IRVINE, Calif., May 27, 2009 – Julie Chichlowski has been appointed the new Chair of the Board for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). She succeeds former MSF Chair of the Board David Edwards, who retired in April of 2009 from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. after 38 years of service.

Edwards joined the MSF Board in 2003, was elected Vice Chair in 2004, and became Chair in 2006. At the time of his retirement, he was American Honda’s national manager for the Motorcycle Division’s Education and Environment Department, which provides oversight for safety training at Honda's Rider Education Centers, monitors motorcycle and ATV safety issues, government relations, and environmental issues surrounding motorcycles and ATVs.

“MSF was very fortunate to have someone with Dave’s experience in rider safety and training issues,” said MSF President Tim Buche. “We applaud his many contributions to motorcycle safety and wish him the very best in his new retirement ventures.”

During his tenure on the MSF Board, Edwards provided leadership on key MSF safety initiatives, including the introduction of the ERC RiderCourse Suite; the launch of Scooter School 1; publication of an all-new MSF book, Guide to Motorcycling Excellence; the landmark Discovery Project, a $1.2 million multi-year research program; the introduction of the Military SportBike RiderCourse, as well as courses utilizing the Honda SMARTrainer™, a traffic simulator on a special frame with actual motorcycle controls for the user interface.

 “We’re really excited to have Julie take on the role of Chair of the Board for MSF,” Buche said. “Her track record in rider safety programs is exemplary; and we’re seeing great synergies as a result of her guidance. For example, MSF worked closely with the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge staff to pilot test two versions of an introduction to motorcycling RiderCourse, and the resulting data enabled us make to make an informed decision on which course to pursue.” 

Currently director, Trike Platform, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Chichlowski began serving as a Member of the Board of Trustees in October 2007, was elected to the position of Vice Chair of the Board for the MSF in February 2009, and succeeded Edwards as Chair this past April.

“I’m honored to serve as Chair of the MSF Board of Trustees,” said Chichlowski. “I look forward to working closely with my peers in the industry and the MSF staff to continue to promote the safety of motorcyclists.” 

Chichlowski joined Harley-Davidson in 1992 as a manufacturing engineer in Powertrain Operations, and since then has served in leadership roles in Powertrain Operations, Powertrain Engineering and Product Development, Corporate Strategic Planning, Product Plant Management, and Rider Services.  She was Director of Rider’s Edge for three years prior to her current role in Trike.

She came to Harley-Davidson from the Aircraft Engine Division of General Electric Company, after several assignments in other General Electric businesses. Chichlowski graduated from Iowa State University with an Industrial Engineering Degree, and received an MBA from Xavier University.

A rider since 1992, Chichlowski currently rides a Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider. (Right)

Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. 

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.