CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER
Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission
Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission
BRIAN “ROB” O’BRIAN
May 15, 2023
RE: Missouri Transportation Commission appointment
To Whom It May Concern:
Please consider this letter as a formal expression of interest for a position on the Missouri Transportation Commission. It has been a number of years since southwest Missouri has been represented on the Commission. As home to two of our state’s vibrant Metropolitan Statistical Areas and many dynamic rural counties, it is important for this area to have a transportation voice. However, in saying that, I also recognize the role of the Commission to fairly represent and respond to the transportation needs across our state within the financial constraints that always exist.
As you will see on the attached resume, I spent more than twenty years as president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, a job that brought me back to the Show Me State after growing up and graduating from high school here. In that chamber role, I was also the lead economic developer for Joplin and the metro area and worked with rural communities that engaged in our regional efforts. Transportation is a critical factor for economic development for communities small and large. As such I was engaged in many transportation issues both with the metro area as well as with Missouri, in particular the successful I-49 efforts. I also had a broader commitment to transportation through serving on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce transportation and infrastructure committee for several years.
As indicated above, I believe the Commission must fairly represent our entire state and I have a background, experience and contacts that will allow me to do so. I served for a number of years on the boards, including as president, of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri and the Missouri Economic Development Council. Both of these are state-wide organizations that serve a broad array of communities and counties across our state. In addition, I served for many years, including as president, of the Missouri Economic Development Finance Association. This group is more focused on incentives and, as such, has a board that includes developers and attorneys from our two largest metro areas, giving me an even deeper base of contacts along with the chambers and economic development entities. In my semi-retired, part-time consulting role, I have had the opportunity to do projects or speak to groups around Missouri. Overall, the above have given me a good overview of much of our state, a recognition that there are many transportation needs and a background of contacts that may help serve the Commission in gaining input and information.
I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Commission and would take the time and make the effort to do so effectively and in collaboration with the other Commission members and MODOT leadership.
Sincerely.
Rob O’Brian 417.438.0100. robobrianconsulting@gmail.comBRIAN “ROB” O’BRIAN
1016 N. Sergeant Avenue Joplin, MO 64801 rob@obrianassociates.com
Experienced economic development and chamber of commerce executive leading a consultancy for organization and community growth and success.
President, O'Brian & Associates, LLC. March 2018 - Present.
O’Brian & Associates is a consultancy in workforce, economic and community development with a target market of chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, community organizations and local government. Serves include strategic planning, community visioning and input, community and organization meeting facilitation, workforce and business park assessments. Principal Rob O’Brian also consults on disaster preparation and recovery, based on his direct experience with the 2011 Joplin EF-5 tornado. He has also worked on disaster-related projects for EDA and SBA.
President of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce (M0) 1995 – 2018.
Oversight of a staff of twelve, focused on providing exceptional services to members and being the lead economic development organizations for the city and region. During Rob’s tenure, the Chamber developed a business incubator in a historic downtown building as well as an advanced manufacturing skills training center in partnership with the community college and city. The Chamber formed the Joplin Regional (now MOKAN) Partnership, a regional effort on marketing and workforce development that comprised seven counties across three states. On behalf of the Joplin Industrial Development Authority, the Chamber purchased, developed and managed the JIDAs’ 700-acre business park as well as developing speculative building. The Chamber was recognized as a five-start accredited organization by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on three reaccreditation cycles. Under Rob’s leadership the chamber grew from less than 500 members to over 1,000 members. Rob was a founding member of the Joplin Regional Medical School Alliance, which the Chamber managed, in a successful effort to bring a medical school to the community. The Chamber was a leading organization in the recovery from the 2011 EF-5 tornado and recognized by the SBA for its efforts on small business recovery.
