2024 National Transportation in Indian Country Conference

Learn more aboutSheri Bozic

Sheri Bozic

Director, Planning, Development and Transportation Department

Pueblo of Jemez

Learn more aboutMattie Rams

Mattie Rams

Highway Safety Specialist

Miccosukee Police Department

Learn more aboutMonte Yazzie

Monte Yazzie

Injury Prevention Specialist

Salt River Pima

Learn more aboutChris Wood

Chris Wood

National Indian County Coordinator

Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General

Learn more aboutDarren Thacker

Darren Thacker

Highway Safety Specialist

FHWA Office of Safety

Learn more aboutBryan Darling

Bryan Darling

Crafco, Inc.

Sales Regional Manager

Learn more aboutDale "Albert" Bond

Dale "Albert" Bond

Division Chief

DEMD

Learn more aboutMatthew Riddell

Matthew Riddell

Director of Native American Services

Qk4

Learn more aboutBill Collester

Bill Collester

National Client Development Manager - Pavement Consulting

Terracon Consultants, Inc.

For over 20 years, Bill has supported the AEC industry by helping to specify, create and present solutions that are impactful to those who he engages with. From the Landscape to the Hardscape, and from the Inside to the Outside, Bill brings his construction experience to pinpoint where the solution is needed. Working with Terracon Consultants since 2020 Bill has provided Building and Pavement consulting to a new level ensuring that the end use and need is always kept in mind.

Learn more aboutTom Bragan

Tom Bragan

Program Analyst

NHTSA

Tom Bragan is a member of NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, Traffic Records Division. Tom oversees NHTSA’s GO Team technical assistance, which provides Tribes and States with help in addressing their crash data problems and needs, from improving data accessibility to strategic planning. Tom has been with the US DOT since 2009, having worked on the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) teams, among other assignments. Tom served in the US Army way back in the 20th century. When not working, Tom enjoys hiking, biking, and being outdoors in general.

Learn more aboutAmy Hill

Amy Hill

Acting Manager

Muscogee Nation Transit Authority

Amy Hill is an enrolled citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma. She is of Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, and Yuchi descent. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Management and has been with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Transportation Program since 2014 and currently serves as the Manager of Transit Services. Amy is dedicated to honoring the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Transit Authority’s mission to provide transit services in order to access jobs, recreational activities, shopping, tribal services and veterans’ services within the eleven counties of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation boundaries.

Learn more aboutTarek Chase

Tarek Chase

DRE/SFST State Coordinator

ND Highway Patrol

Learn more aboutMonica Guerra

Monica Guerra

Community Solutions Technical Assistance Lead

USDOT

As the Community Solutions Technical Assistance Lead, Monica Guerra coordinates the Thriving Communities Program and the Reconnecting Communities Institute within the USDOT's Build America Bureau. She holds a PhD in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley. Monica brings an extensive background leading technical assistance, research and planning efforts for diverse public, private, and non-profit partners. Prior to joining USDOT, Monica most recently worked in California, advising local governments on opportunities to advance comprehensive community and economic development investments and policies.

Learn more aboutTori Brinkley

Tori Brinkley

Senior Safety Engineer

FHWA Resource Center

Learn more aboutLucita Valiere

Lucita Valiere

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Tribal & Territory Program Co-Lead

EPA - Office of Transportation & Air Quality (OTAQ)

"Lucita Valiere is with EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality out of EPA HQ. She works and is based in EPA Region 10 - Air & Radiation Division, as a senior grants project officer in the Transportation, Communities, & Partnerships Section for the Diesel Emissions Reduction (DERA) grants program. She has been a team member since 2004, of the West Coast Collaborative, a voluntary public-private partnership committed to reducing diesel emissions and advancing clean technologies throughout the western United States, serving EPA Regions 9 and 10. She is also the national DERA Tribal & Territory Program Co-Lead since 2015, in the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, for EPA headquarters in Washington D.C. "

Learn more aboutChu Wei

Chu Wei

Supervisor Highway Engineer

Pacific Region, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Chu Wei is the Bureau of Indian Affairs Supervisory Highway Engineer in the Pacific Region. He is a registered professional civil engineer in California. He holds B.S. degree in civil engineering and M.S. degree in infrastructure system engineering from the University of Minnesota. Chu previously employed with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Federal Highway Administration. Chu’s areas of expertise include traffic engineering, geotechnical engineering, traffic safety, cost estimating, dam safety, project management, construction management, and pavement & materials. When he is not at work, he enjoys biking, running, playing volleyball, and spending family time with his young twins.

