The following questions were posed to our 2025 Western District candidates to get to know them a little better.

Ever since being introduced to ITE about 12 years ago, I have always felt a sense of community and camaraderie between its members. As a mostly volunteer organization, I have always been impressed with the professionalism and high standards that are strived for especially in the Western District. I have enjoyed many events, meetings, and conferences that has given me the opportunity to grow and expand my network of colleagues. Before joining ITE, I treated my career as a job. However, after joining, I have realized that this is a career which I can embrace and be a part of the larger industry. Because ITE has provided me with this realization, I want to continue to give back. I have held chair positions with ITE So Cal and just finished serving my five year commitment to the ITE So Cal board. I want to progress within the ITE community and that is why I am running for Secretary-Treasurer for ITE Western District.

ITE Western District is such an impressive district and I want to continue the legacy of it being one of the premier districts in the world. I also look forward to the opportunities to collaborate with the various sections and chapters across the district. Each has a unique set ups and challenges. I want to encourage the positives that each have and help solve problems that they may encounter.

In conclusion, ITE has given me a lot in my career and I would like the opportunity to continue to give back.

1. Why do you want to be a District officer?

An opportunity to continue to give back. ITE has provided me with so much in terms of career growth and I think this is a great way for me to repay that.

2. Why did you join ITE?

I joined ITE because a co-worker of mine was getting involved. I noticed how much he enjoyed going to meetings and participating. That really encouraged me to get out there and try to be more involved.

3. What is your favorite ITE memory?

At ITE Western District conference in Monterey, Giancarlo Gandinni and I were driving to the event night at the aquarium. We hadn’t planned ahead and brought anything for the next evening’s 80’s theme night. Low and behold, we drive by a thrift store and I slam on the brakes. We went in and got sweet graphic t-shirts and sports blazers that nobody should ever wear. It was funny and serendipitous all at once. And we looked great the next night!

4. What was the best advice you’ve been given?

Get involved. Find something you enjoy and be a part of it.

5. What is the most challenging project you have worked on?

There is a project that I have worked on for 7 years. From developing the project report all the way through construction support. It’s been challenging due to all the changes that have happened from the beginning to the end. The project we thought we would deliver has evolved quite a bit to something else. Not a bad project overall, but different. The length of the project has also been a challenge. It’s hard to remember why I made a certain decision 4 years ago.

6. What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?

I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska.

7. What are three words that best describe you?

Energetic, funny, thoughtful

8. If you could travel anywhere, where would that be and what would be your preferred mode of transportation?

Scotland, the birthplace of golf, and I’d take a super-yacht, because why not!?

The following questions were posed to our 2024 Western District candidates to get to know them a little better.

I am honored to be a candidate for ITE Western District Secretary-Treasurer. I believe my long-standing involvement with ITE combined with professional experience has prepared me to serve the District effectively. If elected, my priorities will include:

• Sustaining and Expanding ITE Western District’s Offerings – I will support the tradition of ITE being an organization of choice for transportation professionals by continuing the tradition of high-quality professional activities and resources in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
• Championing Transportation Safety – Safety is the core of our work, and my career focuses on transit and roadway safety. I am proud of ITE putting safety at the forefront with the recently released ITE Safety Roadmap and Action Plan. I will continue to advocate for safety across all modes.

As a bit of background about me, I have been a member of ITE since my days as a student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and have been active with the San Francisco Bay Area Section throughout my career. I have served through all levels of Section leadership, including through the challenges during COVID, and continue to contribute as the Section Administrator.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure to attend ten annual meetings, where I’ve delivered six presentations. Additionally, I served on the LAC as the Hotel Chair for the 2019 Annual Meeting in Monterey.

Professionally, I lead the Safety, Planning, and Operations team in the Transit Engineering Section at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). My work integrates transportation engineering with transit operations and safety. Additionally, I have grown a specialization in organizational preparedness and operations during large scale special events, working on events like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting and the 2025 NBA All-Star events. In recognition of my contributions, I was honored as a Mass Transit Magazine 40 Under 40 awardee in 2023.

I earned my degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and am licensed as a Civil and Traffic engineer in the State of California. I also hold PTOE certification, as well as US DOT Transit Safety Certifications (PTSCTP and TSSP for both bus and rail).

I would be honored to receive your vote in this election and look forward to the opportunity to serve the Western District. You can learn more about me at: tony4ite.com.

1. Why do you want to be a District officer?

ITE has played a large role in my career, and I’ve valued the opportunity to give back through Section leadership and the 2019 Annual Meeting LAC. Serving on the District Board is the next step in that journey, and I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to serve our members.

2. Why did you join ITE?

In college, I quickly developed an affinity for transportation and was excited when a group of students worked to re-launch our ITE Chapter. I got involved, and we went on to compete in several transportation and design competitions. I’ve been an ITE member ever since and have been fortunate to work for employers who actively support ITE.

3. What is your favorite ITE memory?

Attending my first Annual Meeting in San Francisco in 2010, where I had the opportunity to present my university capstone project. I really enjoyed the blend of technical content combined with the sense of community.

4. What was the best advice you’ve been given?

I remember early in my career being advised to say what needs to be said but avoid over-explaining. As an engineer, my instinct is to explain everything in great detail, but in doing so, you can overwhelm the audience. It is a balancing act, to provide an appropriate amount of information to be informative and engaging. I do my best to keep this in mind in every interaction.

5. What is the most challenging project you have worked on?

In 2023, I led my Agency’s preparation for the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leader’s Meeting, which brought 21 heads of state to San Francisco. I worked closely with city, regional and federal partners, including the Secret Service to implement transportation solutions balancing security needs with maintaining mobility for residents, visitors and businesses. This project pushed me to blend engineering, operational and management expertise to solve a complex, ever-changing puzzle.

6. What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?

I have always had an interest in aviation and, thanks to a Christmas gift from my husband, I’m excited to soon take my first flight lesson. Connecting it to ITE, one of my ITE highlights over the years was touring San Francisco International Airport during the 2010 Annual Meeting, seeing the behind-the-scenes operations and stepping onto the airfield was unforgettable.

7. What are three words that best describe you?

Detailed, flexible and caring.

8. If you could travel anywhere, where would that be and what would be your preferred mode of transportation?

I would travel back to Japan, exploring via their amazing rail system. I had the opportunity to visit a couple years ago and would love to go back. I enjoyed every aspect of their rail system, from heritage systems to complex subways, high-speed rail and even playing a train simulation in an arcade.