As transportation systems embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies, questions abound regarding their potential impacts and ethical considerations. Expert panelists from government and the transportation industry will explore the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. Whether you’re a transportation professional, policymaker, or technology enthusiast, this session offers a unique opportunity to explore the future of transportation in the AI era. ~Description Written by ChatGPT~
Introduction:
Landon Zimmer, member of the N.C. Board of Transportation, Division 3
Speakers:
Conal Deedy, director of Volvo North America,'s Customer Productivity Solutions; Tyler Subasic, Amazon Web Services, Principal, Airports and DOTs; and
Alyssa Farrell, director of SAS, Global Industry Marketing
Moderator
NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, P.E.
Breakout Session: The Track Ahead - Economic Development and Revitalization by Rail
Getting communities of various sizes ready for rail is a key component to successful transit-oriented development, multimodal transit options, passenger rail service and economic growth and development. Hear strategies and lessons learned about successful projects in New England, Florida and North Carolina.
Introduction: Lisa Mathis, member of the N.C. Board of Transportation, Division 8
Moderator: Julie White, NCDOT deputy secretary for Multimodal Transportation
Speakers: Dr. Kim Delaney, director of Strategic Development and Policy, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council; Patricia Quinn, executive director, NNEPRA; and Yaidee Fox, assistant city manager, City of Hickory
Breakout Session: Cultivating Compassion - Empowering Employees Through Stressful Times
Supporting our employees as they navigate life’s stressors, both physical and emotional, is paramount to creating a healthy and efficient working environment. Learn how to “Cultivate Compassion” in your workplace with some key takeaways on employee empowerment.
Introduction: Brad Lail, member of the N.C. Board of Transportation, Division 12
Moderator: Amanda Olive, NCDOT Human Resources director
Speakers: Aaron Back, peer consultant, N.C. Department of Public Safety; Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, chief of staff to N.J. Governor Philip D. Murphy; Peter Tateishi, CEO, Associate General Contractors of California; and Charles Rousseau, director of Strategy and Planning for the Division of Mental Health and director of Strategy and Planning for the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, N.C. Deparment of Health & Human Services
Breakout Session: Costly Crossroads: Navigating Project Costs Through Challenging Times
With project costs steadily on the rise, the industry is at a “Costly Crossroads.” Whether you’re tasked with overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects or managing smaller, local initiatives, this empowering session can help you steer your projects toward success amid financial uncertainty.
Introduction: Tony Lathrop, member of the N.C. Board of Transportation, Division 10
Moderator: Lamar Sylvester, P.E., NCDOT chief engineer
Speakers: Dr. Joyendu Bhadury, interim dean and professor, UNC School of Business and Economics; Dave Bauer, president & CEO, ARTBA; Lance W. Simmons, P.E., Texas Department of Transportation chief engineer; Yolonda Jordan, Federal Highways Administration division administrator
Breakout Session: Immersing in Research and Development Alongside Our Academic Partners
This session explores how a strong partnership between industry leaders and academic partners can lead to cutting-edge technologies and solutions for long-lasting success.
Introduction: Meagan Phillips, member of the N.C. Board of Transportation, Division 11
Moderator: Christy Dunston, NCDOT Office of HBCU Outreach director
Speakers: Dr. Rongfang "Rachel" Liu, professor, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University; Dr. Abdennaceur Karoui, professor, Elizabeth City State University; Dr. John Hildreth, interim associate dean for Research, Western Carolina University; and Dr. Don Chen, professor, Department of Engineering Technology & Construction Management, University of North Carolina at Charlotte,
Breakout Session: The N.C. Department of Transportation Office of Civil Rights - PRIME Opportunities
Moderators: Tunya Smith, NCDOT Office of Civil Rights director and Boyd Tharrington, P.E., NCDOT deputy chief engineer
Speakers:
Matthew Payne, senior design build manager, Archer Western Construction
Keith Nixon, director of Business Acquisition, Balfour Beatty
Lee Bradley, P.E., chief estimator, Blythe Construction
Travis Padgett, P.E. Design-Build program manager, Blythe Development
Drew Johnson, P.E., vice president of N.C. Operations, Branch Civil
Blake Horning, manager Engineering & Project Management, Carolina Sunrock
Andy Barry, P.E., estimator, S.T. Wooten
Kristofer Edelberg, project manager, Flatiron
Mike Grey, P.E., chief business officer, United Infrastructure Group
Casey Hurley, P.E., project director, Lane Construction Group
Kosal Sarou, DBE compliance officer, Skanska USA Civil Southeast, Inc.