Learn more aboutChelsea Champlin

Chelsea Champlin

NTD Analyst

FTA

Learn more aboutMarianne Stock

Marianne Stock

Division Chief

FTA

Learn more aboutElan Flippin-Jones

Elan Flippin-Jones

FTA Tribal Transit Program Manager

FTA

Learn more aboutLarissa Young

Larissa Young

GIS/NEPA Coordinator

North Dakota State University

Ms. Young and Dr. Vachal initiated this project based on their experience working together in a tribal crash data collection effort. Their renewed collaboration is aimed at spatially documenting roadway asset inventory and exploring road safety decision tools. The practitioner and researcher perspectives created a good foundation to define an initial spatial network, build asset management knowledge, explore safety screening tools, and test low-cost technology for monitoring and decisions to improve road safety.

Learn more aboutChristian Alexander

Christian Alexander

Associate

Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP; member of Hopland Band of Pomo Indians

Christian focuses on helping state and local governments, tribes, organizations and private enterprises navigate federal laws regulating railroads, rail-trails, public transportation, and airports. He regularly represents state and local governments before various state and federal boards and agencies, including the Surface Transportation Board, the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as in federal appellate court. His experience in transportation infrastructure and operations also extends to environmental permitting and compliance, land acquisition and use, contracting, tenancy and concessionaire issues, labor, civil rights, federal preemption, and funding issues. He has worked on both transit-oriented development and rails-to-trails projects. In addition to his law degree, Christian holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning and a graduate certificate in renewable and sustainable energy studies. Christian is a proud member of the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians of Northern California.

Learn more aboutRobert Anchondo

Robert Anchondo

Judge and ABA Region 6 JOL

American Bar Association

Learn more aboutDezbah Hatathli

Dezbah Hatathli

Native Nations Ambassador

AZ Department of Transportation

"Dezbah Hatathli serves as the Native Nation Ambassador for Infrastructure Development in the State Engineer’s Office at the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Greg Sehongva is the Safety Coordinator for the Hopi Department of Transportation, and coordinates and facilitates traffic safety, injury prevention, and other road safety measures on behalf of the Department. "

Learn more aboutGreg Sehongva

Greg Sehongva

Safety Coordinator

Hopi Tribe

Learn more aboutCameron Ishaq

Cameron Ishaq

Operations Manager

National Center for Rural Road Safety

Learn more aboutWalt Catlett

Walt Catlett

Safety Circuit Rider

National Center for Rural Road Safety

Walt Catlett possesses over 25 years of experience in urban drainage and stormwater management, combined with over 30 years of safety experience from the concrete pipe industry, military, and consulting engineering. He is an effective trainer and educator responsible for the training of military personnel and public works professionals. He serves on Virginia’s Local Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) Advisory Board. He also serves on the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Research Advisory Council. He has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. Mr. Catlett served in the United States Marine Corps and United States Army Reserves for a combined 30 years.

Learn more aboutCarrie Brown

Carrie Brown

Low Cost Pavement Management with PASER

Nevada LTAP

Prior to her current role as the Nevada Local Training Assistance Program Director, Carrie served as the Health and Human Services Director at the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. Carrie brings a diverse background with 15 years’ experience in human services, public health and transportation as a technical assistance provider and trainer, with a focus on cultural sensitivity in program development. Carrie holds a BA in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governor’s University. She is a proud member of Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, the largest Indigenous Greek letter organization in the nation. Carrie is Northern Paiute and Klamath, and an enrolled member of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony.

Learn more aboutElea "El" Carey

Elea "El" Carey

Founder

Transit Happy

I am a marketing consultant working only with public transit agencies, especially those serving rural and small-urban areas. My company strategizes and implements complete marketing programs, from writing deeply researched marketing plans, to creating materials, and implementing marketing. In the last year, I have led the update of the National Rural Transit Assistance Program's online marketing textbook, The Marketing Toolkit. This vital resource for small transit agencies provides the full context for marketing public transit; libraries of free photography, graphics, and templates; and a step-by-step guide to promoting transit service.

Learn more aboutChristina Guerra

Christina Guerra

Christina Guerra (DERA Tribal & Territory Program Co-Lead)

EPA - Office of Transportation & Air Quality (OTAQ)

Learn more aboutNicole Grigg

Nicole Grigg

Attorney at Law

Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake

Learn more aboutSherry Ely Mendes

Sherry Ely Mendes

Tribal Programs Officer

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

Learn more aboutMarcy Jaffe

Marcy Jaffe

GTFS Builder Technical Support

National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)

Learn more aboutAyelet Hirschkorn

Ayelet Hirschkorn

Partner

Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP

Ayelet focuses her practice on developing and advancing infrastructure projects, including advising on issues related to construction, operations, maintenance, funding and financing; drafting and negotiating contracts; and navigating the complex regulatory environment. Ayelet is a strong and effective advocate with extensive experience in the transportation industry. She successfully manages, drafts, and negotiates agreements for some of the nation’s largest transportation projects and advises her clients on federal and state policies, statues, and regulations in the railroad, environmental, utility and procurement industries. Ayelet also represents commuter rail agencies before the Surface Transportation Board, federal and state courts on a variety of issues including railbanking, abandonment of rail lines, environmental reviews, federal preemption and expansion of freight and intercity rail services. Ayelet spent a majority of her career in public service, ensuring that commuter agencies maximize their transportation services in an efficient and accessible manner.

