Tess Rowland

Tess Rowland became involved with Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2021 when her life was shattered by the reckless and thoughtless actions of a ‘wrong-way’ alleged drunk driver with drugs in the car.

At the time of her crash on May 4, 2021, Tess was on her way to work in Panama City Beach, Florida where she served as the morning reporter for WMBB News 13. In a flash, Tess found herself with complex fractures to her shoulder, elbow, and knee, along with internal injuries which required seven surgeries, four plates, and 22 screws to fix.

She shared her impactful testimony with her television viewers to raise their awareness of the 100% preventable crime of impaired driving. Tess received an Emmy nomination for her efforts and spearheaded a movement in the community by highlighting the impact of impaired driving on the battered lives of victims and their families.

Through the support of local and state law enforcement, Tess was able to assist in creating Bay County’s first-ever DUI task force. Tess also served as the Walk Like MADD 5K Northwest Florida Event Chair, where she help raise over $30,000. She was also the 2022 Keynote Speaker for the annual MADD Florida Law Enforcement Recognition event.

As MADD National President, Tess’s focus is on empowering individuals to make life-saving choices while still enjoying a safe night out. She’s committed to being the voice for the voiceless and an advocate to fight for justice for those who have been lost to this crime.

Tess graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Theatre Arts. She now resides in Houston, Texas.