Jessica Hugdahl joined SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions; formerly Students Against Driving Drunk) in 1986 as a high school student with the vision of helping her peers lead a substance-free lifestyle. In 1998, Jessica accepted the position as State Director with Arizona SADD with that same drive, passion, and commitment to create positive change in the community for youth. In October of 2019, Jessica accepted the position of Director of Field Engagement with the SADD National Office.
Jessica’s passion for young people and the safety of all citizens stems from a near-fatal impaired driving crash involving her mother. It was at that point where she realized the impact that one person’s action can have on youth, families, and communities. Jessica has been recognized for her work in pilot programs between SADD National and the National Highway Safety Administration and the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention. Locally, Jessica continues to develop programs in juvenile justice, youth advocacy, law enforcement, school-based prevention, and education through a variety of school agencies and groups.
Beyond the responsibilities of Jessica’s work with SADD, she dedicates time to serve on many boards and committees. She has served as a member of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Council, the SADD National Board of Directors, served as Chair of the Maricopa County Juvenile Courts Community Advisory Board, the Co-Chair of the Arizona DUI Task Force and member of the Maricopa County Victim Compensation Board. In addition, Jessica was appointed to the Arizona Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Council under the direction of Governor Jane D. Hull and Governor Janet Napolitano.
While Jessica’s passion is young people, her true love is her family. She has 3 beautiful children.