Learn more aboutFrancis Wayne Bull Calf

Francis Wayne Bull Calf

Transportation Director

Browning Public Schools

Learn more aboutMargaret Rocha

Margaret Rocha

Program Analyst (Finance)

BIA OJS Indian Highway Safety Program

Learn more aboutAeron Goldheart

Aeron Goldheart

Associate

Lithified Technologies US

Learn more aboutClarence Greene

Clarence Greene

Spirit Lake Tribal Roads Director

Spirit Lake Tribe

Clarence Greene has led the Spirit Lake Tribal Roads Department since 1985. He has led many projects from preliminary concept to on-the-ground completion, including shared-use pathways, rumble strips, chevrons, destination lighting, shoulder widening, inslope flattening, signing upgrades, paving, pavement marking, and large grade raises for flood control.

Learn more aboutKendra McGeady

Kendra McGeady

Director of Transit

Pelivan Transit / NE Tribal Transit Coalition

Through the FTA's tribal transportation program and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, several grant funding streams exist for tribal transportation providers. However, the grant application process can be overwhelming--determining which projects could potentially receive funding, how to manage the grant funds, and whether various funding sources can be braided together can be daunting. Join Meredith Greene, who assisted National RTAP with the most recent update of the Tribal Transit Funding section for the Transit Manager's Toolkit, and Kendra McGeady, who helped to establish the Northeast Tribal Transit Coalition in Oklahoma in a discussion of funding for tribal transit projects, applying for grant funding, and how to manage multiple funding sources.

Learn more aboutLyle Leitelt

Lyle Leitelt

Lead Community Planner Office of Railroad Planning & Engineering

Federal Railroad Administration

Lyle Leitelt is a Community Planner in FRA’s Office of Rail Planning and Engineering. Lyle joined FRA in 2015 and has provided technical support on railroad planning and as it relates to national and regional rail networks, corridors, and leads the development and implementation of planning policies, methodologies, technical standards, tools, studies, and guidance. He is the Project Manager on FRA’s Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study and the planning technical lead for FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development Program.

Learn more aboutCollin Price

Collin Price

Program Specialist

Federal Highway Administration

Learn more aboutAndrea Kirk

Andrea Kirk

Program Specialist

Federal Highway Administration

Learn more aboutMichael Machal

Michael Machal

Senior Manager

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Center for Countering Human Trafficking

Mr. Michael E. Camal serves as a Senior Manager at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT). There, he leads the Blue Campaign, the Department’s national public awareness campaign to combat human trafficking. His portfolio includes raising awareness with the aviation, tribal gaming, and hospitality industries.

Learn more aboutElizabeth Pfenning

Elizabeth Pfenning

International Relations Specialist & Counter Trafficking Advisor

U.S. Department of Transportation

"Ms. Elizabeth Pfenning currently serves as International Relations Specialist for the Counter Trafficking Team at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the Secretary (OST), Office of International Transportation and Trade, where she supports tribal engagement, the Department’s Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking (ACHT), the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking (TLAHT) initiative, and multilateral work to establish counter trafficking practices and standards. Mr. Michael E. Camal serves as a Senior Manager at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT). There, he leads the Blue Campaign, the Department’s national public awareness campaign to combat human trafficking. His portfolio includes raising awareness with the aviation, tribal gaming, and hospitality industries. "

Learn more aboutKimberly Belone

Kimberly Belone

Program Analyst (Coordinator)

BIA OJS Indian Highway Safety Program

Kimberly Belone, Program Analyst (Coordinator) Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Indian Highway Safety Program. Kimberly is the Program Analyst for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Indian Highway Safety Program. Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and has been working with the BIA OJS IHSP since 2012. Kimberly’s career with the IHSP began as the Program Analyst (Finance) processing Request for Reimbursement for federally recognized tribes. She was tasked with pulling the program out of high risk and maintaining compliance with federal regulations. As the IHSP Program Analyst (Coordinator) she provides training and technical assistance to federally recognized tribes interested in grant funding. She is a mother of a phenomenal student athlete who plays college volleyball for Haskell Indian Nations University, a proud owner of a 4-year-old yorkie named Coco. Her hobbies include reading & sewing.

Learn more aboutMeredith Greene

Meredith Greene

Principal & CEO

Socius Amica

Through the FTA's tribal transportation program and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, several grant funding streams exist for tribal transportation providers. However, the grant application process can be overwhelming--determining which projects could potentially receive funding, how to manage the grant funds, and whether various funding sources can be braided together can be daunting. Join Meredith Greene, who assisted National RTAP with the most recent update of the Tribal Transit Funding section for the Transit Manager's Toolkit, and Kendra McGeady, who helped to establish the Northeast Tribal Transit Coalition in Oklahoma in a discussion of funding for tribal transit projects, applying for grant funding, and how to manage multiple funding sources.

