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University of Toronto professor Baher Abdulhai has 35 years of experience in transportation systems engineering and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). His areas of expertise include modelling and simulation of large-scale dynamic transportation networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI) based street and freeway traffic control, emergency evacuation optimization, dynamic congestion pricing, smart cities under automated and transformative transportation systems. Baher is the founder and Director of the Toronto ITS Centre and the founder and co-Director of i-City Centre for Automated and Transformative Transportation Systems (iCity-CATTS). He has received several awards including IEEE Outstanding Service Award, Teaching Excellence award, and research awards from Canada Foundation for Innovation, Ontario Research Fund, and Ontario Innovation Trust. In 2014, Baher won the UofT Toronto Inventor of the Year Award and was inducted as a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC) in 2015. In 2018, he won the prestigious CSCE Sandford Fleming (Career Achievement) Award for his contribution to transportation in Canada. Baher has been elected Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2020. In 2021, he won the Ontario Professional Engineers Awards Engineering Medal for career Engineering Excellence. He served on the Board of Directors of the Government of Ontario (GO) Transit Authority (2004 to 2006) and was Canada Research Chair in ITS from 2005 to 2010. Baher earned his Ph.D. in engineering from the University of California Irvine.
University of Toronto professor Baher Abdulhai has 35 years of experience in transportation systems engineering and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). His areas of expertise include modelling and simulation of large-scale dynamic transportation networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI) based street and freeway traffic control, emergency evacuation optimization, dynamic congestion pricing, smart cities under automated and transformative transportation systems. Baher is the founder and Director of the Toronto ITS Centre and the founder and co-Director of i-City Centre for Automated and Transformative Transportation Systems (iCity-CATTS). He has received several awards including IEEE Outstanding Service Award, Teaching Excellence award, and research awards from Canada Foundation for Innovation, Ontario Research Fund, and Ontario Innovation Trust. In 2014, Baher won the UofT Toronto Inventor of the Year Award and was inducted as a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC) in 2015. In 2018, he won the prestigious CSCE Sandford Fleming (Career Achievement) Award for his contribution to transportation in Canada. Baher has been elected Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2020. In 2021, he won the Ontario Professional Engineers Awards Engineering Medal for career Engineering Excellence. He served on the Board of Directors of the Government of Ontario (GO) Transit Authority (2004 to 2006) and was Canada Research Chair in ITS from 2005 to 2010. Baher earned his Ph.D. in engineering from the University of California Irvine.
Christina Basil joined 407 ETR in April 2019 and was appointed as Director, Communications and Government Relations in September 2021. During this time she has led the publication of the company’s sustainability reports, led communications for the pandemic response team and has helped grow and modernize internal and external communications programs through the expansion of social media channels and the development of strategic campaigns. Prior to joining 407 ETR, Christina worked for Toronto Hydro, taking on roles with increasing levels of responsibility, including primary spokesperson for the utility, where she regularly delivered live interviews for top tier media outlets. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), a post-graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications from Seneca College, and a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from the University of Toronto’s St. Michael’s College. Christina is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators.
Christina Basil joined 407 ETR in April 2019 and was appointed as Director, Communications and Government Relations in September 2021. During this time she has led the publication of the company’s sustainability reports, led communications for the pandemic response team and has helped grow and modernize internal and external communications programs through the expansion of social media channels and the development of strategic campaigns. Prior to joining 407 ETR, Christina worked for Toronto Hydro, taking on roles with increasing levels of responsibility, including primary spokesperson for the utility, where she regularly delivered live interviews for top tier media outlets. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), a post-graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications from Seneca College, and a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from the University of Toronto’s St. Michael’s College. Christina is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators.
