Registration

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

​​Main Entrance, Raleigh Convention Center

NCBELS - Ethics & Rules of Professional Conduct Education

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

301 A/B

This is a one-and-a-half-hour workshop prepared and conducted by NCBELS to inform North Carolina PE & PLS license holders about the Board Rules, including the Rules of Professional Conduct that they must adhere to. The program will provide examples of potential violations and disciplinary actions. There will be discussion about Responsible Charge, Standard Certification Requirements, Continuing Education Requirements, Artificial Intelligence, and other important topics.

PRESENTERS:

               Vinnie K. Goel, PhD., PE, Vice Chair of the Board

               David J. Evans, Assistant Executive Director

               S. Wesley Tripp III, Board Counsel

Rehearsal & Mic Check (All Speakers)

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Ballroom

Registration

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

​​Main Entrance, Raleigh Convention Center

Breakfast

7:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Exhibit Hall

N.C. Board Of Transportation Meeting

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

402

NCDOT Career Fair

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Main Entrance Hallway

Opening Session

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Ballroom

• Chair Anthony Lathrop, N.C. Board of Transportation (Emcee)
• Garner Magnet High School JROTC (Presentation of Colors)
• Ladies in Red, N.C. State University (National Anthem)
• Chair Lathrop, N.C. Board of Transportation (Pledge of Allegiance)
• Governor Josh Stein
• Janet Cowell, City of Raleigh, Mayor
• Gary. J. Salamido, N.C. Chamber, President and CEO
• Marc Finlayson, NC Go!, Chair
• Joey Hopkins, P.E., NCDOT, Secretary of Transportation
• Steven Bradbury, USDOT, Deputy Secretary of Transportation
• Luther Harrison, Samaritan’s Purse, Vice President of North American Ministries
• Ladies in Red, “Darkest Hour,” by Eric Church

Break

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Outside Main Ballroom

General Session 1: Weathering the Storm: Crisis Management & Emergency Operations

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Ballroom

When crisis strikes, state employees from many agencies are among the first responders to step up to the front lines. From hurricanes and tropical storms to mudslides and flash floods, we depend on law enforcement and transportation agencies to efficiently manage each crisis and ensure safe passage for everyone. Join state transportation and highway patrol leaders from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky for a candid discussion on how they support each other, and the valuable lessons learned while managing emergency operations, adapting under pressure, and keeping critical infrastructure running in their home states.

(opening/closing) Brad Lail, N.C. Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Secretary Joey Hopkins, P.E.

Justin Powell, SCDOT, Secretary

Will Reid, PE, TDOT, Commissioner

James Ballinger, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, State Highway Engineer

Colonel Freddy Johnson, Jr., North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Commander

Lunch/Exhibitors Networking

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Exhibit Hall

NCGO! Luncheon (Invitation Only)

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

402

1. The Balancing Act: States’ Approaches to Risk in Public-Private Partnerships

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

302 A/B

As more states turn to public-private partnerships (P3s) to deliver critical transportation infrastructure, this session will explore innovative strategies for allocating and managing risk between public and private partners. Transportation leaders from multiple states will share challenges, lessons learned, and insights for achieving balanced, successful, and sustainable P3 projects.

(opening/closing) Mike Fox, N.C. Board of Transportation
MODERATOR: Carly Swanson, NCDOT, Director of Innovative Delivery

Stephen Brich, VDOT, Commissioner

Tim Matthews, GDOT, Assistant P3 Division Director & Pre-Let Program Administrator

Paige Heintzman, TDOT, Director of P3 Delivery

Dr. Shawn Wilson, WSP, Senior Vice President

2. Solution or Setback? Using AI to Maximize Operations and Minimize Spending

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

306 A/B

The industry is seeing a surge in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning across transportation disciplines. AI is optimizing our traffic flows, enhancing safety measures, and driving innovation forward. However, debate still sparks whether using AI will help or hinder our growth in the long run. Supporters and skeptics (and those who fall in between) are encouraged to attend this breakout session as experts in transportation technology discuss how they leverage AI to reach new heights.