General Session 2: Championing a Safer Tomorrow: Preventing Transportation Tragedies
Hear from leaders in transportation safety spanning from local to national experts and the active steps they are taking to build a future with a common goal of preventing transportation-related tragedies.
Introduction: Pat Molamphy, member of the N.C. Board of Transportation, At-Large
Moderator: Kristin Barnes, P.E., NCDOT director of Strategic Planning and Programming
Speakers: Melissa Wandall, owner, M3 Motivational Concepts; Sam Sinclair, team lead pf Safety Programs, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and
Ryan Sharp, director of Transportation and Parking, City of Hoboken.
Closing Remarks
Andy Perkins, vice chair of the N.C. Board of Transportation
Consider the intricate landscape of public-private partnerships (P3s), where politics, policies, and public sentiment intersect. Industry partners share tips and lessons learned from first-hand experience in delivering projects that align with government policy while remaining sensitive to public opinion and individual community needs.
Breakout Session: Securing Our Streets: Safe Roadways Everywhere, for Everyone
Safety professionals and transportation leaders convene to examine ongoing initiatives aimed at crafting safer, interconnected, and more enriching communities, while also deliberating on the necessary next steps in expanding the reach.
Introduction: Meagan Phillips, member of the N.C. Board of Transportation, Division 11
Moderator: Brian Mayhew, P.E., NCDOT state traffic engineer
Speakers: Jessica Rich, Safe Streets and Roads for All Program manager, Federal Highway Administration; Debbie Smith, Director. Charlotte Department of Transportation; Tristan Winkler, director, French Broad River MPO
King Gee, director of Mobility and Safety, AASHTO
Breakout Session: The N.C. Department of Transportation Office of Civil Rights - DBE’s Ready for Prime Time
Moderators: Tunya Smith, director, NCDOT Office of Civil Rights and Boyd Tharrington, NCDOT deputy chief engineer
Breakout Session: Advance Mobility - Forever First from Streets to SkyFrom ground-level urban mobility solutions to the boundless possibilities of aerial transportation, the sky is no longer the limit. Listen in on the revolutionary and transformative technologies that are shaping the future of travel.
Introduction: Lisa Mathis, member of N.C. Board of Transportation, Division 8
Moderator: Becca Gallas P.E., NCDOT director of Aviation
Speakers: Cemre Kavvasoglu, Product Management director, ADASTEC; Lydon Sleeper, East Policy lead, Joby Aviationp; and Kiel Clasing, Business Development manager, Oceaneering International
Ensuring Environmental Equity, Justice, and Resilience in Transportation
In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, ensuring environmental equity, justice, and resilience in transportation has evolved into fundamental necessity for building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Introduction: Melvin Mitchell, member of the N.C. Board of Transportation, Division 4
Moderator: Ebony Pittman, NCDOT deputy secretary for Business Administration
Speakers: Vernice Miller-Travis, executive vice president, Metropolitan Group; Nicole Boothman-Shepard, vice president. senior director, Disaster Resiliency Solutions Group; and
Sherri White-Williamson, director of Environmental Justice Strategy, North Carolina Conservation Network
General Session 4: Funding the Future of Transportation Roundtable
Special Guest: N.C. Governor Roy Cooper
Introduction:
Mike Fox, chair of the N.C. Board of Transportation
Moderator:
Loretta Boniti, Spectrum News
Speakers: Bob Poole, director of Transportation Policy, Reason Foundation; Susan Howard, director of Policy and Government Relations, AASHTO; and Carolyn Kramer Simons, State Funding Policy senior director, ARTBA.