Michael Bernasiewicz provides advisory and consulting services to investors and managers in the area of infrastructure asset management and transactional execution. He is a Special Advisor to One Queen Capital and currently active on the Board of 407 International Inc. as the Chair of the Executive Committee and member of the Audit, Corporate Governance and Compensation, and Health and Safety Committees. Michael previously held the position of Managing Director at Macquarie Capital Funds Canada Ltd. leading investments in both listed and unlisted vehicles. This position was following his roles as Assistant Vice President for Brookfield Financial Real Estate Group and Partner with RBC Capital Partners’ Mezzanine Fund. While at Macquarie, Michael was Head of North American Toll Roads for MIRA, on the Board of Directors of six toll roads (four in Canada and two in the United States), Canada’s first independent transmission company (AltaLink Investment Management Ltd., Alberta), and one of the largest container terminals on the East Coast of Canada (Halterm Container Terminal Ltd., Nova Scotia). Michael is a CFA charterholder and earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa.
Michael Bernasiewicz provides advisory and consulting services to investors and managers in the area of infrastructure asset management and transactional execution. He is a Special Advisor to One Queen Capital and currently active on the Board of 407 International Inc. as the Chair of the Executive Committee and member of the Audit, Corporate Governance and Compensation, and Health and Safety Committees. Michael previously held the position of Managing Director at Macquarie Capital Funds Canada Ltd. leading investments in both listed and unlisted vehicles. This position was following his roles as Assistant Vice President for Brookfield Financial Real Estate Group and Partner with RBC Capital Partners’ Mezzanine Fund. While at Macquarie, Michael was Head of North American Toll Roads for MIRA, on the Board of Directors of six toll roads (four in Canada and two in the United States), Canada’s first independent transmission company (AltaLink Investment Management Ltd., Alberta), and one of the largest container terminals on the East Coast of Canada (Halterm Container Terminal Ltd., Nova Scotia). Michael is a CFA charterholder and earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa.
Dr. Colin Black is a transportation planning strategist and policy adviser specialising in TDM, future mobility and decarbonization. He has worked internationally, leading and advising a broad range of innovative transport-related projects. At AECOM he is Director for future mobility strategy and policy working with colleagues across the world. Colin is a passionate advocate of innovation and its ability to help improve decision making to align policy outcomes. He is a recognised leader with a track-record of leading and contributing to influential high-profile research projects. At present, Colin is advising Local Government on the likely impacts of the Lower Thames Crossing, the UK’s largest ever highway scheme. He holds a PhD in Behavioural Dimensions of Sustainable Transport from the University of Portsmouth.
Dr. Colin Black is a transportation planning strategist and policy adviser specialising in TDM, future mobility and decarbonization. He has worked internationally, leading and advising a broad range of innovative transport-related projects. At AECOM he is Director for future mobility strategy and policy working with colleagues across the world. Colin is a passionate advocate of innovation and its ability to help improve decision making to align policy outcomes. He is a recognised leader with a track-record of leading and contributing to influential high-profile research projects. At present, Colin is advising Local Government on the likely impacts of the Lower Thames Crossing, the UK’s largest ever highway scheme. He holds a PhD in Behavioural Dimensions of Sustainable Transport from the University of Portsmouth.
Maureen Bock is ODOT’s Chief Innovation Officer, where she oversees Oregon’s Road Usage Charge Program (OReGO). Her passion is developing new programs based on innovative policies and her background in operations. Maureen was formerly the ODOT fuels tax manager, where she began to automate the manual methods of collecting millions of dollars in fuels tax revenue. The system is in place today and enhances compliance and administrative capacity. Maureen left ODOT in 2011 to work with the Oregon Department of Energy, where she redesigned its tax credit programs. She returned to ODOT in 2014 to become the Road Usage Charge Business Implementation Manager. In that role, Maureen used her background in fuels tax and tax administration, as she worked with a team of business and IT professionals, as well as commercial vendors, to design and implement the nation’s first road usage charge system. The system is the first to validate mileage and fuel consumption, and to calculate and collect taxes according to state policies and statutes. Maureen continues to lead the evolution of the OReGO Program, in order to make it a more sustainable, agile and resilient funding mechanism. She has an undergraduate degree in accounting from California State University-Fullerton and her juris doctor from the University of Arkansas.