(opening/closing) David Womack, N.C. Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Brian Clark, North Carolina State Ports Authority, Executive Director

Kate Jostworth, A.P. Moller – Maersk, Head of First Mile USA

Eric Johnson, S&P Global, Senior Editor – Technology

Dr. Erez Agmoni, Interwoven Ventures, General Partner

3. Trusted Routes: The Value of Stakeholder and Community Engagement

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

303

Successful projects require a strong foundation built on trust and respect. Working alongside stakeholders and the community paves way to more mindfully designed projects. In this session, professionals consider the importance of stakeholder engagement and leaning into the diverse voices of our communities.

(opening/closing) Stephen Rosenburgh, N.C. Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Jamille Robbins, NCDOT, Public Involvement, Community Studies & Visualization Group Leader

Tracy Montross, American Airlines, Managing Director of Government Affairs

Beau Mills, Fountainworks, Senior Advisor

Lisa Qualls, CRTPO, Chair

4. Strategic Finance: Managing Cash Across State DOTs

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

301 A/B

This session brings together finance experts to explore the critical role of cash management in the evolving landscape of transportation funding. Discover how agencies are optimizing cash flow and refining budgeting practices to ensure financial stability and maximize available resources.

(opening/closing) Valerie Jordan, N.C. Board of Transportation
MODERATOR: Mark Newsome, NCDOT, Chief Financial Officer

Lisa Saliba, FDOT, Chief Financial Officer

Laura Farmer, VDOT, Chief Financial Officer

Bill Malczyk, Senior Managing Director, EY Turnaround Management Services LLC

Jason Adank, FDOT, Comptroller

5. Ready and Resilient: Preparing for Nature’s Worst

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

305 A/B

While we can’t control when natural disasters occur, we can prepare for how to better withstand them. Philanthropists, supply chain and logistics experts, and leaders in transportation risk and resilience invite you for a compassionate conversation on combating catastrophe and remaining connected even during disconnect.

(opening/closing) Billy Clarke – N.C. Board of Transportation
MODERATOR: Matthew Lauffer, P.E., NCDOT, Hydraulics

Esther Manheimer, Asheville Mayor

Kathy Fulton, American Logistics Aid Network, Executive Director

Christine Laporte, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Program Manager for the Truist Foundation Western NC Recovery and Resiliency Fund

Aimee Flannery, JACOBS, Global Principal – Transportation Risk and Resilience

6. Ready for Prime Time: Highway Construction (Invitation only)

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

NCDOT Business Development Zone in Exhibit Hall

MODERATORS: Tunya Smith, NCDOT, Office of Civil Rights, Director & Boyd Tharrington, NCDOT, Deputy Chief Engineer

Break

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Outside Ballroom

General Session 2: What To Expect From Reauthorization

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Ballroom

This panel will explore how future legislation on reauthorization will balance safety, innovation, and the intersection of federal and state responsibilities. Hear insights from national leaders on what’s ahead for funding, policy, and implementation. This timely discussion will unpack the priorities shaping reauthorization and what they mean for transportation agencies and stakeholders nationwide.

(opening/closing) Graham Bennet, N.C. Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Chris Peoples, P.E., NCDOT, Chief Operating Officer

Patrick McKenna, Eno Center for Transportation, President & CEO

Dean Franks, ARTBA, Senior Vice President for Congressional Relations

Joung Lee, AASHTO, Deputy Director and Chief Policy Officer

Ed Sniffen, HDOT, Director of Transportation

Summit Day 1 Closing Remarks – Chair Lathrop

Vendor Reception/Exhibitor Networking

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Registration

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

​​Main Entrance, Raleigh Convention Center

Breakfast

7:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Exhibit Hall

WTS/NC COMTO Breakfast (Invitation Only)

7:30 AM - 8:45 AM

402

NCDOT Career Fair

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Main Entrance Hallway

General Session 3: On the Horizon: Innovative Transportation Solutions

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Ballroom

With a shared goal of building a network that is smarter, safer, and more efficient, transportation leaders across the country are continuously seeking innovative approaches to improve the future of mobility. This general session will highlight recent advancements in multimodal transportation and what’s on the horizon for the industry.

(opening/closing) Melvin Mitchell – Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Cat Peele, NCDOT, Deputy Director of Maritime Operations & Programming

Tyler Duvall, Cavnue, CEO & Co-Founder

James Lanier, General Motors OnStar, Global Public Safety Engagement Manager

Het Patel, City of Raleigh, Assistant Director of Transit

Kara Evanko, Siemens Mobility North America, Vice President of Communications and Strategy

Break

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Outside Ballroom

1. Mindful Mobility: Safety at the Forefront of Modern Transportation

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

302 A/B

From design to execution, safety must remain at the core of all transportation projects. Champions in transportation safety gather to discuss their visionary projects that are advancing safety measures through emerging technology, policy reform, and modernized infrastructure.

