Russ Martin is Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations for GHSA. He represents the State Highway Safety Offices before federal agencies and Congress to shape national transportation policy, assist states as they work to address highway safety issues and improve the delivery of federal and state safety programs. Martin also works closely with partner organizations to improve road safety and promote GHSA objectives.
Martin is a national expert on behavioral traffic safety issues and directs GHSA’s engagement on emerging vehicle technology. He has managed research projects for GHSA on the Safe System approach, equity in highway safety, drugged driving, speeding and automated vehicles. Martin has also spoken in national and local forums and has served as a spokesperson on a variety of traffic safety issues, including distracted driving, occupant protection, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, first responder safety and Vision Zero.
Martin manages the planning of the policy content of GHSA’s Annual Meetings. He plans and serves as a faculty member for GHSA’s Executive Seminar for Program Management. He has also planned and managed numerous other highway safety meetings and projects.
Prior to joining GHSA in 2017, Martin was Manager of State Relations at AAA, where he spent over eight years supporting AAA’s network of motor clubs to advocate on behalf of AAA members on traffic safety, vehicle technology and motorists’ rights. At AAA, Martin managed a number of special projects, including the AAA Digest of Motor Laws, research on older-driver safety and the future of transportation.
Martin is a 2021 recipient of Responsibility.org’s Kevin E. Quinlan Award for Excellence in Traffic Safety.
Martin is a native of Virginia and holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from James Madison University.
Media inquiries should be directed to Adam Snider, Director of Communications, at 202-580-7930 or asnider@ghsa.org.