ASIRT Marks 30 Years at Annual Gala

NHTSA Administrator Morrison Participates in Fireside Chat;

Ambassador Marc Grossman and Hyundai’s Brian Latouf Honored

 

Nearly 200 attendees from government agencies, the diplomatic community, private industry, and community supporters gathered on November 12 in Washington, D.C., for an unforgettable evening to salute ASIRT and its many accomplishments and leadership over the past 30 years. Following a lively and lovely networking reception, the Gala program featured a dynamic lineup of honorees and special guests, impactful videos, and interactive moments that brought the community together in support of ASIRT’s vital mission to improve road safety both globally and locally.

In one of his first public appearances as the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Jonathan Morrison joined with former Senator Norm Coleman for a fireside chat to discuss his vision for the future of road safety. During his remarks, Administrator Morrison shared his plans to embrace an outward-facing culture at NHTSA and to engage with industry and safety advocates about future technology and NHTSA’s role. In response to a question posed by Senator Coleman, he also spoke about the interconnection of technology, AI, infrastructure design, and personal behavior and how changes in each can save lives on the roads.

Master of Ceremonies and Gala Co-Chair Andy Koblenz and ASIRT Founder and President Rochelle Sobel introduced and spoke about the impressive accomplishments and important roles of the evening’s honorees: Brian Latouf, President and Global Chief Safety and Quality Officer for the Hyundai Motor Group, and Ambassador Marc Grossman.

Brian Latouf of the Hyundai Motor Group was recognized for spearheading a safety revolution at Hyundai – integrating engineering resources, streamlining global safety operations, and building a culture at Hyundai where safety is foundational and embedded in every decision. In accepting the ASIRT Corporate Leadership in Road Safety Award, Latouf shared noteworthy automotive safety milestones from his 35 years in the industry and highlighted the evolution of technologies which have decreased the impact of behavioral mistakes. He noted that the greatest safety accomplishments result from collaboration among stakeholders, stakeholder partners, automotive companies, regulators, rating organizations, and advocacy groups like ASIRT.

Ambassador Marc Grossman, who was presented with the ASIRT Lifetime Aron Sobel Guardian Award, was recognized not only for his impressive resume and accomplishments but even more so for his compassion, wisdom, humility, and humanity that have touched so many lives. It was Ambassador Grossman’s vision, leadership, and early recognition of road crashes as a major risk to American travelers that inspired the creation of ASIRT. For 30 years, he has remained ASIRT’s friend, mentor, advisor, and wise counselor as well as a steadfast road safety champion. In accepting his award, Ambassador Grossman talked about families, communities, contributions, and legacies. For him, it was the opportunity to help American citizens who were in trouble of which he is most proud from his career as a diplomat. He included as part of his role the opportunity to support Rochelle Sobel who turned grief into determination to create and lead ASIRT, which he described as “a globally significant, purposeful organization that, in its turn, is committed to serving a community of road users and keeping individuals alive.”

Following a moment of silence for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which included Aron Sobel in whose memory ASIRT was founded, attendees viewed a video retrospective that reflected on ASIRT’s journey of three decades that focused on its history, progress, and a glimpse into the future. Watch this inspiring video.

Another special highlight of the evening focused on the next generation of road users and road safety advocates – young people. For the fifth year, ASIRT partnered with the Montgomery County Public School System (MCPS) to sponsor a road safety public service announcement (PSA) video contest for middle and high school students. More than 100 students submitted video entries, and, as part of the contest requirements, students conducted road safety research to educate themselves about the risks on the roads and to learn ways to protect themselves, their families, and friends as pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, and future drivers. Always a special part of the evening, the winning videos were shown, and the audience applauded the winners and their families – all of whom were present at the Gala. Congratulations to this year’s contest winners! Click here to view the winning student PSA videos.

Special acknowledgement and thank you to this year’s Gala Corporate Sponsors:

Diamond Sponsor: Hyundai
Platinum Sponsor: National Hockey League
Gold Sponsors: AISIN, NADA, Toyota, Waymo
Silver Sponsor: Mazda
Bronze Sponsors: FIA Foundation, Ford Motor Company

ASIRT expresses continuing gratitude to our many private sponsors and contributors who demonstrate their commitment to road safety by supporting ASIRT’s important work advocating for, educating, and protecting travelers at home in the U.S. and in countries around the world.

Read more about this year’s Gala celebrating 30 years of ASIRT along with bios from this year’s honorees and speakers.

ASIRT Founders Circle

Back row (left to right): Ambassador Marc Grossman; Kimberly Harrington; Miriam Cohen; Benita Sandler; Karen Meister; Debby Weinstein; H. Randall Morgan; Congressman Robert Wexler; Front row (left to right): Susan Zuckerman; Judi Kranz; Rochelle Sobel; Andrew D. Koblenz; Daniel Brod; Laurie Wexler
Not pictured: Paul J. Blank; Judy Frank; Marcelle Garih; Dr. Stephen Hargarten; Ambassador Stuart Jones; Linda Katzper; Meyer Katzper; Jocelyn Krifcher; Danny Krifcher; Annette Ehrlich Lakein; Sharon Lieberman; Steve Lieberman; Stein Lundebye; Bashi Packer; Joan Rosenberg; Marvin Rosenberg*; Rochelle Wiener
*of blessed memory