Convention keynote will share path to lifesaving passion

Convention keynote will share path to lifesaving passion

‘Wine to Water’ founder’s journey led to global clean water program

Doc Hendley works on one of his clean water projects.

Like ATSSA’s members, Doc Hendley seeks to save lives each day but the path to his purpose was anything but conventional.

The North Carolina resident, now in his 40s, stumbled upon his calling while bartending after college simply to pay the bills. While listening to customers he learned he could transform lives through clean water.

Today, he runs a global nonprofit, “Wine to Water,” and will share the story of how he became a lifesaver as keynote speaker for ATSSA’s 2025 Convention & Traffic Expo in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 28-March 4.

Through his journey, he learned the value of putting simple ideas into action and the power of relationships to overcome perceived barriers, discovering the difference each individual can make.

ATSSA’s 55^th Annual Convention & Traffic Expo has been reimagined for 2025 with greater opportunities for education, more time to explore the Traffic Expo and an enhanced Circle of Innovation.

Hendley will deliver the keynote address on Monday, March 3, during the Convention’s single general session, which will include a leadership update, legislative update, ATSS Foundation update and the announcement of the year’s national award winners.

Wine to Water started in 2004 with wine tastings and a donation jar. Those donations propelled the musician and bartender onto his first overseas clean-water effort that quickly became his mission and has now spread to Nepal, the Dominican Republic, the Amazon and Tanzania. In 2012, Hendley recounted his story in the self-authored book, “Wine to Water: How One Man Saved Himself While Trying to Save the World.”

Hear from Hendley and learn about the latest advances in roadway safety, network with experts and explore the cavernous display area of the Orange County Convention Center at ATSSA’s 2025 Convention & Traffic Expo, Feb. 28-March 4.

Registration is now open.