The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is the states' voice on highway safety. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, GHSA represents the state and territorial highway safety offices that implement programs to address behavioral issues, including: occupant protection, impaired driving, speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, motorcycle safety, and pedestrian and bicycle safety. GHSA Members also address issues associated with mature and younger drivers. Beyond behavioral issues, GHSA and its Members deal with other aspects of highway safety, such as traffic records and training.

Mission

GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states to improve traffic safety, influence national policy and enhance program management.

Goals

• Establish traffic safety as a national priority
• Expand and deliver member support services
• Strengthen partnerships to achieve GHSA's mission and goals

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Our History

The Highway Safety Act of 1966 created a unique partnership among federal, state and local governments to address the problem of unsafe highways. The Act established the State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program (U.S.C. Title 23, Section 402), commonly known as the "402" program. State Highway Safety Offices were created as a result of the legislation and were funded mainly with 402 funds.

In 1967, several state Highway Safety Representatives, realizing the need to share information and collectively work for national safety goals, decided to organize into a formal group. The National Conference of Governors' Highway Representatives was born. The organization was incorporated in 1974 and received nonprofit status in 1976. In the ensuing years, its membership, expertise and influence grew. in 2002, the organization's name was changed to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

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Membership & Funding

GHSA Members

Highway safety program managers, appointed by the governors of the states and U.S. territories make up the membership of GHSA. These members are responsible for developing and implementing highway safety programs, maintaining fiscal oversight of the programs, and evaluating the programs' impact on highway safety problems. Members pay annual dues based partly on a flat fee and partly on a proportional formula that considers state population.

Associate Members

GHSA Associate Members are organizations, associations and businesses whose goals and interests are compatible with GHSA. A special classification as "Member Emeritus" is available to former Governors' Representatives and Coordinators who are no longer employed by a state or territorial highway safety office but who still have an active interest in the Association and in highway safety issues. Associate membership with GHSA offers a variety of benefits as well as access to the Association, and associate membership fees are tax-deductible. (The GHSA Federal ID number is 521021004.)

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Governing Documents

All documents are in pdf format.

• Bylaws–Outlines the Association's purposes and structure.
• Articles of Incorporation–The legal document establishing GHSA as a nonprofit organization operating in the District of Columbia. It includes the 2002 amendment officially changing the name of the association from its prior appellation, the National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Representatives.
• Strategic Plan–Approved at the Oklahoma City Annual Meeting in September of 2006, this will guide the Association's activities through 2010.
• Operating Policies–Outlines the Board adopted policies on issues such as membership and ethics.
• Highlights of Association Activity–Describes the most recent GHSA activities.

Visit www.guidestar.org to access GHSA's most recent IRS 990 forms. You will need to complete the free online registration to access the information.

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Leadership

Executive Board

GHSA is governed by an Executive Board consiting officers and representatives and alternates from the 10 NHTSA regions.

Committees

Much of the work of the Association is conducted through its three standing committees:

• Member Services–organizes the annual Executive Seminar on Program Management which provides a "crash course" for new members on managing a highway safety office.
• Finance and Operations–reviews and revises Association business policies and procedures to ensure its effectiveness.
• Strategic Communications–works to achieve maximum visibility for GHSA positions and activities.

On occasion, the GHSA Chairman appoints task forces to address specific highway safety issues or concerns.

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GHSA Staff

GHSA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., near Capitol Hill. From here, staff plan and review highway safety policy by the Congress and the Administration, working to ensure the states' perspective is represented to key officials, members of the media and others in the transportation safety communiies. By parterning with other state associations and other numerous partners, GHSA has been an effective voice for shaping national highway safety initiatives.

Barbara Harsha, Executive Director Biography >> Government Relations Policy Development Federal Contract Administration Organizational Representative	Jonathan Adkins, Communications Director Media Relations Publication Development Organizational Representative "Driving Skills for Life" Program Manager
Denise Alston, Director of Administration General Information Associate Membership Opportunities Accounts Payable/Receivable Meeting Registration	Kara Macek, Communications Manager Webmaster Technology Coordinator Internal Communications Publication Development