Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NHTSA Event | Guest Bios

Latest Event

Winter Holiday Impaired Driving HVE Kickoff

December 9, 2025

Robert A. Blakley

Assistant Chief, Fairfax County Police Department

Robert Blakley, assistant chief for Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia, started his career as a Virginia state trooper where he quickly learned the devastating impacts of impaired driving. These experiences greatly influenced his career with the Fairfax County Police Department, where he has served in several roles, to include fatal crash investigator, traffic enforcement officer, police motorcycle operator, and commander of the department’s traffic division. Blakley currently oversees operations for the department, where he is responsible for directing traffic safety initiatives. Under his leadership, Fairfax County has seen a significant reduction in fatal crashes over the last several years, to include a 55% reduction in motor vehicle fatalities and a 38% reduction in pedestrian fatalities in 2025 alone.  

Blakley serves on the Internatinal Association of Chiefs of Police Roadway Safety Committee and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Highway Safety Committee. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond, a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia, and a master's degree in public administration from George Mason University, where he also serves as an adjunct professor.

Alison Birdwell

President, Aramark Sports + Entertainment

Alison Birdwell is president and CEO of Aramark Sports + Entertainment and oversees operations at premier stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and cultural attractions. In her more than 20 years at Aramark, Alison has led hospitality for major events including Super Bowls, World Series, Final Fours, and large-scale concerts and conventions. Her leadership spans every aspect of venue services — concessions, premium dining, retail, and venue management — for top-tier clients in every major sports league. In 2021, she was named a “Game Changer” by Sports Business Journal for her impact on the industry. 

She received her bachelor’s degree at Boston University and earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami.

Brian Baldinger

Former NFL player and current commentator and analyst

Brian Baldinger is a former NFL offensive lineman with the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. He played a total of 143 games during his 13-year NFL career and earned most valuable lineman with the Colts in 1991.  

Baldinger is currently an analyst on NFL Network’s “Playbook”, alongside Sterling Sharpe, Matt Millen and Super Bowl Champion Shaun O'Hara. He’s also seen on “NFL Total Access” and a regular contributor to NFL.com.

Michele Mirowicz Hobart

MADD advocate

Michele Mirowicz Hobart, a devoted mother of four from Poolesville, Maryland, had her life changed forever on November 29, 2024 – the day after Thanksgiving. Her oldest child, Amelia, a 19-year-old nursing student at Towson University who was home on Thanksgiving break, tragically lost her life in a fiery crash on I-270 in Bethesda, Maryland. The driver of the car Amelia was riding in was impaired as well as the driver in the van that struck them. 

Determined to transform her grief into meaningful action, Michele immediately joined Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to help prevent impaired driving from shattering other families. She now shares Amelia’s story with teens, elected officials, and the media, advocating for safer choices, stronger traffic safety enforcement, and the passage of laws aimed at ending impaired driving for good.