Learn more aboutMarshall Worthey

Marshall Worthey

Sr. Account Manager

The Tepa Companies (Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians)

Marshall has over 25 years of providing geospatial services to Tribes, the Federal Government and the private sector. Marshall is the lead account manager for Tepa's Technology Business unit (including Tukuh Technologies and Tukuh Technology Services) Tribally Owned GIS firms with a passion for working with other Tribes to solve location based problems in Indian Country.

Learn more aboutMarcia Fernandez

Marcia Fernandez

Senior Analyst

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Marcia Fernandez is a senior analyst within the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Physical Infrastructure team. In this role, she leads teams that help the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and the public address challenges within the U.S. infrastructure, including by examining transportation systems and postal services. She has led reviews of federal transportation research activities, postal issues, regulation of domestic oceangoing carriers, and vehicle recalls, and contributed to many other reports. As former Chair and longtime member of the Physical Infrastructure Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee, Ms. Fernandez is a leader for efforts that help promote DEIA at GAO and serves as an ambassador to new staff at GAO. Ms. Fernandez is also a recipient of a number of GAO awards, including a 2022 GAO Meritorious Service Award and a 2023 Physical Infrastructure team Supervisor of the Year Award, and numerous other Special Recognition Awards.

Learn more aboutJennifer Stewart

Jennifer Stewart

Sponsor Outreach Specialist

Federal Railroad Administration

"Jennifer Stewart joined the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Regional Outreach & Project Delivery in October 2023 as a Sponsor Outreach Specialist and Tribal Liaison. Jennifer has over 18 years of experience working with Tribal Nations as a federal employee at FRA, FTA, and as a federal contractor. As FRA’s Tribal Liaison, it is Jennifer’s responsibility to foster relationships, provide funding program information, and technical assistance to Tribal Nations. Lyle Leitelt is a Community Planner in FRA’s Office of Rail Planning and Engineering. Lyle joined FRA in 2015 and has provided technical support on railroad planning and as it relates to national and regional rail networks, corridors, and leads the development and implementation of planning policies, methodologies, technical standards, tools, studies, and guidance. He is the Project Manager on FRA’s Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study and the planning technical lead for FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. "

Learn more aboutKatherine Elkins

Katherine Elkins

EMS/911 Specialist

Office of EMS & National 911 Program, NHTSA

Kate Elkins is an emergency medical services and 911 specialist with a background spanning two decades in EMS, 911, public health and injury prevention. At NHTSA, she works on both EMS and 911 initiatives related to rural and tribal systems development, pandemic response, education, mental health, workforce wellness and cross governmental collaboration. She has a Master of Public Health degree with a focus on injury prevention and is currently a DrPH student and Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellow at Johns Hopkins. Kate is an active paramedic and paramedic instructor. She has served as a chief officer and worked for the Maryland Highway Safety Office.

Learn more aboutAnastacia Espada

Anastacia Espada

Regional Program Manager

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

"Anastacia Espada, currently a Regional Program Manager for NHTSA in Region 4 and oversees the state of South Carolina. Anastacia has a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and a Master’s degree in Public Health. Prior to NHTSA, Anastacia served as a Safe Communities Coordinator though a Safe Community Grant and as a Planner at the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. She has also worked several years in various capacities as a nurse. During her time at NHTSA, she has worked on various regional programs areas, including equity, impaired driving, young adults and working with potential partners in our military and tribal communities, specifically the Catawba Indian Nation in South Carolina. "

Learn more aboutTabatha Austin Harris

Tabatha Austin Harris

Regional Program Manager

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Tabatha Austin-Harris is an Indigenous member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma where she born and raised in the community post-removal of the Chahta People. She is a member of the first Indigenous sorority, Alpha Pi Omega, Inc. where she remains active in the professional chapter of Theta PI. Tabatha began her injury prevention career working for the Kaw Nation as an Injury Prevention Program Coordinator for the IHS Tribal Injury Prevention Program Corporative Agreement. Which lead Tabatha to work in the areas of traffic/highway safety, injury prevention, and transportation for the Tribal Technical Assistance Program and the Tribal Injury Prevention Resource Center. With over 12 years of experience in field, Tabatha now serves as a Regional Program Manager for the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) Region 6 agency and works directly with the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Indian Highway Safety Program.

Learn more aboutKen Picard

Ken Picard

Asst. Planning Director

Red Plains Professional, Inc.

