Amy Artuso Hillary, DrPH, MPH
Dr. Amy Artuso Hillary, DrPH, MPH, is a nationally recognized leader in public health and injury prevention, currently serving as Director of Driver Safety Training Programs at the National Safety Council. With more than 30 years of experience spanning healthcare, community outreach, and transportation safety, she leads strategic initiatives that advance occupant protection, driver education, and evidence-based safety programming. In her role, Amy collaborates with government agencies, private partners, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver impactful programs aimed at reducing roadway injuries and fatalities. She is widely regarded as a subject matter expert, media spokesperson, and advocate for innovative, data-driven safety solutions.
Amy began her career as a Certified Child Life Specialist, working in pediatric healthcare settings including Yale New Haven Hospital and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, where she supported children and families through complex medical experiences. Witnessing the preventable nature of many injuries, she transitioned into injury prevention and public health, earning her Master of Public Health and later her Doctor of Public Health from the University of South Florida. Her career also includes service as a training and curriculum specialist with the U.S. Department of the Army in Germany, as well as leadership roles in national safety coalitions. She has played a pivotal role in advancing child passenger safety, including leading the development of the National Digital Car Seat Check Form, which has generated hundreds of thousands of data points to inform safety improvements nationwide.
Throughout her career, Amy has demonstrated exceptional resilience and commitment to service. A first-generation college graduate, she completed her doctoral degree while undergoing intensive treatment for stage 3 breast cancer—an experience that underscores her perseverance and dedication to her mission. She has served as chairperson of the National Child Passenger Safety Board and remains actively engaged in professional and community organizations, including safety advocacy and cancer support initiatives. Driven by values of integrity, innovation, and compassion, Amy is passionate about reshaping safety culture through education and positive messaging, while also prioritizing her role as a wife and mother, which she describes as her ultimate “why” in protecting lives on the road.
• Delta Omega Honorary Society
• Bystander Training: From Bystander to Upstander
• Unconscious Bias
• Strategic Thinking
• Systems Thinking
• Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers
• Delivering Employee Feedback
• Recognizing and Rewarding Your Workers
• Prioritizing Effectively as a Leader
• Mindful Leadership
• Becoming an Impactful and Influential Leader
• Data Strategy
• Adapting Leadership to Behavioral Styles
• Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research
• SPSS Statistics Essential Training
• Project Management Simplified
• Becoming an Agile Coach
• Project Management Tips
• The Six Morning Habits of High Performers
• Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling (getAbstract Summary)
• University of South Florida - DrPH
• 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award, University of South Florida College of Public Health
• The Arne Siegel SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. Child Restraint Award of Excellence
• Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society, 2023 Inductee
• Recipient of the NSC 2019 SAMMY Award for Innovation: New Programs
• Cited in "Careful: A User's Guide to Our Injury-Prone Minds" by Steve Casner
• American Public Health Association
• Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society
• National Association of Women Highway Safety Leaders
• USF College of Public Health Alumni Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, a strong sense of purpose, and a deep commitment to helping others. As a first-generation college student, I built my career through persistence and a willingness to grow with every opportunity, including completing my doctoral degree while undergoing cancer treatment. I’m also grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and families I’ve worked with, whose experiences continue to inspire my passion for making a meaningful impact through education and prevention.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay open to opportunities—you don’t have to have your entire path figured out. My career reflects this mindset, as it has evolved from clinical care into broader public health leadership and national program development by remaining adaptable and willing to embrace new directions.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering this field to stay open, gain as much experience as possible, and not be afraid to step into roles that challenge them. Stay curious and adaptable, as careers in public health and safety often evolve in unexpected but meaningful ways. Most importantly, find your “why”—a strong sense of purpose will sustain you through challenges and guide your path forward.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is shifting public perception and behavior around safety—moving away from fear-based messaging toward education that truly resonates and leads to lasting habits. In addition, evolving policies and varying state regulations can make it difficult to implement consistent safety initiatives.
At the same time, there are significant opportunities to expand safety education across all populations—not just children, but all vehicle occupants. I’m particularly excited about scaling programs that integrate data, training, and real-world application, such as the National Digital Car Seat Check Form, which continues to generate valuable insights and shape safer practices nationwide.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, accountability, transparency, and honesty are at the core of both my work and personal life. I also value innovation and problem-solving, always seeking better ways to educate and protect communities. Above all, family is incredibly important to me, and I strive to model compassion, resilience, and dedication for my children.