Maureen Bock is ODOT’s Chief Innovation Officer, where she oversees Oregon’s Road Usage Charge Program (OReGO). Her passion is developing new programs based on innovative policies and her background in operations. Maureen was formerly the ODOT fuels tax manager, where she began to automate the manual methods of collecting millions of dollars in fuels tax revenue. The system is in place today and enhances compliance and administrative capacity. Maureen left ODOT in 2011 to work with the Oregon Department of Energy, where she redesigned its tax credit programs. She returned to ODOT in 2014 to become the Road Usage Charge Business Implementation Manager. In that role, Maureen used her background in fuels tax and tax administration, as she worked with a team of business and IT professionals, as well as commercial vendors, to design and implement the nation’s first road usage charge system. The system is the first to validate mileage and fuel consumption, and to calculate and collect taxes according to state policies and statutes. Maureen continues to lead the evolution of the OReGO Program, in order to make it a more sustainable, agile and resilient funding mechanism. She has an undergraduate degree in accounting from California State University-Fullerton and her juris doctor from the University of Arkansas.
Michael Chiu is the Principal Consultant of MSC Consulting which provides advisory services on client management and transportation planning. He previously held executive positions focusing on business development, client relations and strategic corporate planning. Michael spent 4 decades planning transit and highways, including the QEW, 400, 401, 403; 407 East, 410, 413, 418 and 427. He was the principal author of the current Transportation Association of Canada’s (TAC) Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads. He has also conducted several seminars and lectures on geometric design and began teaching transportation planning and engineering at Queen’s University in 2021 – a 4th year course which he created. Michael has been a volunteer bereavement counsellor for over 15 years. He is a ‘connector’ who believes the business of life is human connection. Michael holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University.
Ben Crowther (he/him) is the Advocacy Manager for America Walks, where he works with state and local advocates supporting mobility for all. Ben runs America Walks’ Building Better Streets, Reconnecting Communities, and Safer Vehicles for Pedestrians campaigns. Prior to joining America Walks, Ben was the program manager for the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)’s Highways to Boulevards initiative. In this role, he assisted communities across the country seeking to remove aging highways and replace them with socially and economically valuable places. He also led CNU’s national advocacy for the federal Reconnecting Communities program. Ben has a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.
Ben Crowther (he/him) is the Advocacy Manager for America Walks, where he works with state and local advocates supporting mobility for all. Ben runs America Walks’ Building Better Streets, Reconnecting Communities, and Safer Vehicles for Pedestrians campaigns. Prior to joining America Walks, Ben was the program manager for the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)’s Highways to Boulevards initiative. In this role, he assisted communities across the country seeking to remove aging highways and replace them with socially and economically valuable places. He also led CNU’s national advocacy for the federal Reconnecting Communities program. Ben has a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.
Eric Doherty, a co-founder of Climate Justice Victoria and principal of Ecopath Planning, is a Registered Professional Planner who has completed a wide range of projects for non-profit, public and private sector clients. He is skilled in assessing needs and opportunities, and finding effective solutions. Eric is also an accomplished researcher, writer, facilitator and educator. In his transportation and land use planning work, Eric focuses on practical approaches for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving the livability of communities. He integrates diverse experience from community and regional planning, environmental consulting, and engineering. Eric has been doing environmental consulting and contract work with a variety of associates and organizations since 2001, completed an MA in planning 2008, and began operating as Ecopath Planning in 2011.
Michael Chiu is the Principal Consultant of MSC Consulting which provides advisory services on client management and transportation planning. He previously held executive positions focusing on business development, client relations and strategic corporate planning. Michael spent 4 decades planning transit and highways, including the QEW, 400, 401, 403; 407 East, 410, 413, 418 and 427. He was the principal author of the current Transportation Association of Canada’s (TAC) Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads. He has also conducted several seminars and lectures on geometric design and began teaching transportation planning and engineering at Queen’s University in 2021 – a 4th year course which he created. Michael has been a volunteer bereavement counsellor for over 15 years. He is a ‘connector’ who believes the business of life is human connection. Michael holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University.