"Mr. Picard has been working with Tribes in the TTP Program for the past 7 years, promoting GIS solutions for all aspects of Tribal planning and program management. Previously employed with Apple and the US Bureau of Land Management prior to joining Red Plains, Ken combines strong field experience with technical ability in the office to create practical GIS-Driven Asset Management Systems that enhance data-driven Tribal Planning. Focused on expanding the use of GIS based Planning, Ken has collected thousands of miles of NTTFI Inventory, performed utility infrastructure mapping, and built reliable asset datasets in the field ranging across many professional disciplines. Representing the Red Plain’s Planning and GIS Department, Ken's passion is making a difference one tribal program at a time, guiding our clients into the future of GIS-Driven Planning not only for the tribal transportation management, but also in the Land, Facility, Environmental, and Natural Resources management realms. "

Learn more aboutKimberly Vachal

Kimberly Vachal

Senior Research Faculty

North Dakota State University

Dr. Kimberly Vachal is the lead investigator for the Rural Transportation Safety and Security Center at North Dakota State University’s Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. She conducts research and outreach to promote safe and secure transportation in rural regions, with emphasis on public policy and program evaluation. Dr. Vachal has worked with state and federal crash record databases and associated administrative records in her traffic safety research. She began her career with a Master’s degree in agricultural economics from NDSU; eventually earning her doctorate in public policy from George Mason University. She and her husband live near Valley City, ND with their three dogs and 70 shorthorn cattle. Their son in West Fargo and daughter at NDSU still join them for an occasional cattle show.

Learn more aboutJill Drury

Jill Drury

Autogas Business Development Consultant

Propane Education and Research Council

"Jill joined PERC as a passenger transportation consultant in 2022. Prior to working with PERC, Jill was the Executive Director at Charlevoix County Transit (CCT), a rural demand-response system in Northern Michigan. During her time at CCT, she transitioned the system’s fleet from traditional fuel to propane autogas. Charlevoix County Transit was awarded the 2018 Propane Autogas Fleet Award by PERC at BusCon, was nationally recognized for their COVID pandemic response and was named the 2021 Community Transportation Association of America’s Rural Fleet of theYear. Jill has presented at national conferences such as the CTAA Expo, CTAA SUN Conference, NTIIC, as well many regional, state and local transportation conferences and webinars. Panelist include industry leaders from across the country whose agencies have transitined their fleets to a cleaner, lower-emission option; Propane Autogas. "

Learn more aboutDirlam Thomas

Dirlam Thomas

Treasurer

Below 100

I retired after 31 years with the Michigan State Police as the Assistant Deputy Director of the Administrative Services Bureau (ASB). My first assignment was the Owosso Post followed by 22 years in the Forensic Science Division. After two years at Headquarters in the ASB as the Assistant Deputy Director, I was reassigned to First District Headquarters as the Assistant District Commander. In 2015 I transferred to the Field Services Bureau and then back to the ASB. I graduated from the 225th Session of the FBI National Academy and the 117th Class of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute School of Police Staff and Command. I was adjunct faculty at Schoolcraft College and Henry Ford Community College. I have been a Below 100 instructor since 2013, a National Core Instructor since 2014 and in August 2016 I was appointed to the Below 100 Board.

Learn more aboutNick Dellisolla

Nick Dellisolla

Equipment Product Manager

Crafco, Inc.

Learn more aboutChristy Jackson

Christy Jackson

State Tribal Affairs Program Manager

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

"Bios will be provided for the group of presenters that developed and implement the pilot program and include: 1) Christy Jackson, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Tribal Affairs Program Manager (Member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) 2) Cyless Peterson, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Tribal Affairs Project Manager (Member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) 3) Andrea Kirk, Federal Highway Administration Program Specialist 4) Collin Price, Consultant/Pilot Program facilitator (Member of the Ho-Chunk Nation)"

Learn more aboutDavid Garcia

David Garcia

Management and Program Analyst

U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration

In October 2022, David Garcia began serving as the Management and Program Analyst for Federal Lands - Office of Tribal Transportation, under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) umbrella. David previously served FHWA in the Colorado Division and Texas Division offices. David’s data experience includes collection, cleansing, storage, security, analyzing, and reporting. With over 22 years’ experience in the public sector, David continues to translate information into understandable knowledge improving business intelligence for his agency and their partners.

Learn more aboutRonald Eck

Ronald Eck

Engineer

WV LTAP

Session facilitator is Ronald W. Eck, P.E., Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering at West Virginia University and Director, West Virginia Local Technical Assistance Program. Ron has been involved in traffic engineering, pedestrian safety and crash reconstruction for over 45 years. He has chaired the Transportation Forensics and Risk Management Council of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and authored a Handbook of Accident Reconstruction. He served for 9 years as a member of the Pedestrian Committee of the Transportation Research Board. He teaches a variety of pedestrian safety and crash reconstruction workshops for state and local roadway agencies and LTAP centers throughout the United States. He has reconstructed several hundred crashes, including many pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

Learn more aboutKatharine Kovacek

Katharine Kovacek

Fraud in Tribal Transportation Programs

Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General

Learn more aboutBrandi Julian

Brandi Julian

Director Organizational Development

Crafco, Inc.

