For more than 30 years, ATSSA members have honored and recognized public officials with the National Safety Award. To be eligible for this award, nominees must be employed by a government agency (or retired from a government agency within the last two years) and have made a significant contribution to the safety of our nation’s highways. Note: Only ATSSA members may submit a nomination.

Award Type

  • Industry Awards
  • Member Awards

Call for Nominations

The 2025 call for nominations is now closed as of Aug. 1.

Only ATSSA members may submit a nomination. The 2025 National Safety Award nominations are now closed. Thank you for your submissions.

Previous award recipients

Dick Albin

FHWA

2024

William “Bill” Lambert

New Hampshire DOT

2023

Neil Boudreau

Massachusetts DOT

2022

Ginger Quinn

Virginia DOT

2021

John Leonard

Utah DOT

2020

Paul Kelley

Virginia DOT

2019

Scott McCanna

Oregon DOT

2018

Chris Brookes

Michigan DOT

2017

Steve Kite

North Carolina DOT

2016

Martin Weed

Washington State DOT

2015

Frank Newboles

Washington State DOT

2014

Frederick G. “Bud” Wright

AASHTO

2013

Jason Altmire

U.S. House of Reps.

2012

Joseph Toole

FHWA

2011

J. Stuart Bourne

North Carolina DOT

2010

Priscilla Tobias

Illinois DOT

2009

Larry Tibbits

Michigan DOT

2008

Tamie McGowen

Caltrans

2007

Scott Thorson

Nevada DOT

2006

James Oberstar

U.S. House of Reps.

2005

Ernie Huckaby

FHWA

2004

Lee Billingsley

Broward County, Fla.

2003

Rudy Umbs

FHWA

2002

Mike Crow

Kansas DOT

2001

Wil Brannon

Pierce County DOT

2000

David Rush

Virginia DOT

1999

Gary Trietsch

Texas DOT

1998

Jim Culp

Michigan DOT

1997

Joe Lasek

FHWA

1996

Greg Schertz

FHWA Region 8

1995

Dick Gumtau

FHWA Region 6

1994

Jimmy Lynch

North Carolina DOT

1993

Marsh Hollen

City of Phoenix

1992

Joe Vattilana

Delaware DOT

1991

Tom Hicks

Maryland DOT

1990

Phil Russell

FHWA

1989