Full Name
Blair Hardcastle
Job Title
Captain
Company
California Highway Patrol | Community Outreach and Marketing
Speaker Bio
Captain Blair Hardcastle is the Commander of the California Highway Patrol’s Community Outreach and Marketing Section, where he oversees statewide strategic communications, social media, public education campaigns, marketing initiatives, and community engagement programs.
During his 20-year career with the CHP, Captain Hardcastle has led operational, technological, and community-focused initiatives in field operations, telecommunications, training, and public engagement. He oversees CHP’s statewide social media program, providing strategic direction for more than 470 official CHP social media accounts across X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Through these platforms, he helps guide digital communications strategies that connect audiences throughout California and beyond with critical safety information, recruitment efforts, emergency communications, and public service messaging. He has championed data-driven outreach strategies and strengthened engagement with California’s diverse communities through innovative communication and education programs. He also serves as co-host of Behind the Badge, the official podcast of the California Highway Patrol.
Captain Hardcastle is a recognized instructor and subject matter expert in drug and alcohol impairment, officer training, and public safety education. He has received multiple commendations for leadership during disasters, critical incidents, and statewide program initiatives. He serves on the Board of Directors of California Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit transportation safety organization focused on preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities at railroad crossings and along railroad rights-of-way through public education and outreach.
Captain Hardcastle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and his commitment to advancing effective public sector communication, community engagement, and public trust.
During his 20-year career with the CHP, Captain Hardcastle has led operational, technological, and community-focused initiatives in field operations, telecommunications, training, and public engagement. He oversees CHP’s statewide social media program, providing strategic direction for more than 470 official CHP social media accounts across X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Through these platforms, he helps guide digital communications strategies that connect audiences throughout California and beyond with critical safety information, recruitment efforts, emergency communications, and public service messaging. He has championed data-driven outreach strategies and strengthened engagement with California’s diverse communities through innovative communication and education programs. He also serves as co-host of Behind the Badge, the official podcast of the California Highway Patrol.
Captain Hardcastle is a recognized instructor and subject matter expert in drug and alcohol impairment, officer training, and public safety education. He has received multiple commendations for leadership during disasters, critical incidents, and statewide program initiatives. He serves on the Board of Directors of California Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit transportation safety organization focused on preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities at railroad crossings and along railroad rights-of-way through public education and outreach.
Captain Hardcastle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and his commitment to advancing effective public sector communication, community engagement, and public trust.
Speaking At
