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December 2025 ITE Journal President's Message: 2025 Reflections

By Ms. Karen Aspelin P.E., PTOE posted 3 days ago

  

As ITE members, we are united by a shared dedication to advancing safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation systems. Reflecting on 2025, I’ve seen firsthand how our collective efforts have made a meaningful global impact—solidifying ITE’s leadership in mobility innovation, professional development, and the exchange of technical expertise.

This year’s annual meeting theme—Innovative Pathways to Safer Transportation—was more than a slogan; it was a call to action. More than 1,500 of us gathered in Orlando to exchange ideas, showcase research, and explore new technologies. The event spotlighted the launch of ITE’s Safety Roadmap and Action Plan, a bold initiative aimed at eliminating roadway fatalities. With several of the outlined actions already in progress, we’re seeing measurable momentum towards zero deaths on our roads.
We also celebrated individual excellence. Gene Chartier, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. (F), received the Burton W. Marsh Award for Distinguished Service, honoring his decades of leadership and technical contributions to ITE and the transportation community. The Theodore M. Matson Memorial Award was presented to Jennifer Toth, Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. Her commitment to innovation, mentorship, and collaboration exemplifies the spirit of the award.

The ITE International Board of Direction (IBOD) elected Jeff Paniati, P.E. (H), Rock Miller, P.E., PTOE (H), and Pete Yauch, P.E., PTOE, IMSA, RSP2I (H), as Honorary Members, the highest distinction awarded by ITE. Since 1933, only 97 individuals have received this honor!

Our future is bright, thanks to the passion and creativity of the LeadershipITE Class of 2025. Their capstone projects tackled real-world challenges with innovative approaches to equity, community engagement, and safety. In 2025, ITE’s Student Leadership Summits continued to thrive as dynamic platforms for cultivating the next generation of transportation professionals. These student-led events were held across multiple districts—including Florida Puerto Rico, Western, Texas, Missouri Valley/Southern, Canada, Mountain, and Great Lakes—bringing together hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students. With strong support from ITE professional members, these summits not only strengthened student engagement but also
reinforced ITE’s commitment to mentoring and empowering future leaders in our field.

The IBOD made strategic moves to enhance our global reach and relevance. The formation of the Private Sector Council is a significant step toward deeper engagement with consultant and industry partners. The release of the 12th edition of the Trip Generation Manual also marks a milestone, offering updated data and land use categories to better support planning in diverse contexts.

As we look toward upcoming annual meetings in Detroit (2026), Calgary (2027), and Albuquerque (2028), we do so with pride in what we’ve accomplished and excitement for what
lies ahead. Whether through technical excellence, policy leadership, or community outreach,
ITE members continue to shape the future of transportation. In 2025, we didn’t just respond
to the challenges of modern mobility—we led the way. And together, we’ll keep building
innovative pathways for generations to come.

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