David Schwartz will then demonstrate real-world KDOT applications, highlighting how these analytics are being used to better understand roadways through a safety lens.
1.00 AICP Credit
Tuesday, April 21 – 3-4 p.m. – McDowell/Tuttle
MODERATOR: Max Wilcox, KDOT
Taming Traffic: Diverse Speed Management Strategies for Safer Communities and A Case Study: Dodge City’s SS4A Speed Assessment
Speakers: Howard Lubliner, Slade Engstrom, Nicole Hood
BIOS: Howard Lubliner, Ph.D., PE, brings more than 25 years of experience in transportation with a dedicated focus on roadway safety. He earned his doctorate from the University of Kansas with a focus on quantitative safety analysis and is nationally recognized for his work on rural roadways and in locations with limited reliable data. Howard has leveraged his combination of safety research and practice on a number of Transportation Research Board and National Cooperative Highway Research Program projects and committees, including the team overseeing the development of the second edition of the Highway Safety Manual. As a Department Manager at Burns & McDonnell, Howard has led safety analyses for numerous communities in and outside of Kansas as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Throughout his career, including 16 years at KDOT, he has helped transportation agencies at all levels of government implement data-driven safety management processes. Howard lives in Lawrence with his transit-loving wife and their two future Jayhawks.
Slade Engstrom is a Senior Vice President at GFT, Inc. and has 22-plus years in engineering in the state of Kansas. GFT has a contract with KDOT to provide staff and engineering support to the WICHway TMC, where Slade has served as Project Manager and Principal Engineer since 2013. Slade has also served as the Project Manager or Technical Lead on a number of SS4A projects in Kansas.
Nicole Hood graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer with the state of Missouri. She worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation for 29 years and held positions in planning, design, highway safety, and traffic. Upon her retirement in 2024, she started her most recent position with GFT, Inc. as a Highway Safety Engineer. Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and is a proud mother of three wonderful children.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: Dr. Howard Lubliner will share examples from several communities identifying speed as a traffic safety concern and developing strategies to address it. These will illustrate the different paths communities have taken to measure, contextualize, and prioritize travel speeds and to mitigate speed-related crashes. Approaches include systemic application of traffic calming strategies, targeted safety improvements geared at reducing speeding at acute locations, conducting systemwide speed limit reviews, and speed limit policy revisions. The presentation will highlight how one size does not fit all when it comes to speed management and how tailored strategies that reflect a community’s culture, values, and transportation user experiences yield the greatest results. Slade Engstrom and Nicole Hood will complement this session by presenting the Dodge City Comprehensive Safety Action Plan with focus on its speed management methodology, including local web surveys and INRIX-identified areas.
- AICP Credit
Breakout Sessions
Concurrent Sessions 4
Wednesday, April 22 – 8:30-10 a.m.
Three Regional Workshop Sessions
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: Stakeholders will discuss transportation safety within their regions, including their efforts in engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency response. Attendees will also learn about forthcoming safety planning efforts and review regional crash data by examining the data dashboard. The goal of these workshops is for all traffic safety stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on transportation safety challenges and opportunities for their regions.
Northeast Region – District 1– Flint Hills
Facilitator: Vanessa Spartan, AICP, Kansas Department of Transportation
Moderator: Jim Hollingsworth, Kansas Department of Transportation
West Region – Districts 2, 3, 6 – McDowell/Tuttle
Facilitator: Haley Dougherty, Kansas Department of Transportation
Moderator: Gary Herman, Kansas Department of Transportation
South Region – Districts 4, 5 – Kings ABC
Facilitator: Max Wilcox, Kansas Department of Transportation
Moderator: David Schwartz, Kansas Department of Transportation
1.50 AICP Credit
Breakout Sessions
Concurrent Sessions 5
Wednesday, April 22 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Kings ABC Rooms
MODERATOR: Gayle Donaldson, KDOT
Prioritizing Safety for Kids Walking, Biking, and Rolling to School
Speakers: Jared Tremblay, Scott Harris, Jenny Kramer
BIOS: Jared Tremblay is Planning Manager for the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization, based out of Manhattan, Kansas. As a GIS professional, Jared enjoys using data to improve the safety and efficiency of all modes of transportation planning, especially for people walking, biking, and bussing. He has been the lead on numerous efforts including the city of Manhattan’s Bike & Pedestrian Systems Plan, Flint Hills ATA Bus realignment studies, Safe Routes to School & Active Transportation Plans, demonstration and semi-permanent safety projects, and the Regional Connections Plan (trails). Jared serves as a member of several KDOT boards including the Pedestrian Emphasis Area Team, working to improve conditions for walking and biking in the Kansas Drive to Zero report, and the State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC). Most importantly, he rides his bike multiple times daily for transportation and weekly out on the beautiful gravel roads of the Flint Hills, and he walks his daughter to school every day.
