Kelly Funkhouser

As Associate Director, Vehicle Technology at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in Colchester, CT, Kelly heads the test programs for vehicle usability (UX/UI), Advanced Driver Assistance and Active Safety systems (ADAS), and connectivity–which includes telematics and related technologies. Kelly is a recognized and leading expert in the field and advises other organizations on the current state of technology and consumer perceptions.

Kelly was one of the architects behind CR’s new million-dollar facility at the test track for evaluating ADAS systems. She leads the development of test methodology for evaluating Active Driving Assistance (Society of Automotive Engineers Level 2) systems and has advised national and international test organizations on creating similar protocols. She recently completed a UX/UI design handbook for manufacturers titled “CR’s Guide to ADAS Usability” which has become the industry standard reference. 

Additionally, Kelly leads “Clearing the Confusion,” an initiative by a group of industry experts who are pushing to standardize ADAS terminology. The initiative has been officially endorsed by the U.S. DOT and incorporated into the standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Kelly is a member of the Advanced Impaired Driving Technical Working Group that provides guidance to the U.S. DOT on the Congressional mandate to equip lifesaving impairment detection and driver monitoring technology into all new vehicles by 2026-2027. 

Kelly has a master’s degree in cognitive psychology and has studied systems engineering, human interaction with vehicle automation, and distracted driving.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS:

“I have a deep-rooted passion for advocating for safety, and working at CR is truly my dream job. As a woman in a male-dominated automotive industry, some people are shocked at my ability to speak comprehensively about cars and technology. My association with CR as a trusted nonprofit gives more weight and credibility to what I say, so when I talk, people listen.”