In this episode of Moving Arizona we learn about all things Active Transportation and the Maricopa Association of Government’s (MAG) efforts to explore our next evolution in multi-modalism.  Jason Stephens, Planner III and Active Transportation lead for MAG, talks about finding inspiration in Vancouver, BC while at a conference with the MAG Active Transportation Committee Chair and the activities that followed resulting in the foundational principles and goals of our current plan. Not only are we striving to develop a regional system that accommodates all abilities “from eight to eighty” but one that also provides comfort, safety, and helps improve quality of life and the health of communities across the Valley.

In this episode we hear from Rob Sty, Global Director of the Technology Studio for HDR, Inc.  In his role for HDR, Rob focuses on data centers and mission critical facilities. Rob shares with us his insights on technology and the evolution of transportation as well as the implications of data on decision-making. From designing facilities and systems that ensure continuity of vital services, and security, to leading efforts to evolve our industry, Rob is a leader not only for Arizona but also nationally. Considered a subject matter expert in his field, he has written articles for publications such as AZRE Magazine, ASHRAE Journal, BD+C Magazine, and recently contributed to the Spring Edition of “RISE”, the publication for the College of Engineering at his alma mater, the University of Illinois at Chicago. Rob holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Thermo-Fluid sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Graduate Certificate in Technology & Engineering Management from the department of Management Science & Engineering at Stanford University as well as a number of professional certificates in project & program management and sustainable energy conversion and applications. Thank you Rob for your sage advice and glimpse at some of the challenges we face related to data and transportation decision-making.

After taking a break last week to manage some work-life transitions, I’m back in an interview with one of my favorite Arizona leaders. In this episode Jesse Gutierrez, Deputy Director of the Maricopa County Department of Transportation, shares his background spanning over 30 years in the transportation and construction industries. He's served as a District Engineer, Deputy State Engineer, at the Arizona Department of Transportation and is now working with Jennifer Toth at MCDOT as her Deputy. Jesse brings lifelong experience working with trades, construction, and engineering. Jesse spent his youth working at his family's development company, managed street car construction for the City of Tucson, led in various roles at ADOT, and now serves as part of the MCDOT leadership succession plan. Join me to learn about Jesse's views on management versus leadership, mentorship, and self-awareness.

In this episode of Moving Arizona we get real about the impacts and challenges of an extended work-from-home environment, what it means to be named Man of the Year, and learn some lessons about work-life balance. Andrew Haines is a Jacobs' Manager of Projects, the Project Manager for Valley Metro's Northwest Phase II Light Rail Transit Extension, and the Arizona ACEC Immediate Past Chair. He shares insights about leading during a pandemic, going off-grid with a group of teenagers, and some of the incredible women who have shaped his life. Andrew is open, honest, and one of the most dedicated individuals in Arizona's transportation industry. Join me to get a glimpse of his views on industry, the importance of personal interaction, and why he's right where he's meant to be!

In this episode Jesus Sapien, Director of the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department, gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at what it’s like to grow a career in America’s fifth largest city. He discusses the logistics of navigating City and regional public transportation solutions and how he and his team are committed to providing essential service to our traveling public. COVID 19 has taken its toll on ridership but the City of Phoenix is dedicated to protecting drivers, passengers, and delivering the quality service our communities have come to depend on. Jesus’s passion for public transit stems from his youth but has grown over the years to his current enthusiasm for leading the very cool work of the  Phoenix Public Transit Department. 

In this episode I had the opportunity to interview Jessica Fly. Jessica is a Professional Engineer and Project Manager with WSP. She is indeed one of the famous "Fly" engineers at WSP but it's not just because she's super smart, an incredible team player, and generally awesome to be around... it also happens to be her name. We talk about what it's like on the "seller" side of the doer-seller model with regard to the array of project delivery approaches and how she spends her down time stepping backward off cliffs as she canyoneers with her husband and their "extreme hiking" team. Jessica has insights on growing your career, managing projects, serving clients and contractors, as well as being brave enough to forge your own path.

In this episode we talk about everything from bugs, to grasses, self-driving snowplows, and transforming an organization based on the work of a shame researcher.  Dawn Hood is an Associate Director at the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota. While her focus area is Development and Finance, her background is in structural engineering. Her path has taken a very different turn than she originally planned while earning her engineering degree and becoming a professional engineer. Dawn and I met nearly twenty years ago as part of the second cohort of women to go through the national WTS Leadership Program. Since that time, Dawn has led major initiatives, progressed through the ranks at the Center for Transportation Studies, chaired committees at TRB, and balanced it all with being a wife and mother. Dawn’s journey also encompasses engaging in a transformational change initiative based on the work of Dr. Brene Brown. 

In this episode of Moving Arizona, Chris Bridges, Administrator of the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization (CYMPO) and Chair of the Arizona Transit Association (AzTA), talks about leveraging CARES Act funding to launch a transit service for the Prescott area. He also shares insights regarding the diversity of the CYMPO region, the needs of our Northern Arizona veteran community, and how AzTA is rallying to serve as a resource for rural Arizona transit service providers. Chris leads at local and statewide levels and still finds time to help his neighbors, make people laugh, and produce a “zoom-cast” Who’s Zooming Now with his good friend Vinny Gallego.

In this week’s interview, I spoke with Tony Santana. Tony is the Project Manager for Valley Metro’s Northwest Extension Phase II light rail transit project. He’s someone who grew up in the inner city, went to ASU, saw first-hand how transportation can change communities, and decided to embark on a career of giving back. Tony is an inspirational emerging leader who gives me hope for the future as I listened to his passion and commitment to serve. He encourages young people in our industry to find their “why” and seek a career that they feel inspired by while not being afraid to fail. He is also committed to the advancement of women in the industry as he looks to his daughter’s future and the opportunities he hopes will be available to her.

This week, I spoke with Steve Boschen. Steve is the Infrastructure Delivery & Operations Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation. His approach to delivering a world class transportation system is grounded in pragmatism, optimism, a commitment to partnering with industry, and being brave enough to challenge the status quo. He encourages young people to get involved, see things from a different perspective, and learn about what’s happening in the transportation industry. He’s an inspirational leader with a style that is equal parts challenging the norms and pushing the possible.