I hope you are all doing well. It’s hard to believe we’re already 6 months into 2024! For me, this marks the halfway point of my term as ITE International President. The first 6 months have been incredibly rewarding. I’ve attended numerous district conferences and meetings, met many wonderful people, expanded my professional network, and reconnected with old friends. The technical presentations I’ve seen have been particularly beneficial, providing valuable insights that I’ve been able to bring back and share with my team in Des Moines. I would like to encourage you to consider serving as a committee member, committee chair, or officer at some level within ITE. My first volunteer leadership position in ITE was as the editor of the Indiana Section’s newsletter. Reflecting on my involvement and service in appointed and elected positions, several key benefits stand out:
- Professional Development. Enhance your leadership skills and management capabilities by organizing events, leading meetings, and guiding committees. Network with a wide range of transportation professionals, including industry leaders, peers, and experts from diverse regions and disciplines. Advance your career by boosting your visibility and reputation within the profession, opening doors to new career opportunities. Increase your technical knowledge by staying at the forefront of industry trends, innovations, and best practices through ITE resources, conferences, and seminars. Help influence transportation policies and standards through active participation in ITE’s advocacy and policy initiatives. Contribute to the development and dissemination of professional standards and guidelines that shape the transportation engineering field.
- Personal Growth. Gain a broader perspective on transportation issues by collaborating with colleagues and participating in regional, national, or international discussions. Improve your public speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication skills through regular interaction with members and stakeholders. Gain recognition from your peers and the broader transportation community for your contributions and leadership. Experience the personal satisfaction that comes from making a tangible impact on the transportation profession and your community. Mentor emerging professionals and students. Impact your local community by advocating for and implementing transportation solutions that improve safety and mobility.
- Organizational Benefits. Help set the strategic direction for ITE, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of its members and the transportation industry. Promote innovation and best practices within the profession by facilitating knowledge exchange and collaborative research. Lead the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that address current and future transportation challenges. Gain experience in planning and executing successful events, such as conferences, workshops, and technical sessions.
If any of these benefits resonate with you, I encourage you to get more involved. Nominating committees and boards at every level of ITE are seeking motivated individuals to serve as candidates for elected offices or in appointed positions. Throw your hat in the ring at any level of ITE and gain even more from your membership. You won’t regret it. I hope to see many of you in Philly! Stay safe, be well and always remain curious!