Brandi Julian is the Director of Organizational Development for Crafco, Inc. and leads the technical training for pavement preservation materials and equipment. Mrs. Julian holds a B.A. in Communication Public Relations & Advertising, and a CPTD, Certified Professional in Talent Development. She has focused more than 20 years of her career specializing in learning and development. Most recently, Mrs. Julian has partnered with industry organizations such as NCPP (the National Center for Pavement Preservation) and ISSA (International Slurry Surfacing Association) to develop training for Crack Sealing certification and other pavement preservation techniques to help share and provide best practices to the industry.

Learn more aboutMatt Duane

Matt Duane

Solid Minerals Branch Chief

BIA-OTS-DEMD

Duane Matt is a member of the Confederated Salish Kootenai and Pend D ‘Oreille tribes, located on the Flathead Indian reservation located in western Montana. Mr. Matt currently works for the Office of Trust Services (OTS)/Division of Energy and Mineral Development (DEMD) as the Solid Minerals Branch Chief in Lakewood, CO. Duane is a Geologist by trade. He previously worked as both a Reclamation Specialist and Technology Coordinator with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) in Denver, CO. Both DEMD and OSMRE are part of the Department of the Interior (DOI). Before working for DEMD, Duane worked for the Bureau of Land Management (Initial Attack Fire Dispatcher), Scientific Applications International Corporation (Field Geologist), Bureau of Reclamation (Geological Intern), Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (Minerals Department Geology Trainee), United States Department of Agriculture (Smokejumper) and National Park Service (Helitack/Firefighter). Duane also worked as a schoolteacher on the Laguna-Acoma reservation in New Mexico. He holds a Master’s Degree in Geology and a Bachelor’s Degree in both Geology and English/Secondary Education. Mr. Matt was a member of the University of Montana cross-country and track-and-field teams 1986-1990. He also possesses six years of experience coaching both boys’ and girls’ high school cross-country and track-and-field. Duane is a founding board member of the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE.)

Learn more aboutTBD TBD

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Learn more aboutBrent Crowther

Brent Crowther

Sr. Associate

Kimley-Horn and Associates

Federal Highways Administration conducted a research study of ways to improve pedestrian safety in rural Tribal communities and areas, and explore transportation planning practices and strategies to decrease pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries in rural Tribal areas. The study included development and review of a comprehensive data set of pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries in Tribal communities supplemented with contextual information, identification of risk factors, and recommendations for transportation, injury prevention, and education practitioners to apply to locations in rural Tribal communities, to improve pedestrian safety.

Learn more aboutLovely Bonhomme

Lovely Bonhomme

Attorney at Law

Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP

Lovely’s practice focuses on representing both private and public-sector clients in in connection with the procurement, construction, financing, and operations and maintenance of a variety of infrastructure and development projects. Her deep understanding of various project delivery methods, including public-private partnerships (P3 / PPP) and design-build equips her with the ability to provide seamless counsel throughout the entirety of a project and implement creative solutions to complex procurement and contracting issues. Prior to joining the Firm, Lovely worked with an international NGO to undertake human rights work for indigenous and Afro-Colombian women’s groups related to complex issues such as post-conflict transition and land rights/economic development. She also worked at an international law firm where she represented corporate clients in various financing transactions.

Learn more aboutAlex Clegg

Alex Clegg

Rural transportation Specialist

USDOT

Alex Clegg is a rural transportation specialist at USDOT. He works as part of the ROUTES Initiative, which serves as the front door for DOT’s rural TA, resources, and engagement. He has also worked in the Build America Bureau at DOT, and prior to joining the department he worked in transportation funding policy with AASHTO.

Learn more aboutRobert Hyman

Robert Hyman

ROUTES Program Manager

USDOT

Rob Hyman leads the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative, in the Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation Policy at the US DOT. He has been working in the transportation field for two decades, with positions at the Federal Highway Administration, at Cambridge Systematics (a transportation planning consultancy), and a short stint as a ski bum.

Learn more aboutPeter Kirsch

Peter Kirsch

Partner

Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell

Peter J. Kirsch is a partner with the law firm of Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell, dividing his time between the firm’s offices in Denver, Colorado and Washington, DC. For nearly 35 years, Mr. Kirsch has concentrated his practice on airport development. He has represented scores of airports on land use, regulatory and environmental issues that arise in connection with airport operations and development and regularly advises airports on federal legislation and regulations, and financial issues. He has represented clients in precedent-setting litigation regarding the powers of airport proprietors and has assisted airports large and small in preparation of environmental documentation over environmental impacts from airport projects. He actively advises many airport proprietors on governance issues. He is a frequent speaker at conferences on airport law and has contributed to many National Academies of Sciences publications. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and the University of Chicago Law School.

