It is hard to believe a year has passed, and this is my last message as your ITE International President. It’s been a great experience serving you in this significant way.
I was fortunate to travel to each of the Districts in the United Staes and Canada. It was fascinating to learn more about how the cities and states are incorporating projects to enhance safety for all users, learning from their history and culture as well. I enjoyed engaging with our members at all the District meetings and participating in social events that make each District unique.
The highlight of it all has been the engagement with our younger members. Along with members of the Executive Committee, I met with younger members of all Districts to talk about ITE current initiatives, the future of the organization, and how we can better serve our younger members. As a result of those engagements, ITE staff has developed some initiatives for next year to build on their input. Thanks to all the younger members who participated in those meetings and shared their experiences and suggestions with us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people and groups:
ITE International Board of Direction: Thanks for your commitment to serving your Districts, ITE, and the transportation profession. We adopted a new Strategic Plan for 2024-2026, you took additional assignments to serve on a Strategic Plan Committee, the ITE CEO Search Committee, or lead other new Committees as we pursued new initiatives and programs. Thank you, it’s been a privilege to serve with all of you!
ITE Staff: The Board of Direction and the leaders across the organization can’t accomplish everything we do for ITE members without your partnership, dedication, and support. You make sure that initiatives are completed, webinars and the ITE Journal are developed, technical products are delivered, and meetings run smoothly. I appreciate every one of you. Thank you!
ITE Councils, Committees, and Task Forces: Thanks for your dedication to serving our members and the transportation profession. Without your help and partnership, ITE could not deliver great technical products and membership experiences. Thank you!
District, Section, Chapter, and Committee Leaders: You are the leaders at the local level, and the first interaction for most of our members has been at the local meetings. Thanks for your dedication to creating activities with diverse transportation content, technical tours, and memorable experiences through the social events for our members. Every meeting I attended was full of energy, members were engaged, and members of the Executive Committee and I were shown great hospitality. Thank you!
I look forward to next year as ITE embarks on new initiatives with a new Strategic Plan, while continuing to build off the successes of this year—as we continue to grow our Community of Transportation Professionals and provide our members with resources to help their careers and work in their communities.
As we enter the last month of 2023, I wish you and your families a safe holiday season. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! May the New Year be filled with happiness, success, and health! Thanks for the opportunity to serve you.