How did your career get its start?

I started to work for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in the Department of Vehicle Regulation, IRP Section, in October 1979. I moved up the ranks, where I managed the IRP and One Stop operations in the Division of Motor Carriers. I worked in this area for more than 24 years before having the opportunity to work for AAMVA as director of Motor Carrier Services in 2004. Then I moved over to IRP, Inc., in 2009 as a contract employee. In 2011, I was asked to take on the CEO role for IRP, Inc. on an interim basis, and I was hired full-time as the CEO in June 2012.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

There are several. To narrow it down, I had the opportunity to serve the IRP community on the IRP, Inc. board of directors and, in 2003, to serve as its chair. I was honored to be selected by my peers to serve in that capacity.

When the opportunity came along to work for AAMVA and IRP, Inc., I was so honored to be able to work with these organizations to continue to serve the IRP and motor carrier services communities, and I hope to make a difference along the way.

I like to think we have made some major accomplishments over the years. One is the development and implementation of the IRP Data Repository system that is serving the membership in many important ways, including providing needed registration data to law enforcement and helping improve highway safety for commercial motor carriers.

What safety initiatives have you worked on that have been most memorable?

I think my most memorable was when I worked for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and was selected to be a part of the Kentucky Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) team and eventually served as project manager for that effort. The CVISN is a program or project sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Kentucky was one of the original states to sign up for this effort to improve data access and sharing to ultimately improve highway safety.

We were able to develop and implement programs such as online electronic registration processes for registration of commercial motor vehicles, a roadside screening program at Kentucky weigh stations and infrared brake testing technology to ensure truck brakes are functioning properly.

What has your involvement with AAMVA been like?

My involvement with AAMVA has been a rewarding and positive experience. Over the years, I have had the chance to be involved in many projects with AAMVA, both when I was employed there and before and after my stint with AAMVA. AAMVA is a great community of folks working to improve the motor vehicle regulation experience and make things better for the general public.