Meet the Staff
Sandy Spavone
Executive Director
Sandy has worked with youth peer education national
programs since 1997. These
programs provide youth tools to take a concern and turn it into action. She has
developed national youth leadership training programs, programs to address
specific health and safety concerns, and coordinated national campaigns. Before
entering the non-profit field, Sandy taught 12th Grade English
and Advanced Placement English and served as a Student Government Sponsor for
eight years. The tragic loss of her
brother’s child to a drunk driver is the inspiration for her work with youth
both in education and now with NOYS® to help prevent these needless crashes.
In her role
with National Organizations for Youth Safety®, she launched National Youth
Traffic Safety Month®. This campaign
began April 23 in conjunction with the UN Global Road Safety Week and ran through the
month of May and has now become a national campaign held each May. Youth across the country develop projects,
events, and campaigns to address youth traffic safety in their communities.
Nicole Graziosi
Director of Programs
Nicole has worked in the marketing and communications
sector for the past four years. She has implemented projects and coordinated
events on the local and national levels, for versatile groups of people. The
projects and events have positively impacted groups of people such as high school
and college students, working adult professionals, veterans, and the elderly
communities. Her education background includes an English as a Second Language
Program Specialist Certification, M.B.A. with a concentration in international
business, and a B.S. degree in business administration and marketing.
Currently, Nicole is proud to work for NOYS to help develop youth programs and
empower youth to address youth health and safety concerns around the nation.
Julie Kettner
National Campaign Manager
Julie comes to NOYS® with an extensive background in
graphics design and public relations/marketing.
She has designed small business websites, as well as flyers, programs,
postcards, and much more. She has planned
events and exhibits for large groups working with a government contractor.
Julie’s responsibilities include
managing NOYS'® largest teen-led contest, Act Out Loud. Act Out Loud is part of National Youth
Traffic Safety Month and empowers youth to make NOYS® in their communities
regarding all aspects of safe teen driving. Julie also manages the NOYS® website and represents the NOYS® coalition at meetings and events.
Joseph S. Toole
Senior Technical Advisor
Joe recently retired in June 2011 as the Associate Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration's Office of Safety. During his tenure in that position he served on Secretary LaHood's Safety Council and worked closely with other USDOT partners, including NHTSA, FMCSA and RITA, to significantly reduce roadway crashes. In addition, Joe enjoyed working with dozens of safety groups and agencies to implement new strategies to move the Nation toward zero deaths. During his 36-year career with the FHWA, he was able to lead a number of programs focused on developing the transportation workforce, advancing new technologies, and implementing innovative solutions. Although Joe officially "retired", he continued to stay engaged in the industry and is looking forward to this new opportunity with NOYS®.