Greetings, everyone!
As we approach the close of 2024, it feels only natural to pause and reflect on the journey we’ve shared this past year. First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, and esteemed colleagues for their support during my time as ITE’s President. It has been a true honor and privilege, and I am immensely grateful for each of you who helped make this year meaningful.
This year marked an exciting new chapter for ITE, and at its heart was our resolve to prioritize safety. With our new Executive Director, Chief Technical Officer, and the implementation of a new Strategic Plan to guide us over the next 3 years, we are positioning ITE as an even stronger leader in the transportation safety field. The steps we have taken to enhance our association’s identity and presence underscore our commitment to making transportation safer for all. As we refine our visual identity and core messaging, safety remains the driving force behind our vision.
Safety has been a guiding principle in every program, action, and discussion this year. By welcoming and engaging a diverse community of transportation planners, engineers, and safety advocates, we are building a network that spans generations and offers invaluable resources to our younger members and students. This inclusivity is not only vital for our association’s growth but also essential for fostering innovative, effective approaches to traffic safety.
I also want to extend my gratitude to the organizers and members of each ITE District we visited this year. Every visit highlighted the warmth, camaraderie, and shared commitment to advancing our association and its work. At each stop, we encountered professionals dedicated to tackling traffic safety issues. These efforts are a crucial part of our broader mission, and I am inspired by the depth of dedication that drives our members’ work.
Our Annual Meeting in Philadelphia was a remarkable gathering of minds, bringing together members from around the world to focus on critical topics shaping transportation safety, equity, and resiliency. From discussions on equity in safe transit to innovations in infrastructure resilience, our meeting strengthened our commitment to creating safer roads and transit systems for all. For those unable to attend, I encourage you to connect with colleagues who did, explore follow-up articles, and join discussions around safety, equity, resiliency, and our goals for the future. These conversations have inspired renewed energy and focus within ITE, sparking initiatives that we’ll carry into the new year and beyond.
As we look toward 2025, I am optimistic about ITE’s future and the progress we are making together. Let us continue to push boundaries, innovate, and support one another as we work to build safer, more equitable, and resilient communities. I am excited to see the new challenges we’ll tackle, the opportunities we’ll seize, and the positive changes we’ll lead within the transportation field. Our shared mission for a safer transportation future is clearer than ever, and I am honored to be part of this journey with you. Thank you once again for your unwavering dedication and support. Here’s to a bright future for ITE and safer roads for everyone. May the New Year bring peace, safety, and happiness to you and your family.