Conversations with Chrissy

Conversations with Chrissy | Episode #26: Alison Gillespie, Bike Maryland

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:24:49 GMT

In this episode of Conversations with Chrissy, we sit down with Alison Gillespie of Bike Maryland to talk about bike safety and the shared responsibility of keeping Maryland’s roads safe for everyone. Tune in for practical tips, important reminders, and a discussion on how drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can work together to prevent crashes and save lives.

Conversations with Chrissy | Episode #25: Lt. Patrick Kepp, Montgomery County Police Department

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:27:56 GMT

In this episode of Conversations with Chrissy, we sit down with Lieutenant Patrick Kepp of the Montgomery County Police Department to discuss his powerful story of resilience after being struck by a speeding driver in the line of duty—and how that experience helped shape stronger roadway safety laws in Maryland. From impaired driving enforcement to the impact of the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, Lt. Kepp shares critical insights on accountability, prevention, and what every driver needs to understand to keep our roads safe.

Conversations with Chrissy | Episode #24: Eric & Linda Carpenter-Grantham, Delegate Kym Taylor

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:48:19 GMT

In this episode we explore HB707 (Butterfly Law), groundbreaking new legislation that adds a butterfly symbol to Maryland IDs to support individuals with hidden disabilities. Chrissy is joined by Eric Carpenter-Grantham, his mother Linda and Delegate Kym Taylor to discuss the law’s origin, its impact, and what it means for visibility, safety and dignity across the state.

Conversations with Chrissy | Episode #23: Crystal Ryan, 2024 Harford Co Bus Driver of the Year

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:48:59 GMT

As the school season goes into full swing, we sat down to chat with the 2024 Harford County General Education School Bus Driver of the Year, Crystal Ryan, to discuss school bus safety, what it's like being a bus driver in Maryland, and common school bus myths!

Conversations with Chrissy | Episode #22: Vickie Brown, MADD Victim Volunteer

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:59:11 GMT

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Volunteer, Vickie Brown joins Administrator Nizer to share how her family was impacted by a drunk driver and her story of turning tragedy into positivity.

Conversations with Chrissy | Episode #21: Will Pines, State Highway Administrator

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 19:50:50 GMT

Maryland State Highway Administrator Will Pines joins Administrator Nizer to discuss work zone safety, safe driving practices, and SHA's efforts to keep Maryland's roadways beautiful.

Conversations with Chrissy | Episode #20: Colonel Joseph F. Scott

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:39:13 GMT

MDTA Chief of Police, Colonel Joseph F. Scott joins Administrator Nizer to discuss our joint efforts on traffic safety, rise in road rage, distracted driving, and more!

Conversations with Chrissy | Episode #19: Negash Assefa

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 18:12:38 GMT

MDOT Deputy Chief Information Officer, Negash Assefa joins Administrator Nizer to dive further into Mobile Driver's Licenses, how Maryland is paving the way, and some new exciting opportunities coming soon!

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #18: Ian Grossman

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:01:05 GMT

President & CEO of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrator's (AAMVA), Ian Grossman, discusses the rise of Mobile Driver's Licenses, the role AAMVA plays, and the progress motor vehicle agencies have made over time.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #17: Kandese Holford

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:16:06 GMT

MDOT's new Complete Streets policy has been signed and Kandese Holford, Director of Active Transportation and Micromobility (MDOT), is here to discuss the different initiatives and what they mean for Marylanders.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #16: First Sgt. Canfield

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 18:01:11 GMT

The weather is heating up and it's the perfect time to ride! In this episode, Maryland State Police First Sergeant Canfield talks about what it's like patrolling on two wheels, tips for drivers & riders, and some of the things he's seen on 695!

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #15: JT Bowers

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:57:39 GMT

Administrator Nizer visits Maryland DNR HQ to meet with Deputy Director, JT Bowers to discuss our tree-mendous program, partnerships and commitment to keeping Maryland beautiful.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #14: Col. Roland Butler

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:02:54 GMT

Administrator Nizer visits Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland Butler to discuss the MVA's partnership with law enforcement, traffic safety, and what to do when being pulled over by a police officer.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #13: Lt. Governor Aruna Miller & Teri Soos

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:47:33 GMT

Administrator Nizer visits the state house to chat with Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and MDOT SHA Deputy Administrator, Teri Soos about work zone crashes, the work zone work group, and how to keep Marylanders safe on our roadways.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #12: Chris McDonold & Bill Banahan

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 18:54:57 GMT

Administrator Nizer sits down with Chris McDonold, Executive Director of the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council and Bill Banahan, MVA Investigator. In this episode we discuss the recent increase in vehicle thefts, why its happening, and what Marylanders can do to prevent this crime.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #11: Louis Campion, Maryland Motor Truck Association

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:24:24 GMT

We spoke with Maryland Motor Truck Association President & CEO, Louis Campion during National Truck Driver Appreciation to discuss truck driving as a career, improvements made to the CDL process, and what to know for those looking to get into the field.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #10: Past MVA Administrators Roundtable (Part 2)

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:37:07 GMT

In the continuation of our discussion with past MVA administrators, we discussed federal Real ID mandates, highway safety, and some of the important lessons we've learned over the years.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #9: Past MVA Administrators Roundtable (Part 1)

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:31:03 GMT

Administrator Nizer holds a very special roundtable discussion with past MVA administrators Marshall Rickert, Anne Ferro, John Kuo and Milton Chaffee to look into the history and evolution of the agency. In the first part of this discussion, the Administrators discuss customer service, technological innovation, and more. Stay tuned for part 2!

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #8: Dawn Berkowitz, Maryland Cannabis Administration

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 19:04:51 GMT

MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer chats with Maryland Cannabis Administration's Deputy Director, Dawn Berkowitz, ahead of the July 1 recreational cannabis legalization to talk safety, usage, terminology, and to address common misconceptions.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #7: Danielle Farace, MD Soybean Board

Tue, 16 May 2023 19:30:47 GMT

As many Marylanders get ready to head down to the ocean, we drove down to the Easton branch office to chat with Danielle Farace about the importance of slow moving vehicle safety.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #6: Lisa Spicknall, Donate Life Maryland

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 18:25:55 GMT

Administrator Nizer sits down with Donate Life Maryland Executive Director, Lisa Spicknall to discuss organ, eye and tissue donation as well as break down common misconceptions.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #5: Stephen Ridella, NHTSA

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 19:13:09 GMT

On the heels of Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, Administrator Nizer spoke with Stephen Ridella, Director of Office of Defects Investigation at NHTSA, about the importance of checking for recalls, how to check, and how to get them fixed for free.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #4: Kenny Mason, Field Operations

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:28:41 GMT

Administrator Nizer is joined by District Manager, Kenny Mason to discuss our birth certificate printing program.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #3: Employees of the Month & Year!

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:53:56 GMT

In this episode, Administrator Nizer sat down with two Employee of the Month winners and our 2022 Employee of the Year to discuss life at MDOT MVA and the ways we work to better serve our customers.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #2: Myra Wieman, MHSO

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 16:02:20 GMT

Administrator Nizer chats with MHSO Deputy Director, Myra Wieman during Older Driver Safety Awareness week to discuss ways we're helping older drivers drive as long as possible as safely as possible.

Conversations with Chrissy I Episode #1: Dana Burl, MDVA

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 19:39:52 GMT

In our inaugural episode of Conversations with Chrissy, Administrator Nizer spoke with MDVA Communications Director, Dana Burl ahead of Veteran's Day to discuss the ways we serve veterans, resources available and things we've learned along the way.