President of the Warsaw-Kosciusko County (IN) Chamber of Commerce 1990 - 1995. As President, Rob as tasked to rebuild the Chamber membership as well as develop an economic development program. During his tenure, the Chamber grew from less than 300 members to 500 members and fiscal stability was restored. The Chamber took in the Main Street program and also developed a foundation to fund education programs. Given the landlocked position of the existing industrial park, Rob worked with a nearby community to acquire and develop a park.
Vice-President of the Muncie-Delaware County (IN) Chamber of Commerce 1985
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1990. Rob became the first full-time economic developer on the Chamber staff after serving as a volunteer on the small business council. Rob developed a strong business retention program, working with companies impacted by a significant downturn in the automotive sector. Rob worked with the mayor of Muncie to form a labor-management council to improve relations at local plants to help gain contracts as well as developing a “no unionization effort for three years” agreement to encourage new companies to move to the community. Rob developed the case for implementing a local economic development sales. The tax was successfully passed and proceeds used to develop a convention center in an
BRIAN “ROB” O’BRIAN
abandoned historic era post office across from the remaining downtown hotel, allowing that facility to be remodeled under a national brand. The Chamber offices were moved to the convention center, which was also managed by the Chamber. Rob also lead the effort to create a Small Business Development Center housed at the Chamber.
Prior to chamber-led economic development, Rob spent ten years in broadcasting doing news and sales in small and mid-market radio stations and cable television. During the last five years of that time, he was news director at WBST and also taught broadcast journalism at his alma mater Ball State University in Muncie, IN.
Educational Background:
Graduate of South Shelby High School, Shelbina, MO
Magna Cum Laude Bachelor’s Degree; Ball State University, Muncie, IN.
Major: Telecommunications Minor: Journalism, Political science
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation by the International Economic Development Council
IOM (Institute for Organization Management) designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Certified Strategic Doing Workshop Leader, University of North Alabama
Civic/Business Activities:
Current:
Founding Board member and secretary, Joplin Regional Medical School Alliance Finance Committee
Member, Creative Learning Alliance
Board member and secretary, Community Support Services (assistance for with disabilities)
Chairman, Joplin Regional Airport Board, City of Joplin Chairman, Prop Action Implementation Committee, City of Joplin
Prior:
Founder & Board member of Connect2Culture
Past-President, Joplin Business and Industrial Development Corporation Past-President of the Joplin Regional Partnership
Past-Vice-president, Joplin Industrial Development Authority
Past-president, Missouri Chamber Federation
Past board member & president, Missouri Economic Development Financing Association Past board member & president, Missouri Economic Development Council
Past board member & president, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri Past-member, Hawthorne Board of Directors
Past-member, State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Past-member, Southern Economic Development Council Board of Directors
Past-District Chairman, Missouri Transportation Alliance
Co-founder and past co-chair, I-49 Corridor Coalition (Missouri)
Past-Member, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Past-Board member, Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri
Member of Governor Matt Blunt’s “reinventing Missouri government” task force 2005- 2006 (economic development and transportation focus areas)
BRIAN “ROB” O’BRIAN
Recognitions:
2005 Missouri Economic Developer of the Year (MEDC)
2005 Governor’s Award for Economic Development Excellence in Workforce Development
2007 Missourian Award recipient
2007 Outstanding Citizen, Ozark Trails District Boy Scout Council
2007 National Distinguished Eagle Scout Recipient, Boy Scouts of America
2010 Top Level Executive Award from the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri (CCEM) 2011
Signet Award Recipient from the Joplin Tri-State Business Journal
2012 Governor’s Award for Career Service in Economic Development
2013 Phoenix Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration, for public service in disaster recovery
2014 Regional “Men of Distinction” recognition, Joplin Regional Business Journal
Jennifer Obertino,P.E.