Ben Dachis is Associate Vice President, Public Affairs for the C.D. Howe Institute. In his role, he furthers the Institute’s mission to improve Canada’s economic performance by enhancing the visibility, reputation and impact of its research and activities. Ben started with the C.D. Howe Institute in 2006 as a Research Fellow and also has experience with major U.S. and U.K. think tanks. He returned to the C.D. Howe Institute as a Policy Analyst in January of 2008, became a Senior Policy Analyst in 2011, and Associate Director, Research in 2016. From 2018 to 2019 Ben was the Director of Policy, Budget and Fiscal Planning for the Premier of Ontario. He was part of the Ontario government’s leadership team in developing a number of policies, including the Housing Supply Action Plan, the 2018 Fall Economic Statement and the 2019 Budget. Ben has an Honours Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Science in Regional Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Ben Dachis is Associate Vice President, Public Affairs for the C.D. Howe Institute. In his role, he furthers the Institute’s mission to improve Canada’s economic performance by enhancing the visibility, reputation and impact of its research and activities. Ben started with the C.D. Howe Institute in 2006 as a Research Fellow and also has experience with major U.S. and U.K. think tanks. He returned to the C.D. Howe Institute as a Policy Analyst in January of 2008, became a Senior Policy Analyst in 2011, and Associate Director, Research in 2016. From 2018 to 2019 Ben was the Director of Policy, Budget and Fiscal Planning for the Premier of Ontario. He was part of the Ontario government’s leadership team in developing a number of policies, including the Housing Supply Action Plan, the 2018 Fall Economic Statement and the 2019 Budget. Ben has an Honours Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Science in Regional Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Elizabeth Deakin is Professor Emerita of City and Regional Planning and Urban Design at UC Berkeley, where she also is an affiliated faculty member of the Energy and Resources Group. She formerly served as Director of the University of California Transportation Research Center (1998-2008), co-director of the UC Berkeley Global Metropolitan Studies Initiative (2005-2008), and chair of the UC Berkeley Academic Senate (2015-16.) Deakin’s research focuses on transportation and land use policy and the environmental impacts of transportation. She has published over 300 articles, book chapters, and reports on topics ranging from environmental justice to transportation pricing to development exactions and impact fees. She has served as an appointed member of a number of government posts including city and county transportation commissions and a state advisory board, and has testified for the US Senate and House and the California Legislature as well as for government agencies in the EU, China, Latin America, and Australia. She holds degrees in transportation systems analysis and political science from MIT as well as a law degree from Boston College.
Elizabeth Deakin is Professor Emerita of City and Regional Planning and Urban Design at UC Berkeley, where she also is an affiliated faculty member of the Energy and Resources Group. She formerly served as Director of the University of California Transportation Research Center (1998-2008), co-director of the UC Berkeley Global Metropolitan Studies Initiative (2005-2008), and chair of the UC Berkeley Academic Senate (2015-16.) Deakin’s research focuses on transportation and land use policy and the environmental impacts of transportation. She has published over 300 articles, book chapters, and reports on topics ranging from environmental justice to transportation pricing to development exactions and impact fees. She has served as an appointed member of a number of government posts including city and county transportation commissions and a state advisory board, and has testified for the US Senate and House and the California Legislature as well as for government agencies in the EU, China, Latin America, and Australia. She holds degrees in transportation systems analysis and political science from MIT as well as a law degree from Boston College.
Patrick DeCorla-Souza is the Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program Manager at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Build America Bureau and the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Center for Innovative Finance Support. He is a former co-chair of the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) Congestion Pricing Committee and is a current member of TRB’s Economics and Finance Committee. Previously, Patrick led USDOT programs on Value Pricing, Urban Partnerships, and Congestion Reduction Demonstration. Over his 35-year career at USDOT, Patrick has led research on travel demand modeling, air quality analysis, benefit-cost analysis, public involvement, traffic operations, and innovative financing, including tolling, congestion pricing and public-private partnerships. Prior to joining USDOT, Patrick served at the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) and worked as a transportation consultant. He has master’s degrees in Transportation Planning from Florida State University and in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo, Ohio. (Note: Patrick’s HOTTER Lanes presentation during the “Optimizing Highways” webinar is based on his personal research and may not reflect the views of the USDOT or the FHWA.)