Learn more aboutSara Dutschke

Sara Dutschke

Tribal Chairperson/Partner

Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell and Ione Band of Miwok Indians

Sara A. Dutschke is a partner at Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell, and also serves as the elected Chairperson of her tribe, the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. She has advised and supported tribal clients on complex matters involving tribal sovereignty and governance, government-to-government relations and business and economic development which includes gaming, energy, conventional and bond financing, and tax analysis. She has drafted and reviewed tribal governing documents and intergovernmental agreements; assisted with the federal land acquisition process (aka fee-to-trust) for gaming and non-gaming projects; advised on other Indian lands issues including land claims, leasing and rights-of-way and Section 81 approval requirements; advised tribal clients regarding labor and employment matters; and routinely assists tribal clients with exploring grant funding opportunities, grant administration, and compliance. Sara has also represented tribal interests in litigation involving tribal sovereign immunity, intratribal disputes, contract-related claims, and tribal jurisdictional issues.

Learn more aboutTodd Macalady

Todd Macalady

COO

Southwestern Tribal Technical Assistance Program

Learn more aboutLee Nelva

Lee Nelva

Founder, CEO

Mitio

"Dr. Nelva Lee is the Founder and CEO of MiTio Inc. a Medical and Court Interpreting and Translating Training Institute. MiTio Inc. trains and employs Interpreters and Translators directly to healthcare/legal organizations in need of its services. Dr. Lee was a Subject Matter Expert in the creation of the CMI exam for the NBCMI and was respectively its first Chair. Dr. Lee has over 20 years of experience in healthcare and over 10 years in academia as an adjunct professor. She is a Governor Kemp-appointed board member of the Department of Community Health. She is Chairman of the board of the Henry County Pregnancy Resource Center (Bridge Wellness South) and a former Republican candidate for State Senate in District 17. Dr. Lee has authored several books including: “The Good Christian Wife” and “Be the Super Hero of Your Story.” "

Learn more aboutGlen McCormick

Glen McCormick

JD, CGMS

Glenn McCormick Grant Training and Consulting

Glenn McCormick has over twenty years' experience working with federal grants. After serving six years in the US Army, Glenn received his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctorate Degree from Stetson College of Law. As a Grant Specialist for Broward County Glenn assisted with closing out hundreds of federal grants. Glenn has presented at multiple National and State conferences on various grant lifecycle topics.

Learn more aboutVince Toya

Vince Toya

Project Coordinator

Transportation Operations Manager, Pueblo Jemez

Vince E. Toya is the Transportation Operations Manager at the Pueblo of Jemez Planning, Development, and Transportation Department. With a robust background spanning over 25 years in construction oversight and heavy equipment operation, Mr. Toya holds a pivotal position in the oversight of various facets of transportation infrastructure projects from their initial planning stages through to design and construction.

Learn more aboutKevin Tafoya

Kevin Tafoya

Assistant Transit Manager

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Kevin Tafoya leads the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for over 15 years, serving Cherokee NC with five bus routes. Kevin was born in Espanola, New Mexico, and honors all the languages of his ancestors. EBCI-Transit is instrumental in supporting substance abuse recovery programs by providing transit assistance for community members in recovery to learn trades and travel to work. Kevin also serves on the National RTAP Board. In Kevin’s free time, he enjoys being in nature – you’ll often find him paddle boarding on the scenic North Carolina lakes – and riding his bike – he participated in the Remember the Removal bike ride that retraces the northern removal route of Cherokee Indians from Georgia to Oklahoma. Marcy Jaffe born in New York now lives in Port Townsend, Washington and shares her passion for technical assistance to offer on-line trip planning.

Learn more aboutAdam Larsen

Adam Larsen

Safety Engineer & Safety Program Manager

Office of Tribal Transportation Federal Highway Administration

Adam Larsen provides transportation safety technical assistance to Tribal Governments and manages the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund at the Federal Highway Administration Office of Tribal Transportation (OTT). Adam joined the OTT as a civil engineer in 2011 and has previous engineering experience at other FHWA offices, Washington State DOT, a small city public works department, and Hewlett-Packard.

Learn more aboutJoe Sanchez

Joe Sanchez

Native American Services DIrector

NV5

Joe Sanchez, PE has over 30 years of professional experience in program management and administration, grant writing, contract management, project management, construction management, and overseeing and guiding the development and design of transportation projects, railroad at-grade crossings and permitting, and implementation of context-sensitive solutions (CSS). Joe’s experience includes projects using federal and state funds, design and construction bid estimate preparation, work scope development, work plans and schedule controls, project budget management and task assignments related to civil/site work, roadways and bridges, irrigation structures, pavement thickness design, and construction management and administration. Joe has helped his clients win over 31 million in grants.