Senior Vice President at AECOM/U.S. East & Latin America
Jennifer.obertino@aecom.com
About
Past-Chair - ACEC Missouri Board of Directors
Board of Directors - ACEC Illinois
Board Member of the Lutheran Foundation
Board Member of Habitat for Humanity
Past-President - MU Civil Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni
Experience
Senior Vice President, AECOM / US East & Latin America Environment Business Lead
Oct 2021– Present
Ms. Obertino is responsible for bringing our clients the full breadth of AECOM’s capabilities with the environment sector and ensuring the firm’s commitment to environment, social and governance (ESG) principles. She will also focus on delivering AECOM’s expertise to clients in the Next Generation Energy market across the Americas including grid modernization services, renewable energy, vehicle electrification, energy efficiencies and offshore wind power.
Ms. Obertino is responsible for bringing our clients the full breadth of AECOM’s capabilities with the environment sector and ensuring the firm’s commitment to environment, social and governance (ESG) principles. She will also focus on delivering AECOM’s expertise to clients in the Next Generation Energy market across the Americas including grid modernization services, renewable energy, vehicle electrification, energy efficiencies and offshore wind power.
Practice Managing Director, Impact Assessment and Permitting
AECOM
Oct 2020 – Dec 2021
St. Louis, MO
Jennifer is responsible for the highly-experienced technical, engineering, scientific, and regulatory consulting teams in North America who guide projects from site selection to final agency approval and licensing.
By anticipating and addressing permit requirements early in project design, Jennifer and her teams help implement permitting strategy, schedule, and mitigation plans that expedite permit acquisition and compliance. Our expert regulatory negotiations throughout the project lifecycle help resolve technical issues and develop favorable permit conditions, while maintaining project schedules and ensuring compliance.
Jennifer and her teams resolve impact assessment and permitting challenges associated with air quality, water, wetlands, cultural issues, public health, and stakeholder concerns. They serve a wide range of federal, state, and local programs and requirements for numerous energy, industrial, waste disposal, utilities, and developer clients, worldwide.
Jennifer Obertino,P.E.
Senior Vice President at AECOM/U.S. East & Latin America
Jennifer.obertino@aecom.comAreas of expertise:
• Project Feasibility, Siting, Screening, Scoping and Alternatives Analysis
• Environmental and Social Baseline Studies and Literature Reviews, including Archaeological, Cultural, Biological, Chemical and Physical Resources Reviews, Surveys and Mapping
• Internally mandated commercial or regulatory driven Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessments (e.g., EIA, ESIA, ESHIA, EA, BA, NEPA (EIS), CEQA, MEPA)
• Public Outreach, Stakeholder Engagement and Needs and Opportunities Assessment
• Regulatory Permitting and Government Liaising
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Valuation
• Visual Impact Assessment and Simulations
• Noise Impact Assessment and Sound Source Modeling
• Fate and Effects, Transport and Dispersion Modeling (Air and Water)
• Mitigation Planning, Construction Inspection and Monitoring, Operations Compliance
• Program Management for Large, Multi-disciplinary Projects and Programs
Senior Vice President Regional Business Line Lead AECOM
Jan 2019 - Oct 2020
Providing leadership and strategic planning while guiding operations in the Central Environment Business Line including AZ, AR, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, ND, OH, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI. Supporting clients with turnkey environmental services and innovative solutions. Growing careers at AECOM for industry leading managers, engineers, and scientists.
Vice President, Regional Business Line Lead – Central Region AECOM
Oct 2018 – Oct 2020
Providing leadership and strategic planning while guiding operations in the Central Environment Business Line including AZ, AR, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, ND, OH, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI. Supporting clients with turnkey environmental services and innovative solutions. Growing careers at AECOM for industry leading managers, engineers, and scientists.
Vice President
Mar 2017 – Oct 2020
Greater St. Louis Area
Vice President, Central Midwest Environment Business Unit Lead
Feb 2015 – Oct 2020
St. Louis, MO
Jennifer Obertino,P.E.