Scott Harris is a planner with public and community advocacy experience developing multimodal transportation plans and policies for clients across the country. In Kansas, Scott leads development with KDOT of Safe Routes to School Planning and Programming Grants for communities across the state. Prior to entering planning, Scott was an attorney, allowing him to help clients think creatively and practically in developing transportation solutions.
Jenny Kramer serves as KDOT’s Active Transportation Manager. She is responsible for overseeing the KDOT-administered Transportation Alternatives program and serves as the state Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator. Prior to working for KDOT, Jenny served as the Community Health Promotion Section Director at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Jenny received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a Master of Science in Nutrition Science with a focus on public health from the University of Utah. Jenny primarily walks and bikes for transportation.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: This session will describe the huge strides the Kansas Safe Routes to School Program has made to date and provide updates on the funding, educational resources that are now available, and proven safety countermeasures that communities across the state are beginning to implement.
1.00 AICP Credit
Wednesday, April 22 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Alcove
MODERATOR: Amy Smith, KDOT
The Public Trust Toolkit: Winning Support for Safety Decisions
Speakers: Philip Harris
BIO: Philip Harris serves as the Bureau Chief of Public Information for KDOT, overseeing high-level strategic communication statewide. With over a decade of experience in high-stakes governmental and nonprofit communications, he functions as the principal strategist responsible for synthesizing complex technical subjects (including advanced technology systems and intricate transportation policy) into precise, accessible public narratives and education for diverse audiences. A recognized specialist in crisis management and adaptive communication, his core responsibilities extend to designing proactive rapid response plans and formulating essential messaging during critical incidents to safeguard KDOT’s organizational credibility. In this capacity, he serves as the agency’s primary media point of contact, actively crafting key public information materials such as press releases and official Q&As. He systematically cultivates public support and enhances agency credibility through consistent daily engagement with news media, local officials, and business partners. Mr. Harris holds a master’s degree in Communication and Advocacy from James Madison University, providing the framework necessary to drive effective public action and action within the transportation sector.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: Effective transportation safety, from road design to critical incident response, depends on public cooperation and trust. This presentation offers officials, law enforcement, educators, and first responders a practical, two-part media strategy to improve public perception and support for their work.
- Getting Ahead (Proactive): Strategies for framing long-term projects, laws, and educational campaigns to secure public buy-in and reduce resistance to necessary changes
- Handling the Crisis (Reactive): Protocols for rapid, transparent communication during immediate safety events, such as traffic incidents or critical closures, to manage public frustration and reinforce institutional competence
By adopting these communication methods, safety stakeholders can proactively shape the public narrative, build essential community trust, and ensure their vital dedication to safety is understood and supported.
1.00 AICP Credit/1.00 EMS Operations Credit
Wednesday, April 22 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Flint Hills
MODERATOR: Jim Hollingsworth, KDOT
CMV Safety and How You Can Help
Speaker: Capt. Stephen LaRow
BIO: Capt. Stephen LaRow has 21 years of law enforcement experience in the State of Kansas, the last 17 with the Kansas Highway Patrol. As the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program Lead, Capt. LaRow oversees the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. This includes commercial motor vehicle inspections, vehicle size and weight enforcement, safety audits, crash data, and compliance reviews.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: This session will help law enforcement and the public aid in safe traveling with commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). In addition to passenger vehicle drivers being aware of challenges CMV drivers face daily including stopping distances and sightline issues, Capt. LaRow will address inspection, load enforcements, and safety audits, including tire pressure, brake testing and more. Learn about the KHP high-tech weigh station and license plate recognition (LPR) as it pertains to commercial driver licenses and leveraging technology.
1.00 AICP Credit
Wednesday, April 22 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. – McDowell/Tuttle
MODERATOR: Max Wilcox, KDOT
Institutionalizing the Safe System Approach
SPEAKER: Nicole Waldheim
BIO: Nicole Waldheim is a Principal with Fehr & Peers and a nationally recognized multimodal safety expert. With 20 additional years of experience in transportation planning and policy, Nicole has spent over a decade specializing in safety planning. Throughout her career, Nicole has focused on leading safety planning efforts, including Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSPs), regional and local safety plans, and Vision Zero efforts, and has worked on nearly 50 safety plans across the country.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION: The Safe System Approach (SSA) is widely recognized for its potential to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries, but U.S. transportation agencies have not fully institutionalized its principles within planning and programming. A recently developed toolkit features actionable strategies and real-world examples to help agencies build readiness and integrate SSA across all aspects of their work programs. This session will be for practitioners who are ready to take the next step in safety, sharing ideas for bolder safety practices to initiate, difficult barriers to be broken down, and methods to make “every dollar a safety dollar” and safety the “easy and obvious choice” for all stakeholders and system users.
1.00 AICP Credit