Patrick DeCorla-Souza is the Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program Manager at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Build America Bureau and the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Center for Innovative Finance Support. He is a former co-chair of the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) Congestion Pricing Committee and is a current member of TRB’s Economics and Finance Committee. Previously, Patrick led USDOT programs on Value Pricing, Urban Partnerships, and Congestion Reduction Demonstration. Over his 35-year career at USDOT, Patrick has led research on travel demand modeling, air quality analysis, benefit-cost analysis, public involvement, traffic operations, and innovative financing, including tolling, congestion pricing and public-private partnerships. Prior to joining USDOT, Patrick served at the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) and worked as a transportation consultant. He has master’s degrees in Transportation Planning from Florida State University and in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo, Ohio. (Note: Patrick’s HOTTER Lanes presentation during the “Optimizing Highways” webinar is based on his personal research and may not reflect the views of the USDOT or the FHWA.)
Marjo de Kraker is a senior designer of public space and urbanism at the City of Utrecht, Holland. She provides substantive and strategic direction for developments that are spatially or organizationally complex. Collaborating with colleagues, residents and businesses, Marjo’s recent work has focused on plans for Utrecht’s historic city center, the central train station area and the new centre to the west of the station. She holds degrees from Eindhoven Design Academy and Utrecht School of the Arts in Urban Micro Environment and Architectural Design.
Marjo de Kraker is a senior designer of public space and urbanism at the City of Utrecht, Holland. She provides substantive and strategic direction for developments that are spatially or organizationally complex. Collaborating with colleagues, residents and businesses, Marjo’s recent work has focused on plans for Utrecht’s historic city center, the central train station area and the new centre to the west of the station. She holds degrees from Eindhoven Design Academy and Utrecht School of the Arts in Urban Micro Environment and Architectural Design.
William Denning is a transport economist and geographer with over 40 years of professional experience. He has a strong background in all aspects of transport and spatial policy formulation, advisory and strategy development, economics, project appraisal, and market research. He has worked for a major private sector transport company and at all levels of government (local, sub-national, national, and international). Three of his careers have been international. William’s strengths are his creative urbanism, wide curiosity, complete analysis, and collegial manner. He is currently occupied by a variety of independent assignments.
William Denning is a transport economist and geographer with over 40 years of professional experience. He has a strong background in all aspects of transport and spatial policy formulation, advisory and strategy development, economics, project appraisal, and market research. He has worked for a major private sector transport company and at all levels of government (local, sub-national, national, and international). Three of his careers have been international. William’s strengths are his creative urbanism, wide curiosity, complete analysis, and collegial manner. He is currently occupied by a variety of independent assignments.
Tija Dirks is the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Integrated Policy and Planning Division with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). She has held this role since March 2022. Prior to that, Tija was the Director, Transportation Planning Branch, where she was responsible for MTO’s long range transportation planning, and related mode policy and modeling and forecasting. She has over 20 years experience managing complex land use and infrastructure planning files. Prior to joining MTO, Tija worked as a Director at the Ministry of Infrastructure on the Growth Plans for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Northern Ontario. Tija holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Geography, and a Masters in Environmental Studies.
Tija Dirks is the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Integrated Policy and Planning Division with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). She has held this role since March 2022. Prior to that, Tija was the Director, Transportation Planning Branch, where she was responsible for MTO’s long range transportation planning, and related mode policy and modeling and forecasting. She has over 20 years experience managing complex land use and infrastructure planning files. Prior to joining MTO, Tija worked as a Director at the Ministry of Infrastructure on the Growth Plans for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Northern Ontario. Tija holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Geography, and a Masters in Environmental Studies.
Eric Doherty, a co-founder of Climate Justice Victoria and principal of Ecopath Planning, is a Registered Professional Planner who has completed a wide range of projects for non-profit, public and private sector clients. He is skilled in assessing needs and opportunities, and finding effective solutions. Eric is also an accomplished researcher, writer, facilitator and educator. In his transportation and land use planning work, Eric focuses on practical approaches for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving the livability of communities. He integrates diverse experience from community and regional planning, environmental consulting, and engineering. Eric has been doing environmental consulting and contract work with a variety of associates and organizations since 2001, completed an MA in planning 2008, and began operating as Ecopath Planning in 2011.