Senior Vice President at AECOM/U.S. East & Latin America
Jennifer.obertino@aecom.com
Resource Lead Office of Program Management
AECOM ENVIRONMENT
Aug 2017 - Oct 2020
Greater St. Louis Area
MO-KS Operations Manager
URS Corporation
Jun 2013 - Feb
St. Louis, MO
Infrastructure Department Manager URS Corporation
2009 - 2013 ·
St. Louis, MO
Responsible for managing URS St. Louis' Infrastructure Department which consisted of 45 professionals focusing on transportation, structural, planning and water/wastewater engineering projects.
Department grew from 15 to 45 professionals with one-third of the staff being women, and/or having different ethnicities and abilities. Under my leadership, worked to integrate several disciplines to diversify their client base and technical skills.
Major St. Louis region projects include Loop Trolley, Soulard Market Master Plan, Forest Park Master Plan Implementation, St. Louis Streetcar Feasibility Study, I-270/Page interchange reconstruction, Kingshighway Bridge Replacement, The New I-64.
District 8 Local Roads & Streets Engineer/Civil Engineer V Illinois Department of Transportation District 8
Dec 2002 - May 2007
Collinsville, IL
Responsible for ensuring the Motor Fuel Tax, State and Federal-aid funds for transportation purposes are utilized in appropriately 11 counties, 170 municipalities and 150 townships. Provide administrative guidance and engineering expertise to local agencies and manage $50 million in projects annually.
IDOT Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) Local Agency Trainer. Provided training statewide to local agencies on the importance of CSS. Helped develop the training program.
Jennifer Obertino, P.E.
Senior Vice President at AECOM/U.S. East & Latin America
Jennifer.obertino@aecom.comDistrict’s Interim Administrative Manager/Technical Manager VI
Illinois Department of Transportation District 8
5 yrs 1 mo
Collinsville, IL
Oversaw the District's $51 million budget and a staff of 600. Responsible for formulating and implementing policies for District 8 staff. Represented the district during grievance and Department of Human Rights and Civil Services hearings. Served as a spokesperson for the Department.Oversaw the District's $51 million budget and a staff of 600. Responsible for formulating and implementing policies for District 8 staff. Represented the district during grievance and Department of Human Rights and Civil Services hearings. Served as a spokesperson for the Department.
District Traffic Operations Engineer/Civil Engineer V
2000 - 2002
Engineer in charge of regional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), signing and striping for 10 counties in district, Emergency Patrol, Communications Office, and Traffic Control. Published “Coordinating Scheduled Work Zones on Urban Freeways” in Compendium: Papers on Advance Surface Transportation Systems, 2001. Supervise approximately 50 employees who are represented by one of three unions.Engineer in charge of regional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), signing and striping for 10 counties in district, Emergency Patrol, Communications Office, and Traffic Control. Published “Coordinating Scheduled Work Zones on Urban Freeways” in Compendium: Papers on Advance Surface Transportation Systems, 2001. Supervise approximately 50 employees who are represented by one of three unions.
Traffic Signal System Engineer/Civil Engineer III
2000
Engineer in charge of pursuing additional funding for ITS projects, developing regional ITS architecture, and coordinating ITS deployment with regional partners. District 8 representative on statewide ITS steering committee.Engineer in charge of pursuing additional funding for ITS projects, developing regional ITS architecture, and coordinating ITS deployment with regional partners. District 8 representative on statewide ITS steering committee.
Civil Engineer Trainee/Civil Engineer I & II
1997 - 2000
Developed railroad/traffic signal interconnect study, developed ITS report, and secured funding for projects.
Assistant Engineer
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
Oct 1996 - Jul 1997
St. Louis, MO
• Coordinated with consultants with computer modeling, conducted right-of-way analysis, developed technical specifications and cost estimates.
Jennifer Obertino, P.E.
Senior Vice President at AECOM/U.S. East & Latin America
Jennifer.obertino@aecom.comEngineer
Hurst-Rosche Engineers
Jan 1995 - Oct 1996
Hillsboro, IL
Assisted project manager in meeting project scope, budgets, and schedules. Completed design reports, developed plans and special provisions.