(opening/closing) Tess Judge – N.C. Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Robin Barfield, NCDOT, Director of Safety & Risk Management

Bernard Jackson, New York City Transit, Chief Operating Officer

Laura Demeo-Chace, ITS America, President & CEO

Mitch Petterson, General Motors, Public Safety Engagement Lead

2. Improving the DMV Customer Experience

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

301 A/B

This breakout session will discuss the modernization efforts DMVs are utilizing to enhance the customer experience. DMV professionals from multiple states come together to share the latest technologies being leveraged to enhance operations and the shift to moving transactions to an online space. Ultimately, these efforts are designed to help reduce lengthy wait times and improve accessibility for all users.

(opening/closing) Ralph Huff, N.C. Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Marty Homan, NCDMV Communications Officer

Gerald Lackey, Virginia DMV, Commissioner

Paul Tine, NCDMV Commissioner

Kevin Shwedo, South Carolina DMV, Executive Director

3. Advancements in Technology across the Project Lifecycle

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

303

Technology is transforming every phase of project delivery. This dynamic breakout session brings together industry leaders at the forefront of innovation to explore how cutting-edge tools and digital strategies are reshaping the project lifecycle from planning and design to construction and asset management. This session will offer practical takeaways and forward-thinking perspectives on integrating technology to improve efficiency and deliver better outcomes across the transportation industry.

(opening/closing) Meagan Phillips – N.C. Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Patrick Norman, NCDOT, Chief Engineer

Garth Donahue, JMT, Director of Design Center of Excellence

Alicia Lopez, FlatironDragados, Chief Innovation Officer & Senior Vice President

James Graham, Cyclomedia, Solution Engineer

4. Smart Vehicle Revolution – Where Safety and Convenience Meet

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

305 A/B

This session will explore the intersection of innovation, safety, and user experience in the evolving smart vehicle landscape: Volvo, Mastercard, Red Hat, Microsoft, and the N.C. Turnpike Authority will discuss the groundbreaking In-Vehicle Payment Pilot based in North Carolina.

(opening/closing) Lynn Clark – Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Logen Hodges, NCTA, Director of Communications & Marketing

Vidhu Shekhar, Microsoft, Government Strategy Leader

Brooke Beasley, Red Hat, Strategic Account Executive

JJ Eden, NCTA, Executive Director

Jim Nichols, Volvo Cars USA, Vice President and Head of Product & Technology Consumer Offer

Chapin Flynn, Mastercard, Senior Vice President

5. NC Go! Recovery Lessons: State Government and Transportation Industry Partners

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

306 A/B

Hear the lessons learned by other states and industry partners when they recovered from natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina; and learn successful policy tools that NCDOT can use  to respond more effectively and rapidly in the next disaster.

Matt Battin, AECOM, Associate Vice President, East Regional Market Sector Lead – State and Local Disaster Resilience

Major General (Ret.) Jim Trogdon, P.E., AECOM, Vice President, Transportation-North Carolina

Dr. Shawn Wilson, WSP, Senior Vice President

6. Ready for Prime Time: Engineering and Design (Invitation Only)

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

NCDOT Business Development Zone in Exhibit Hall

MODERATORS: Tunya Smith, NCDOT, Office of Civil Rights, Director & Boyd Tharrington, NCDOT, Deputy Chief Engineer

Chamber Luncheon (Invitation Only)

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

402

Lunch/Exhibitors Networking

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Exhibit Hall

General Session 4: Funding and Financial Planning Roundtable

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Ballroom

(opening/closing) Chair Tony Lathrop – N.C. Board of Transportation

MODERATOR: Carly Swanson, NCDOT, Director of Innovative Delivery

Senator Vickie Sawyer, North Carolina State Senate, District 37

Jay Gillespie, GDOT, Director of Alternative Finance

John Boylston, P.E., SCDOT, Chief Engineer for Project Delivery

Ed Driggs, Charlotte City Council, District 7 Representative

Closing Remarks – Daniel Johnson, General Counsel