Staff
Ben Bruce / Strategic Partnership Manager
Ben Bruce joined the team at DRIVE SMART Virginia in January 2022. As our Strategic Partnership Manager, Ben oversees the Virginia Partners for Safe Driving initiative and works to strengthen our relationships in the business community. He also manages the teen driver simulator program and is involved in the marketing activities of the organization.
Prior roles have been in sales, marketing, and business development. A native to Virginia, Ben is married and has four children. He attended James Madison University and has a degree in Business Management.
Contact Ben Bruce at ben.bruce@drivesmartva.org
Leah Hostetler / Finance Manager
Leah Hostetler joined DRIVE SMART Virginia full-time in 2021. As Finance Manager, she handles fiscal operations, day-to-day office functions, and grants management. She also coordinates DRIVE SMART Virginia’s online store, which provides free materials to individuals, schools, and organizations.
Previously, Leah worked in administrative and records management positions for more than thirty years. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Contact Leah Hostetler at leah@drivesmartva.org
Rich Jacobs / Public Relations & Outreach Manager
Rich Jacobs joined DRIVE SMART Virginia in May 2015. As our public relations manager, Rich is DRIVE SMART Virginia’s primary contact for the public and the media. As outreach manager, he travels to events around the state in support of our programs.
Before joining DRIVE SMART Virginia, Rich was News Director for a group of five radio stations in Richmond. He has received awards from NASA, Richmond Fire & EMS, the Navy League, and has won three awards from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters. Rich served in the United States Coast Guard.
Contact Rich Jacobs at rich.jacobs@drivesmartva.org.
Kristin Pettway / Interim Executive Director
Kristin Pettway joined DRIVE SMART Virginia in April 2009 and is Interim Executive Director. During her time with the organization, Kristin has managed the trucking programs, created and managed the interactive teen driving program, developed traffic safety campaigns and collaterals, and managed community and sports partnerships, including Who’s Your Driver and What’s Your Gameplan. Kristin also manages the annual Distracted Driving Summit and handles most of the organization’s event planning.
Prior to DRIVE SMART Virginia, Kristin worked as a Program Coordinator for Rutgers Cooperative Extension for several years, helping provide New Jersey’s farmers with tools to ensure their future. She graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She volunteers in her spare time with Henrico Humane Society.
Contact Kristin Pettway at kristin.pettway@drivesmartva.org.