I hope this message finds you well and in high spirits from the festive season. As we step into 2024, I’m honored to serve as International President of ITE—A Community of Transportation Professionals.
I deeply appreciate the dedication and expertise each member brings to our vibrant community, transforming ITE into a powerful force for positive change in transportation. With more than 18,000 members, we stand as a dynamic force, and together, we can achieve even greater heights. My gratitude extends to the International Board of Direction and the dedicated ITE staff for their support.
Allow me to share a bit about my background. My fascination with transportation engineering and planning began in childhood with model trains and building miniature cities, foreshadowing my professional journey into transportation planning and design. Sometimes, our early interests guide us to our careers.
As an ITE member since my undergraduate days at Purdue University, I’ve witnessed the organization’s growth and evolution. Serving in various roles, from editor of the Indiana Section newsletter to president of two ITE Districts and two Sections, along with two terms on the International Board of Direction, ITE has been integral to my professional journey.
In 2024, ITE embarks on a new chapter with a fresh Executive Director Steve Kuciemba (F), Chief Technical Officer Matt Hardy, Ph.D. (M), and a Strategic Plan guiding our actions for the next 3 years. I am excited to share my vision and plans for the year ahead, confident that, with your support, we can make significant strides in alignment with our new Strategic Plan.
As we kick off this year, I’m introducing initiatives to enhance our ITE experience. Your contributions are vital, and these proposals aim to strengthen our community in 2024:
- Greater Engagement in Technical Project Activity: Bringing technical project activity groups directly to ITE Sections, fostering grassroots contributions aligned with ITE’s Technical Councils.
- Engaging LeadershipITE Alumni: Tapping into the insights of LeadershipITE alumni to enhance member experiences and services, ensuring ITE remains attuned to evolving needs.
- Advancing Membership for Public Agency Professionals: Focusing on gaining perspectives from public agency members, enriching our community and attracting diverse participants.
- Continued Outreach to Students: Strengthening outreach to high schools and univer-sities, fostering consistent engagements with professionals entering the transport industry.
- Delivering Quality (and Fun) Activities Locally: Recognizing Chapters and Sec-tions as the first contact for many members, developing metrics to identify excellence in delivering quality programs.
In 2024, as I travel to ITE meetings and our Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, USA, I look forward to meeting many of you. Your involvement and feedback are crucial as we implement these initiatives. Please reach out with any ideas or concerns. Let’s make 2024 a year of enhanced engagement, collaboration, and fun within ITE. Wishing you a year filled with success, growth, and fulfillment.