Interviews with Transportation Professionals

We are proud to highlight the careers and achievements of professionals from across the country who work diligently to plan, construct, operate, and maintain our nation’s transportation infrastructure. We invite our students and prospective job seekers to explore the diversity of personalities and occupations posted here as a way to introduce you to the opportunities and rewards made possible by choosing a career in transportation.

Operations Professionals

Account Executive Richard Mallory, Mallory Alexander International Logistics — Richard became attracted to working in transportation because of how it impacts every aspect of our lives, and that many people don’t realize its importance. As an account executive, Richard enjoys learning about different companies and their history, goals, and more.
Administrative Assistant to the Managing Director Jamey Kitlinski, Harrisburg District Operations, FedEx Freight — Jamey was intrigued by working in transportation and for FedEx because of the great pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities. She benefited from the flexibility of working part time as a full time student, and found a full time job in the industry after school due to the many career growth advancement opportunities in the industry.
Assistant Chief of Instruction Pete Reedan, CTI Professional Flight Training — Pete has spent his career as a pilot in the Air Force and in the transportation industry. He entered the transportation industry due to the responsibility for transporting people and equipment across the globe as well as travel opportunities.
Associate of Logistics Client & Talent Solutions Victoria McDaniel, Vaco — Victoria was drawn to the transportation industry because it’s a fast-paced and ever-changing industry. Her favorite part of working in transportation is working with the other professionals in the industry and the energy they bring to their work.
Attorney Jeffrey J.P. Land, Jeffrey J.P. Land Attorney at Law — Jeffrey is an attorney who enjoys representing transportation companies because of their unique challenges and legal needs. His favorite part of the job is interacting with clients and assisting them with their legal issues.
Cargo Specialist Supervisor-OTR Jessi Jones at Intermodal Cartage Company — Jessi is a cargo specialist supervisor at the Intermodal Cartage Company. Her favorite part of working in the transportation industry is working with people from all different backgrounds around the world.
Commercial Operations Analyst JaMichael Smith, MARS Petcare, Inc. — JaMichael entered the transportation industry when he took a job as a Supply Chain Analyst. In his current position, he works with cross-functional teams such as logistics, engineering, manufacturing, design change coordination, and purchasing.
Complex Structures Engineer Virginia Epperly, PE, Virginia DOT — Virginia was drawn to working in transportation from her major in Structural Engineering and interest in bridges. Her favorite part of the job is seeing the process of designing a bridge and seeing its construction.
Core Development Program Business Associate Chelsea S. Jackson, Virginia DOT — Chelsea has always had a curiosity in technology learning about how things work and how systems and devices are brought to life. While she did not have an extensive knowledge of transportation when she entered the industry, she has learned how technology impacts people’s lives as a core development program business associate.
Director Steve Allen, Strategic Transportation Investments Division, Tennessee DOT — Steve originally intended to become an architect, but a surveying course influenced him to change his major to Civil Engineering. His introduction to transportation was a job in curb and gutter construction for roadway projects, which led him to work with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Director Paul Young, Division of Housing and Community Development, City of Memphis — Paul does not work directly in transportation, but it affects his work in neighborhood growth and development since cities must incorporate transportation planning. His favorite aspect of his job is finding solutions that help the community and are financially feasible.
District Traffic Engineer Keith Williams, PE, PTOE, Pennsylvania DOT — Keith started working in transportation when he was hired as an intern with PennDOT building bridges, paving roads, and designing traffic signals. A major motivator for him is seeing a project through to the end.
District Project Controls Engineer Doreen Ng-Sui-Hing, EIT, Virginia DOT —Doreen started studying engineering when taking AutoCAD and foundational engineering classes in high school. Her interest in traveling compelled her to enter the transportation industry along with its engagement of various fields.
Engineering Manager Greg Dotson, Neel Schaffer, Inc. — Greg’s high school trigonometry teacher inspired him to study Civil Engineering, and he developed an interest in traffic operations during his senior design class. His favorite part of working in transportation is his chance to work on a project he will be able to see and explain his role in creating one day.