Education
University of Missouri-Columbia
B.S., Civil Engineering
1990 – 1994
Honors & Awards
• Engineering Excellence Grand Award
• Private Sector Achievement Award
• Women of Distinction
• Academy of Distinguished Alumni
• Best New ITS Product
Organizations
• Citizens for Modern Transit
• St. Louis Chamber
• The Engineer’s Club of St. Louis
• St. Louis Forum
DENNIS PYLE
Mr. Doerr,My name is Dennis Pyle, and I was referred to you by Rob O'Brian in reference to a potential opening on the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
As an introduction, I served as a City Administrator for 30 years in four communities before retiring in July 2021 and now residing in rural Christian County with my wife Tammy.
I was born and grew up in Albia, Iowa where my father was an Area Maintenance Supervisor for the Iowa Dept. of Transportation. I attended Truman State University in Kirksville. MO receiving a B.A. degree with honors in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration.
I served as City Administrator in Nora Springs, Iowa from 1991-1993 and in Humboldt, Iowa from 1993-1998. I then served as City Administrator in Butler, Missouri from 1998-2007 and in Monett, Missouri from 2007-2021.
I have been actively involved in transportation issues for my entire 30-year career. I successfully advocated for and managed voter-approved local transportation sales tax funds and projects in Humboldt, Butler and Monett. I was responsible for the formulation of a Long-Term Transportation Plan in Monett that was overwhelmingly approved by voters and subsequently renewed by voters.
While serving in Monett, I was appointed to the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and elected its Vice-Chair. In that capacity, I played a leading role in formulating an annual transportation improvement plan for southwest Missouri by collaborating with local officials, stakeholders and MoDOT staff. While serving as CA in Butler, Missouri, I served on the TAC for the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission that directed transportation planning for west central Missouri.
I believe my experience in developing and prioritizing transportation plans for Southwest and West Central Missouri would be of benefit to the MHTC. I would bring multiple perspectives relating to local government and representing an area of the state that stretches from the western and southern boundaries as far north as Bates County and east to Benton County down to Webster County. Finally, I am an advocate for developing all modes of transportation from highways to airports to ports and rails and the positive impact it can have on Missouri's future.
Thank you for your consideration. I'm honored to be considered for appointment. Please feel free to contact me at anytime to discuss in more detail.
My email address is dleepyle@gmail.com and my phone number is 417-489-4198.
Sincerely,
Dennis L. PyleDENNIS PYLE
Experienced City Administrator with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in Government, Emergency Management, Redevelopment, Fundraising, and Economic Development. Strong information technology professional with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused in Political Science/Public Administration from Truman State University.
City Administrator
City of Monett, Missouri
Nov 2007 - Jul 2021 · 13 yrs 9 mos
Work at the direction of the Mayor and City Council and directly supervise all City departments including Police, Fire, Emergency Management, Streets, Sanitation, Cemetery, Airport, Parks & Recreation, Golf Course, and Utilities.
City Administrator
Butler, Missouri
Jul 1998 - Nov 2007 · 9 yrs 5 mos
City Administrator
Humboldt, Iowa
Nov 1993 - Jul 1998 · 4 yrs 9 mos
Education
Truman State University
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science/Public Administration
1984 – 1986
Indian Hills Community College
Associate of Arts (AA), Liberal Arts
1982 – 1984
Albia High School, Albia, Iowa
1977 - 1981
Dan Hegeman
North District Community Affairs Senior Manager at Evergy
Experience
North District Community Affairs Manager
Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L)
Nov 2008 – Present
Associate District Manager
Congressman Sam Graves
Mar 2008 – Nov 2008
Andrew County Clerk
Andrew County, MO
Jan 2003 – Mar 2008
State Representative
Missouri House of Representatives
Jan 1992 – Dec 2002
Education
University of Missouri-Columbia
B.S., Agricultural
1981 - 1985
