“I have been privileged to observe how [Mike’s] exceptional blend of human factors expertise and rigorous evaluation methods profoundly reshaped safety culture and safety management systems across the U.S. railroad industry. His leadership was crucial in driving significant policy reforms…[and] the enduring impact of these initiatives continues to shape the FRA’s approach to evolving and refining safety culture within the industry.”
THOMAS G. RASLEAR, PH.D. (RETIRED)
FORMER CHIEF
HUMAN FACTORS DIVISION
OFFICE OF Research, Development, and Technology
“TrueSafety EvaluationSM has been an extraordinary and valuable partner for my organization in a long-term USDOT project. Their insight and contributions, which improved both project process and outcomes, have benefitted my organization, but more importantly our Federal partner…I look forward to finding opportunities that will allow my organization to continue our partnership with TSE.”
LISA STAES
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
CENTER FOR URBAN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
“TrueSafety EvaluationSM has supported ENSCO in providing planning, technology evaluation and program management services since 2019. With a focus on the keys to a program’s success and an emphasis on stakeholder engagement, TrueSafety Evaluation brought instant value to our team with a wide range of expertise that was drawn upon to address a variety of program needs.”
ENSCO
“I have had the privilege of working with Mike Coplen for two decades. His insight and expertise have contributed significantly to the safety of our industry and the well-being of the workforce. His laser focus on safety has generalized to every mode and through his commitment and caring attitude the industry is safer, the workforce is stronger and more resilient.”
KAREN E. PHILBRICK, PHD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MINETA TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE
SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
“Michael [Coplen]’s skills as a team builder are truly remarkable; he curated an influential panel that enabled us to form a strategic partnership with the American Psychological Association for the Workplace Health & Safety Conference. In a short time, the outcomes of our collaboration have been substantial and enduring, with his insights continuing to shape and improve our strategic approach and useful practices.”
HOLLY DUCKWORTH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AMERICAN MINDFULNESS ASSOCIATION
“During my two decades of collaboration with Mike Coplen at the Federal Railroad Administration, I have been privileged to observe how Mike’s exceptional blend of human factors expertise and rigorous evaluation methods profoundly reshaped safety culture and safety management systems across the U.S. railroad industry. From the outset, Mike astutely identified the deeply ingrained militaristic safety culture permeating carriers, labor, and the FRA as a key factor contributing to numerous accidents.
His insight spurred a transformative shift from within. Mike formulated an exhaustive research agenda and led pivotal initiatives in collaboration with key industry stakeholders aimed at tackling persistent safety challenges. His leadership was crucial in driving significant policy reforms, notably major elements in the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and the creation of FRA’s Risk Reduction Program.
Furthermore, his pioneering contributions to major projects like the Railroader’s Guide to Healthy Sleep website, the Short Line Safety Institute, and the groundbreaking report Safety Culture: A Significant Influence on Safety in Transportation’ have been essential in elevating safety standards, reducing accident rates, and enhancing the well-being of railroad employees nationwide. The enduring impact of these initiatives continues to shape the FRA’s approach to evolving and refining safety culture within the industry.“
THOMAS G. RASLEAR, PH.D. (RETIRED)
FORMER CHIEF
HUMAN FACTORS DIVISION
OFFICE OF RD&T
“TrueSafety Evaluation has been an extraordinary and valuable partner for my organization in a long-term USDOT project. Their insight and contributions, which improved both project process and outcomes, have benefitted my organization, but more importantly our Federal partner. TSE’s personnel are well versed in both technical and client service capabilities. Each member of the team with whom I have worked has significant background and proficiency in program evaluation, risk reduction, program and process assessment, and transportation and workplace safety.
I have had the privilege of knowing TSE’s president and founder, Mike Coplen, for many years beginning with his tenure at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). During my time as an FTA contractor, he consistently provided rich and valuable feedback to our project team – a level of support that was appreciated and required to ensure our final project outcomes and deliverables.
I look forward to finding opportunities that will allow my organization to continue our partnership with TSE.“
LISA STAES
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
CENTER FOR URBAN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
“TrueSafety Evaluation has supported ENSCO in providing planning, technology evaluation and program management services since 2019. With a focus on the keys to a program’s success and an emphasis on stakeholder engagement, TrueSafety Evaluation brought instant value to our team with a wide range of expertise that was drawn upon to address a variety of program needs.“
ENSCO Team
“I have had the privilege of working with Mike Coplen for two decades. He has been a mentor, valued colleague, and friend. His insight and expertise have contributed significantly to the safety of our industry and the well-being of the workforce. To that end and through the years, we have worked collaboratively in both freight rail and transit— researching best practices for fatigue management and operator response to trauma. His laser focus on safety has generalized to every mode and through his commitment and caring attitude the industry is safer, the workforce is stronger and more resilient.”