ITS Project Engineer Michael Rebick, PE, TRC Engineers — Michael’s fascination with transportation originated from transportation’s role in everyone’s daily lives. Being involved in all stages of a project and the person in charge who people look towards for answers is Michael’s favorite part of working in transportation.
Managing Director Patrick Son, National Operations Center of Excellence — Patrick became attracted to the transportation industry because he wanted to see his designs and plans come to fruition and make a difference in the community. He is a managing director whose favorite part of working in transportation is his ability to talk and think with the best and brightest people in the industry.
Managing Director of Freight Analysis Bernadette Gray, FedEx Freight — Bernadette’s passion for math and science led her to earn a BS in Chemical Engineering with honors and an MBS. She entered the transportation because she wanted to work for a reputable company, and found a position at FedEx.
Metro Regional Engineer Tony Kraftofil, Michigan DOT — Tony has always had an interest in building things, which led him to study Civil & Environmental Engineering. After school, he started working for Michigan’s Department of Transportation, where he is involved in Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO).
Program Monitor Supervisor Lisa Dunn, Tennessee DOT — Lisa started working in the industry when she took a job with the Department of Transportation. She works on pedestrian and bicycle facilities and historic preservation of transportation facilities. It is the variety of facilities she works on that keeps her interested.
Project Manager Catalina Echeverri, Gannett Fleming — Catalina has always been interested in how the highway system and interchanges operate. While studying industrial engineering at the University of South Florida, she participated in an undergraduate research program and learned about traffic and ITS projects, which motivated her to pursue a master’s degree in transportation.
Region Supervisor Calvin Abram, Office of Community Transportation, Tennessee DOT — Calvin entered the transportation industry through his background in Urban Planning and Community Development. His favorite part of his job is traveling and meeting people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Regional Safety and Compliance Manager Katie Blose, DBi Services, LLC — Katie was attracted to working in transportation because of the chance to create safer roadways and a safer world. As a safety manager, she enjoys giving trainings and advice to teams that have the potential to save lives.
Senior Transportation Operations Engineer Jason McCartney, Gannett Fleming — Jason decided to study Civil Engineering because he wanted to be involved in the creation of large scale structures like airports and highways. Transportation has always been a personal interest of his, and he enjoys managing the various parts that come together and create a functioning system.
Senior Transportation Planner Liesel Goethert, KCI Technologies, Inc. — Liesel started working in transportation after finishing graduate school, and became interested in the industry’s dynamism and concepts such as Uber and Bird scooters. Her favorite part of her job is the wide range her work covers, from long-range transportation plans to bicycle and pedestrian paths.
Statewide Technical Training Manager Jameo D. Pollock, MEd, Virginia DOT — As a technical training manager, Jameo’s favorite part of working in transportation is his ability to make a difference and help people as well as finding creative ways to merge business, education, and technology. His best advice for students and young professionals is to find what excites them, and always remain curious.
Traffic Engineer Technician Janet Luessenheide, City of Overland Park, KS — Janet started working in transportation after she switched careers and earned a drafting degree. She currently works on projects such as creating pavement marking plans, sight distance studies, school zone studies, traffic counts, pedestrian counts, creating streetlight plans, and traffic signal designs.
Transportation Engineer Dr. Dongmei “Maggie” Lin, DKS Associates — Maggie first became interested in transportation when taking an elective course and learning about intelligent transportation systems. Her interest in transportation stems from her interest in finding solutions to problems, and that she continues to find more challenges.
Transportation Operations Specialist Kayla Holcomb, Gannett Fleming — Kayla’s interest in figuring out how things work led her to study Civil and Environmental Engineering. Working in the transportation industry gives her a sense of responsibility towards humanity and satisfaction for contributing to society’s well being.
Vice President of HR Donna Mooney, Titan Transfer — Donna began working in transportation because she finds the work interesting and how it “keeps America moving.” She advises students and young professionals entering the industry to be prepared for a fast-paced working environment that involves all departments working together.