Learn more aboutRhonda Fair

Rhonda Fair

Director - Tribal Coordination

Oklahoma Department of Transportation

Rhonda Fair, Ph.D., serves as the Director of Tribal Coordination for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. In that capacity, she manages tribal consultation on ODOT’s federal undertakings and facilitates partnerships between tribal transportation programs and ODOT. She is passionate about community engagement and government affairs.

Learn more aboutPaul Bjornson

Paul Bjornson

Civil Engineer

KLJ Engineering

"Clarence Greene has led the Spirit Lake Tribal Roads Department since 1985. He has led many projects from preliminary concept to on-the-ground completion, including shared-use pathways, rumble strips, chevrons, destination lighting, shoulder widening, inslope flattening, signing upgrades, paving, pavement marking, and large grade raises for flood control. Paul Bjornson has more than 22 years of experience on city, county, state, Tribal, federal, and non-federal-aid projects. Projects have included local emergency grade raises to street and highway maintenance, reconstruction, and new construction, with construction budgets ranging from a few thousand dollars to multi-million-dollar federal aid projects. Blake Wilcox is a grant writer and funding expert with KLJ. He has spent the last two years helping identify funding opportunities and successfully securing federal award dollars for a host of Tribes across the Midwest. He has significant experience helping right-fit grant opportunities to the needs of communities of all sizes."

Learn more aboutRobert Sherwin

Robert Sherwin

CEO

Lithified Technologies US

BOB SHERWIN founded Lithified Technologies in Santa Fe, NM in 2011. Bob’s accomplishments through 2024 include solving the problems why roads fail resulting in cracks, ruts and hazardous potholes. Bob discovered that low-strength foundations cause failure. After thousands of geotechnical tests, Bob found that treating base materials with customized natural chemicals, water and compaction known as “accelerated lithification”, create huge increases of strength, thus transforming foundations into safer eco-friendly high-performance pavement. This “value engineering” breakthrough produces more bang with less bucks that will forever improve the way roads are designed, built and maintained. Bob received his Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Oregon in 1979. By 1998, he opened two real estate companies that were later sold to Prudential. In 2003 he started real estate developments in Santa Fe. Bob’s passions include pilot flying, golf and skiing. He and his wife Denice have two beautiful daughters and three grandchildren.

Learn more aboutSusan Wilson

Susan Wilson

Program Manager of Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program

USDOT

"As the Community Solutions Technical Assistance Lead, Monica Guerra coordinates the Thriving Communities Program and the Reconnecting Communities Institute within the USDOT's Build America Bureau. She holds a PhD in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley. Monica brings an extensive background leading technical assistance, research and planning efforts for diverse public, private, and non-profit partners. Prior to joining USDOT, Monica most recently worked in California, advising local governments on opportunities to advance comprehensive community and economic development investments and policies. Susan Wilson is the manager of the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, also housed within the Build America Bureau. Susan has over 20 years of experience in the field of transportation, both in the private and public sector. Directly prior to joining USDOT, Susan served as a Local Assistance Program Manager with Virginia Department of Transportation. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Geography and has completed graduate-level transportation planning courses from the State University of New York at Albany."

Learn more aboutDavid Peters

David Peters

Western Regional Manager

The Ray

Mr. Peters has worked extensively with State Departments of Transportation to research and identify best practices as they relate to resilience and sustainability. He has also worked with state agencies and executive staff on energy and environmental policy. He has previously managed and administered federal grants and contracts. Mr. Peters supports the FY22 USDOT Thriving Communities Networked Community Cohort as the primary day-to-day point of contact for communities located in the Western US.

Learn more aboutChris Kwilinski

Chris Kwilinski

Safety Specialist

FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation

Learn more aboutMary Kate Huffman

Mary Kate Huffman

Judge and ABA National Judicial Fellow

American Bar Association

"KATE HUFFMAN served for twenty-one years as a General Division Judge on the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court and since 2023 has served on the Second District Court of Appeals. Judge Huffman received her B.A. in political science from Wright State University, her J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law, and an M.A. in Judicial Studies from the University of Nevada. She completed two terms on the Commission for the Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Ohio Supreme Court, and served as Chair of that Commission from 2021-2022. Judge Huffman teaches as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Dayton School of Law and on the faculty of the National Judicial College. She currently serves as the American Bar Association Judicial Fellow, providing peer-to-peer education and training for impaired driving stakeholders and frequently teaches continuing legal education programs around the country. "

Learn more aboutFrank Ciccarella

Frank Ciccarella

Owner

Synergize Consulting LLC

Synergize Consulting LLC is a firm that will focus on the most important resource, your driver. How that driver is trained, and the safety programs that support the operation is the core of what we do. At Synergize Consulting, we believe that a strong safety culture begins with a strong foundational training program.