KAREN E. PHILBRICK,
PHD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MINETA TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE
SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
“Michael [Coplen] has always been a dedicated volunteer leader for our association, consistently sharing his expertise and experience with unwavering commitment. He brings a unique perspective, unparalleled professionalism, and an exceptional ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
Michael’s skills as a team builder are truly remarkable; he curated an influential panel that enabled us to form a strategic partnership with the American Psychological Association for the Workplace Health & Safety Conference. In a short time, the outcomes of our collaboration have been substantial and enduring, with his insights continuing to shape and improve our strategic approach and useful practices. Michael’s contributions have left a lasting impact on our organization.”
HOLLY DUCKWORTH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AMERICAN MINDFULNESS ASSOCIATION
During my two decades of collaboration with Mike Coplen at the Federal Railroad Administration, I have been privileged to observe how Mike’s exceptional blend of human factors expertise and rigorous evaluation methods profoundly reshaped safety culture and safety management systems across the U.S. railroad industry. From the outset, Mike astutely identified the deeply ingrained militaristic safety culture permeating carriers, labor, and the FRA as a key factor contributing to numerous accidents.
His insight spurred a transformative shift from within. Mike formulated an exhaustive research agenda and led pivotal initiatives in collaboration with key industry stakeholders aimed at tackling persistent safety challenges. His leadership was crucial in driving significant policy reforms, notably major elements in the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and the creation of FRA’s Risk Reduction Program.
Furthermore, his pioneering contributions to major projects like the Railroader’s Guide to Healthy Sleep website, the Short Line Safety Institute, and the groundbreaking report Safety Culture: A Significant Influence on Safety in Transportation’ have been essential in elevating safety standards, reducing accident rates, and enhancing the well-being of railroad employees nationwide. The enduring impact of these initiatives continues to shape the FRA’s approach to evolving and refining safety culture within the industry.
THOMAS G. RASLEAR, PH.D. (RETIRED)
FORMER CHIEF
HUMAN FACTORS DIVISION
OFFICE OF RD&T
For more insights, refer to W.C. Vantuono’s article, ‘FRA: NS Safety Culture at ‘Involving Level of Maturity,’ published in Railway Age on August 9, 2023.
TrueSafety Evaluation has been an extraordinary and valuable partner for my organization in a long-term USDOT project. Their insight and contributions, which improved both project process and outcomes, have benefitted my organization, but more importantly our Federal partner. TSE’s personnel are well versed in both technical and client service capabilities. Each member of the team with whom I have worked has significant background and proficiency in program evaluation, risk reduction, program and process assessment, and transportation and workplace safety.
I have had the privilege of knowing TSE’s president and founder, Mike Coplen, for many years beginning with his tenure at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). During my time as an FTA contractor, he consistently provided rich and valuable feedback to our project team – a level of support that was appreciated and required to ensure our final project outcomes and deliverables.
I look forward to finding opportunities that will allow my organization to continue our partnership with TSE.
LISA STAES
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
CENTER FOR URBAN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
TrueSafety Evaluation has supported ENSCO in providing planning, technology evaluation and program management services since 2019. With a focus on the keys to a program’s success and an emphasis on stakeholder engagement, TrueSafety Evaluation brought instant value to our team with a wide range of expertise that was drawn upon to address a variety of program needs.
ENSCO
Michael has always been a dedicated volunteer leader for our association, consistently sharing his expertise and experience with unwavering commitment. He brings a unique perspective, unparalleled professionalism, and an exceptional ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
Michael’s skills as a team builder are truly remarkable; he curated an influential panel that enabled us to form a strategic partnership with the American Psychological Association for the Workplace Health & Safety Conference. In a short time, the outcomes of our collaboration have been substantial and enduring, with his insights continuing to shape and improve our strategic approach and useful practices. Michael’s contributions have left a lasting impact on our organization.
HOLLY DUCKWORTH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AMERICAN MINDFULNESS ASSOCIATION