Advisor, Operational Preparedness & Emergency Communications
Kimberly is a highly experienced professional with over three decades of public service in law enforcement. A Los Angeles native, her career has given her a comprehensive understanding of the field from both a police officer and dispatcher’s perspective.
Kimberly is the President of Kim Turner, LLC, which provides 9-1-1 training and consulting services to public safety answering points nationwide. She also serves as CEO of the Kim Turner Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to research, training, and wellness for 9-1-1 first responders.
As a published author and a certified Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Master Instructor, Kimberly merges her extensive practical experience with her advanced education to create progressive training models for law enforcement. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Loyola Marymount University, a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Science in Justice Studies from San José State University.
Head of First Responder Policy at Aurora
Gary McCarthy is a pivotal figure in the autonomous vehicle industry, specializing in first responder policy and collaboration. As Head of First Responder Policy at Aurora, he is instrumental in ensuring the safe and effective integration of AV technology with emergency services. He contributes to industry best practices through his participation in the AVIA First Responder Advisory Board.
Gary retired as a Bureau Chief in 2020 after a 25-year career with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Department of Transportation, where he gained extensive expertise in traffic safety and major crash investigations. His deep understanding of real-world traffic scenarios is critical in advancing autonomous vehicle safety protocols. He attended Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command (Class 208), and is a member of key industry and law enforcement associations to include International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Fire Chief’s, National Sheriff’s Association and a member of the Law Enforcement Advisory Board for the American Trucking Association.
Director of Fleet and Operational Safety at Bot Auto
Bart Teeter is a respected professional in transportation safety and technology, currently serving as Director of Fleet and Operational Safety at Bot Auto in Houston, TX. His experience includes a career as a Captain in the Texas Highway Patrol, where he specialized in commercial vehicle enforcement and autonomous vehicle integration. He contributes to industry discussions through his participation in the AVIA First Responder Advisory Board, and has also served in leadership roles with the Texas Connected and Automated Vehicle Task Force and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
Bart’s background includes 23 years of service as a cryptologic linguist in the US Army and Air Force Reserve, with deployments to South Korea and Iraq. This experience adds a unique dimension to his understanding of complex operational environments.
Advisor, Physical Security & Passenger Safety
Chief Ryan Stonebraker brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience, culminating in his role as Chief with the CHP. His expertise in physical security and protection is demonstrated through leadership roles in the CHP’s Protective Services Division, where he was responsible for the safety of state elected officials and facilities. He has a deep understanding of homeland security, threat assessment, and emergency management, having directed California’s Fusion Center and chaired the state’s threat assessment system. Chief Stonebraker is a proven leader with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, honed through managing complex investigations and critical incidents. His experience with advanced security technology at Flock Safety and his Master’s degree in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding further enhance his qualifications for this advisory role.
Advisor, Transportation Security & Risk Management
Johnny Starling, a seasoned law enforcement executive with expertise in incident command, risk management, and threat assessment, brings a unique perspective to the evolving transportation sector. His background in dignitary protection and security operations, including the California Highway Patrol and Governor’s Protective Detail, demonstrates a deep understanding of strategic planning and safety protocols. As a dedicated instructor, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge to enhance transportation safety. Mr. Starling’s commitment to public safety and his insights into the complexities of modern transportation make him a valuable asset in developing effective solutions for the increasingly complex and autonomous transportation systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management from Bellevue University.
Advisor, Strategic Initiatives & Educational Initiatives
Dr. John Satterfield is a seasoned law enforcement executive with over 30 years of experience in a major metropolitan Sheriffs Department. His career is marked by a commitment to public safety, strategic leadership, and innovative training programs. As a former Chief of Staff, he has a proven track record of overseeing department-wide initiatives and fostering collaboration. Dr. Satterfield’s expertise in incident command showcases his ability to manage critical situations and ensure safety. He is a recognized expert in law enforcement training, translating complex concepts into practical skills. His dedication to best practices makes him a sought-after instructor. Holding an Ed.D. from USC and Master Instructor certification, Dr. Satterfield’s unique blend of experience makes him an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of integrating new technologies into our transportation system.
Advisor, Law Enforcement Operations & Incident Management
Captain Amira Eppolito brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience to AVRS Group. Starting as a patrol officer and rising to a commanding officer, with extensive experience leading investigations, she has a deep understanding of police operations. Amira is committed to public safety, spearheading initiatives for crime reduction and community trust-building. Her leadership extends to officer development, designing training curricula for effective policing. As a Master Instructor, she ensures officers have the necessary skills in an evolving environment. Her incident command experience, including serving as a watch commander, highlights her ability to make rapid, strategic decisions during critical incidents. Amira’s dedication to public service, combined with her Master’s in Executive Leadership from USC, makes her an invaluable asset.
Founder and CEO, AVRS Group
Tamara Patrick is a visionary public safety leader and the Founder and CEO of AVRS Group. With a distinguished career in law enforcement, training, and standards development, Tamara is passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to enhance public safety and emergency response. Her extensive experience with the California Highway Patrol and the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing first responders in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
At AVRS Group, Tamara leads a team of experts dedicated to providing cutting-edge training and support to first responders. Her commitment to excellence, combined with her strategic vision, drives the company’s mission to empower first responders with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively navigate the complexities of automated vehicle technology and ensure the safety of their communities.
