iRAP is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Peter Kissinger Award, recognising the outstanding contributions of its dedicated staff and their commitment to safer roads worldwide.
This year, Nathalie Chiavassa, Safer Journeys Lead (Africa), et Michael Jarvis, System Administrator, have been named as deserving winners, celebrated for their exceptional impact, leadership, and embodiment of iRAP’s values.
Honouring a Lasting Legacy
Le Peter Kissinger Memorial Award honours the life and contribution of Peter Kissinger, a deeply respected leader, mentor, and road safety champion.
The award recognises the iRAP staff member who most reflects the values and spirit Peter demonstrated every day—including shared purpose, collaboration, integrity, evidence-based action, and a commitment to delivering results.
As in previous years, the award was selected by Willie Kissinger, Peter’s wife, who continues this important tradition. In 2026, following 11 outstanding nominations, Willie noted the exceptional strength of the field and ultimately could not separate two remarkable candidates, naming Nathalie and Mike as joint winners.
🌟 Nathalie Chiavassa – Strengthening Road Safety Across Africa
Nathalie Chiavassa, Safer Journeys Lead (Africa), is a dedicated road safety specialist and certified road safety auditor with more than 20 years of experience across Sub‑Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.
She has led and contributed to major road safety initiatives across more than 15 African countries – supporting policy development, capacity building, technical training programmes, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Her expertise spans road safety engineering, on-site assessments, technical guidance, and advisory support to governments, agencies, and civil society.
Since joining iRAP in 2023, Nathalie has continued to drive efforts to save lives across the continent through partnership and leadership.
Colleagues describe Nathalie as:
- Humble, passionate & well respected
- Supporting & empowering partners
- Kind, enthusiastic & reliable team member
- Innovative & goal-oriented.
Nathalie’s ability to empower partners and strengthen capacity, combined with her technical expertise and collaborative leadership, reflects the very best of iRAP and the enduring spirit of Peter Kissinger.
Reflecting on her nomination, Willie Kissinger said:
“Nathalie’s work in Safer Roads for Africa was just dazzling. She is deeply passionate about advancing road safety and has made a significant contribution to iRAP’s impact in Africa.
Working across a complex region with diverse challenges, she shows exceptional understanding and leadership – building trusted relationships, empowering partners, and consistently delivering meaningful improvements.”
🌟 Michael Jarvis – Enabling Impact Through Strong Systems
Michael Jarvis, System Administrator, is an experienced Linux and systems specialist with a strong background in cloud infrastructure and platform support.
Mike plays a critical role in ensuring iRAP’s systems are secure, stable, and fit for purpose, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term organisational growth. Working across on-premise and cloud environments, he focuses on building resilient infrastructure, maintaining robust systems, and enabling teams with practical, dependable solutions.
Known for his hands-on approach, Mike emphasises strong security practices, clear documentation, and continuous improvement, helping deliver systems that are efficient, scalable, and reliable.
Colleagues describe Mike as:
- Inspirational & proactive
- Focused & solution oriented
- Respectful & considerate
- Innovative, efficient & supportive.
Mike’s behind-the-scenes contribution is vital – ensuring iRAP’s global work is supported by strong, reliable systems and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
In announcing Mike as co-winner, Willie Kissinger shared:
“Mike brings passionate commitment, works relentlessly with colleagues and partners, and inspires others to aim higher so we can save lives together.
He is driven to find solutions, always ready to support others, and brings energy, creativity and a genuine commitment to improving road safety. His leadership and technical strength help turn ideas into real-world impact.”
Recognising Our Nominees
This year, 11 nominations highlighted the remarkable depth of talent, dedication and collaboration across iRAP.
Nominees were recognised as:
- Efficient, reliable and dependable team players
- Compassionate, thoughtful and supportive colleagues
- Passionate, proactive and dedicated professionals
- Trusted, collaborative and partnership-focused leaders
- Innovative, solutions-oriented and future-focused thinkers
- Motivators and team builders who inspire others
Many were also commended for their “can-do” attitude, willingness to go above and beyond, and commitment to shared success, reinforcing the strength of iRAP’s culture and global mission.
Celebrating iRAP Values in Action
The Peter Kissinger Award celebrates more than individual excellence, it recognises the values that guide iRAP’s work every day:
- Shared purpose and passionate people
- Honest, evidence-based decisions
- Shared goals and shared success
- A focus on getting things done
- A culture of family, friendship and support
Both Nathalie and Mike exemplify these values through their dedication, collaboration and impact, helping to advance safer roads worldwide.
Congratulations to Nathalie Chiavassa and Michael Jarvis, and to all nominees, for your outstanding contributions and for continuing to embody the values and spirit of Peter Kissinger.
Ensemble, créons un monde sans routes à haut risque.
Previous winners
iRAP Célèbre l'Excellence : Annonce des Prix Peter Kissinger 2025
Annonce des prix Peter Kissinger 2024
2023 Peter Kissinger Awards announced
2022 Peter Kissinger award winners announced
2021 Peter Kissinger Award recipients announced