Environmental Professionals

Bike Train Operator Emma Chapman, Divvy Bicycle Share — Emma has always had an interest in transportation issues and became more involved while connecting transportation, transit, urban history, architecture, and preservation in her graduate thesis and accepting a research fellowship with the Eno Center for Transportation in Washington, DC.
Director of Transportation Planning Nicole Freeman, City of Newton, MA — Nicole started a career in transportation after studying urban planning and economics. Previously, she was Director of Bike Programs for the City of Boston and Chief of Active Transportation in Seattle.
Environmental Biologist James Brady, Vermont Agency of Transportation — James reviews transportation projects for natural resources-related concerns. After earning a degree in ecology, James started working for the Vermont Agency of Transportation, where he started as an environmental specialist and has progressed to the biologist position.
Environmental Engineer Charlie Farmer, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. — Charlie started working in transportation because he enjoys designing solutions to problems and cleaning up sites. After entering the field, he earned a degree in Environmental Engineering, which helped him progress further.
Environmental Scientist Paige Cornell, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. — Paige’s role as an environmental scientist involves assessing properties and determining whether there are any impacts from oil and/or hazardous materials. She studied Environmental Science with a concentration in Geology as well as Geospatial Technologies, which is important to transportation since waste cleanup enables transportation systems to function.
Environmental Scientist Patti Kallfelz-Wertz, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. — Patti works in the ecological subgroup of a larger environmental services group at her firm. Transportation-related activities affect fish, wildlife, and plant species, and Patti works to accommodate wildlife and aquatic organisms along transportation systems and minimize collisions.
Mobility Solutions Programs & Transportation Demand Administration David Sorrell, UC Berkeley — David has always had an interest in transportation because he relied on public transit growing up in Chicago. He started working in transportation as a rideshare coordinator as a graduate student, where he learned about his current area of expertise, transit demand management (TDM).
Planner Emily Nosse-Leirer, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission — Emily realized she wanted to pursue a career in transportation while in graduate school studying Urban Geography. She enjoys working in a field where she can meet new people, debate new ideas, and present ideas and plans.
Preservation Planner Kaitlin O’Shea, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. — Kaitlin’s role is to ensure that projects comply with regulations by reviewing projects and determining if there are historic resources in the project and whether they would be adversely affected by the scope of work. Kaitlin’s education was in the field of historic preservation and started working in transportation doing regulatory review for the Vermont Department of Transportation.
Senior Associate Scott Edwards, Cross-Spectrum Acoustics — Scott and his firm develop acoustic solutions for a wide range of problems, from mechanical issues such as HVAC noise issues to noise and vibration coming from cross-fit gyms and fitness centers. Acoustical engineering is important in ensuring that transportation/transit systems do not negatively impact quality of life.
Strategic Planning Coordinator Jeff Owen, TriMet — Jeff’s introduction to careers in transportation was in internships and work-study programs in the public sector and local government while studying city and regional planning. Jeff cites this combination of education and real-world work experience as great preparation for his career.
Transportation Planner Lori Zeller, Foursquare ITP — Lori is a transportation planner at a private consulting firm that works on wide-range transportation planning projects. Her interest in transportation originated as she was preparing for graduate school where she wanted to further study the interplay between transportation, land use, and the built environment.
Transportation Program Manager Eleni Churchill, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission — Eleni started working in transportation after earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering. While she faced a learning curve when starting a career in traffic engineering, she has grown in the field and enjoys helping the communities where she works.
Water Resources Engineer Robert Widley, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. — Robert started working in transportation after working for an environmental engineering firm and earning a master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering. His job involves land development, transportation projects, and water resources projects.

Road Safety Professionals

Assistant Professor Byron Bluehorse, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Tribal Management Program — Byron’s work with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and as manager of the Alaska Tribal Technical Assistance Program revolves around helping tribes become aware of the significance of tribal transportation issues through education and training. In addition, he addresses community and economic development, desired land use, protection of cultural resources, coordinate with various levels of government, and maximize efficient use of tribal transportation systems.
Director Marie B. Walsh, Ph.D., Louisiana Transportation Research Center — Dr. Walsh directs the Local Technical Assistance Program at the Louisiana Transportation Research Center and has been a member of the National Center for Rural Road Safety Stakeholder Team since its inception. Before starting her current position, she worked in environmental engineering and for the Louisiana Department of Environment Quality.
Executive Director Jennifer Marandino, South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization — Jennifer has worked in transportation since she earned a master’s degree in Transportation. She first worked in transportation engineering before focusing on safety after joining the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization.
State Safety Operations Engineer Timothy Barnett, Alabama DOT — Timothy started working for the City of Huntsville, Alabama’s Department of Transportation at age 16. After working in local government for 20 years, he took a job as a Right-of-Way Engineer with the Alabama Department of Transportation before becoming a Highway Design Engineer and, finally, Safety Operations Engineer.
Traffic Liaison Engineer in Highway Safety and Traffic John P. Miller, P.E., Missouri DOT — John has been selected to serve as a Safety Stakeholder Group member for the National Center for Rural Road Safety. His first position in transportation safety consisted of reviewing traffic crash reports and determining corrective action.
Transportation Division Manager Chris Strong, P.E., City of Gresham, Oregon — Chris has worked in the transportation industry for over 20 years and has been involved in planning, engineering, research, and management. His introduction to transportation safety was with the Western Transportation Institute where he researched the overlap between highway safety and severe weather.