Eric Doherty, a co-founder of Climate Justice Victoria and principal of Ecopath Planning, is a Registered Professional Planner who has completed a wide range of projects for non-profit, public and private sector clients. He is skilled in assessing needs and opportunities, and finding effective solutions. Eric is also an accomplished researcher, writer, facilitator and educator. In his transportation and land use planning work, Eric focuses on practical approaches for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving the livability of communities. He integrates diverse experience from community and regional planning, environmental consulting, and engineering. Eric has been doing environmental consulting and contract work with a variety of associates and organizations since 2001, completed an MA in planning 2008, and began operating as Ecopath Planning in 2011.
Alex Eisenhart serves as a Public Information Officer with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Engagement Team in San Francisco. As a communicator, he seeks to creatively solve problems by helping thinkers translate their complex world into stories that people can connect with. Alex specializes in innovating marketing/communications strategies for local government, with a focus on public transit agencies. His childhood love of planes and trains came full circle with a Master of Science in Transportation Management from the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University. Having started out in film and media production, Alex now leverages his narrative skills to help foster informed, civic-minded communities, one story at a time.
Alex Eisenhart serves as a Public Information Officer with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Engagement Team in San Francisco. As a communicator, he seeks to creatively solve problems by helping thinkers translate their complex world into stories that people can connect with. Alex specializes in innovating marketing/communications strategies for local government, with a focus on public transit agencies. His childhood love of planes and trains came full circle with a Master of Science in Transportation Management from the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University. Having started out in film and media production, Alex now leverages his narrative skills to help foster informed, civic-minded communities, one story at a time.
Colleen Gants is a seasoned communications professional with over 30 years of community relations, marketing and public affairs experience. She focuses on PRR’s national megaprojects and public private partnerships, as well as a range of projects in the southwestern United States: rail and transit, managed lanes, tolled bridges/tunnels/highways, road usage charging. Prior to PRR, Colleen was Admissions and Marketing Director for Holy Names Academy, and Marketing Manager for Parametrix, a 400-person engineering and environmental services firm. She is a University of Washington graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Composition.
Colleen Gants is a seasoned communications professional with over 30 years of community relations, marketing and public affairs experience. She focuses on PRR’s national megaprojects and public private partnerships, as well as a range of projects in the southwestern United States: rail and transit, managed lanes, tolled bridges/tunnels/highways and road usage charging. Prior to joining PRR, Colleen was Admissions and Marketing Director for Holy Names Academy, and Marketing Manager for Parametrix, a 400-person engineering and environmental services firm. She is a University of Washington graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Composition.
Björn Ekelund is an architect, urban designer and co-founder of Stockholm-based architecture firm Warm in the Winter. The firm works on large scale urban design developments in Sweden, particularly those focused on sustainable urban development around mobility hubs and train stations. Warm in the Winter also provides research and practical expertise in urban design transitions of infrastructure. Björn is the CEO of the practice-based research institute Arkitekturinstitutet and serves as vice president of the Swedish Association of Architects. He is an assistant professor of architecture at Luleå University of Technology where he also earned his PhD in architecture.
Björn Ekelund is an architect, urban designer and co-founder of Stockholm-based architecture firm Warm in the Winter. The firm works on large scale urban design developments in Sweden, particularly those focused on sustainable urban development around mobility hubs and train stations. Warm in the Winter also provides research and practical expertise in urban design transitions of infrastructure. Björn is the CEO of the practice-based research institute Arkitekturinstitutet and serves as vice president of the Swedish Association of Architects. He is an assistant professor of architecture at Luleå University of Technology where he also earned his PhD in architecture.
