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Presenter Bios

DIAD Education Program Presenters

DIAD provides access to a team of TIRF researchers who are knowledgeable about a broad range of road safety issues, and who can share the latest research findings and evidence-based programs and policies.

The TIRF team has worked with practitioners across transportation, health and criminal justice systems throughout North America and around the world. Meet our presenters below.

Karen Bowman, Director, Communications & Programs

Karen founded TIRF’s Drop It And Drive® (DIAD) program in 2010 and is frequently called on by the media for comments on issues related to distracted driving and road safety. The interactive style of the DIAD program helps achieve behavioural change through imparting knowledge, science, and practical, usable tools in a highly efficient and engaging manner. DIAD programs are well-known across multiple sectors and industries for their current content, community and workplace expertise, and practical implementation strategies to address distraction-related workplace risks from an occupational health and safety perspective. Karen is an international public speaker on road safety and actively tracks new knowledge and initiatives related to distracted driving through her network of contacts across several countries.

Captain Tim Baillie (Retired), Surrey Fire Services

During his 27 years as a firefighter, Tim has attended more than a thousand motor vehicle collisions and has extensive rescue experience. Tim’s fire fighting career experiences bring an accurate and passionate perspective to this topic which helps create a reality-based learning experience. Tim’s background includes instructing at the Justice Institute of BC, OH&S Chair for the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters (BCPFFA) for 10 years, Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Diffuser, BC Federation of Labour OH&S representative for 12 years, and BCPFFA Vice-President Emeritus.

Kylee Bowman, Lead, TIRF Youth Advisor Program

Kylee leads the Youth Advisor Program at the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), with support and guidance from senior staff. TIRF’s Youth Advisor Program is designed to tap into the views, experiences and attitudes of young road users and help TIRF develop educational strategies and communiciate risks in ways that are relatable and engaging for young audiences. Another objective of this program is to give voice to young road users to positively influence road safety policies and practices. Kylee recently completed a graduated driver licensing program as well as previously completing two driver education courses. She was crash-involved as an 8-year-old, and since 2011, she has been part of TIRF’s Drop It And Drive® education program. Click here for a more comprehensive bio.

Robyn Robertson, President & CEO, TIRF

Robyn first joined TIRF as a Research Assistant in 1999 and was promoted to increasingly senior positions. She was appointed President & CEO by the Board of Directors in 2006. She is the author of TIRF’s knowledge translation model, and is well-versed in implementation strategies and operational practices across several sectors. As a knowledge broker Robyn has negotiated strong working relationships with a range of professional organizations to engage them in research initiatives. She is skilled at communicating technical information to diverse audiences and has authored educational primers for different audiences. She has also organized and hosted national and international conferences.

Staff Sergeant Bryan Fedirchuk, BCHP – Kamloops*

S/Sgt. Fedirchuk joined the RCMP in March 1996 and transferred to Traffic in June 1997, conducting traffic enforcement and collision investigation. He has 10 years experience as a collision analyst, has been a motor officer since 1998 and a motorcycle instructor since 2003. S/Sgt Fedirchuk has investigated thousands of collisions; this extensive experience gives him insights into this issue that are unique and invaluable in providing a clear understanding of the mechanics and physics of traffic safety. S/Sgt Fedirchuk continues to be an active RCMP instructor in several traffic-related fields, providing direction and insight to all levels of policing as requested.

*Special guest speaker as available

In Memoriam – Sergeant Robert (Bob) Nordlund, Surrey RCMP June 9, 1947 – November 14, 2019

Bob retired in 2011 after spending 26 plus years in traffic law enforcement and collision investigation. Bob was DIAD’s first RCMP co-speaker beginning in 2010; he was immediately supportive of DIAD’s efforts and selflessly shared his delightful sense of humour, heartfelt passion for road safety and insightful experiences during our presentations. Thank you for everything, Bob, you are missed.