from th e d i s tr i c t d ire c to r
Dear members, I am happy to be home after some busy and wonderful meetings in Washington, D.C. Our winter ITE Board of Direction Meetings are always timed with the TRB conference and there are so many ways we benefit from that timing. Our technical committee meetings and student chapter reception gain from the attendance to both.
JEN MALZER, M.Sc., P.Eng. Canadian District Director director@cite7.org
There is so much to report from ITE. I am truly amazed by the committed staff at headquarters. ITE, through volunteer projects and contracts to other organizations, produces a tremendous number of technical products. At this particular meeting, the Board had the opportunity to give its blessing on a recommended practice: Guidelines for Determining Change and Clearance Intervals. I want to make a special thank you to Russell Brownlee, a CITE volunteer, for his help on this complicated project. The Board has also supported the development of new technical practices by the Coordinating Council, like a new report discussing important trends facing our profession and the creation of new awards that recognize excellence across our organization. Please review the ITE and CITE opportunities to nominate projects, initiatives and individuals as this is a great way to advance our industry faster. This meeting marked the start of Randy McCourt’s term as President and, with that change, it becomes the start of Bruce Belmore’s term as past president. Though Bruce was looking exceptionally relaxed, he still is responsible for some important areas for ITE including the creation of the new Micromobility Sandbox Design Competition that will be held in New Orleans as part of the ITE Annual Meeting. This initiative aimed at students and working professionals is intended to promote multidisciplinary teams to compete and add to the member knowledge of this disruptive space in transportation. Bruce also oversees a legacy fund drive timed in celebration of ITE’s 90th anniversary. All funds go to support member programs like scholarships and LeadershipITE. Consider joining me in contributing $90 for 90 and consider forming a team for this new competition. Please also take a moment to thank Bruce for his service as a thoughtful and approachable President; he represented Canada so well. I have no doubt our District would be welcome to fill that seat again. Randy’s term will place an emphasis on strengthening the member experience at home, looking at ways that ITE and Districts like CITE can support our Sections and Student Chapters. This aligns nicely with the work happening at CITE. With our CITE strategic plan under review, we are looking at how we can support Sections and what services we might offer in the future. As your Canadian rep, I am also supporting the development of ITE’s next strategic plan so the timing is just right for improving the quality of all of our members’ experiences. Please be in touch with ideas and suggestions.
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TRANSPORTATION TALK | WINTER 2019-2020