Dr. Murtaza Haider is a professor of Data Science and Real Estate Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. He also serves as the research director of the Urban Analytics Institute. Murtaza holds an adjunct professorship of Engineering at McGill University and is a Director of Regionomics Inc., a boutique consulting firm specializing in the economics of cities and regions. His research interests include business analytics, data science, housing market dynamics, transport/infrastructure/urban planning, and human development in Canada and South Asia. Murtaza is also a syndicated columnist with Post Media, writing a weekly column on real estate markets that appears nationally in The Financial Post and local newspapers including Ottawa Citizen, Vancouver Sun, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Sun, and Montreal Gazette. Murtaza also writes occasionally for The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star. He holds a Masters in transport engineering and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Dr. Murtaza Haider is a professor of Data Science and Real Estate Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. He also serves as the research director of the Urban Analytics Institute. Murtaza holds an adjunct professorship of Engineering at McGill University and is a Director of Regionomics Inc., a boutique consulting firm specializing in the economics of cities and regions. His research interests include business analytics, data science, housing market dynamics, transport/infrastructure/urban planning, and human development in Canada and South Asia. Murtaza is also a syndicated columnist with Post Media, writing a weekly column on real estate markets that appears nationally in The Financial Post and local newspapers including Ottawa Citizen, Vancouver Sun, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Sun, and Montreal Gazette. Murtaza also writes occasionally for The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star. He holds a Masters in transport engineering and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Dr. Andrew Hoolachan has a PhD from the Martin Centre for Architectural and Urban Studies, University of Cambridge, an RTPI accredited MSc in International Planning from UCL and an MA (Hons) in Geography from the University of St Andrews. He has worked between academia and policy, conducting research at Future Cities Catapult, LSE Cities and the New Local Government Network as well as at the University of Manchester and St Andrews. Andrew’s main research interests are in urban governance, scale, sustainability, urban heritage and epistemological questions around how we produce knowledge to solve complex urban problems. His PhD research was a mixed-method site-based and policy analysis in East London, unpacking the strategic tensions and competing visions for a ‘sustainable’ future of the city within the parameters of the Localism Act (2011) in the shadow of the Olympic Legacy plan.
Dr. Andrew Hoolachan has a PhD from the Martin Centre for Architectural and Urban Studies, University of Cambridge, an RTPI accredited MSc in International Planning from UCL and an MA (Hons) in Geography from the University of St Andrews. He has worked between academia and policy, conducting research at Future Cities Catapult, LSE Cities and the New Local Government Network as well as at the University of Manchester and St Andrews. Andrew’s main research interests are in urban governance, scale, sustainability, urban heritage and epistemological questions around how we produce knowledge to solve complex urban problems. His PhD research was a mixed-method site-based and policy analysis in East London, unpacking the strategic tensions and competing visions for a ‘sustainable’ future of the city within the parameters of the Localism Act (2011) in the shadow of the Olympic Legacy plan.
Sherena Hussain is an accomplished business and legal professional in the area of business model transformation, public-private partnerships, contracts, and transaction support. She practiced law at McCarthy Tetrault LLP, and has worked on numerous complex and leading infrastructure projects globally. In addition, she worked at Infrastructure Ontario, facilitating the procurement and delivery of infrastructure projects using different forms of financing, including the use of Public-Private-Partnerships. Sherena is also an academic in real estate and infrastructure, including serving as the founding Academic Director of the prestigious G7 Sustainable Infrastructure Fellowship Program and member at the Brookfield Centre in Real Estate and Infrastructure at the Schulich School of Business, York University. She is the founder and principal of Academic Collaboration Consulting, a global advisory firm that uses leading research and best practices to address pressing strategy, real estate and infrastructure challenges while developing best-in-class up-skilling programs for organizations. Sherena is a leader in transaction structuring with legal professionals and is often interviewed by the media regarding emerging business challenges and opportunities.
Sherena Hussain is an Instructor in the Program in Real Estate and Infrastructure at the Schulich School of Business, York University. Professor Hussain is also an accomplished legal professional having practiced tax and infrastructure law at a first-tier North American business law firm. Professor Hussain holds a combined Juris Doctor-Master of Business Administration degree, Graduate Master Diploma in Real Estate and Infrastructure, and Bachelor of Business Administration. She is the recipient of numerous accolades including the Hennick Medal for academic excellence and multiple prizes in the areas of tax, contract, commercial/corporate, real estate, trust and estate law.
Sam Johnson is a Professional Engineer with 15 years of construction industry experience, specializing in the development and delivery of complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects. As Graham Capital’s Director of Development, Sam partners with Graham’s clients to develop and implement cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions to bring critical infrastructure online in communities throughout Canada. His collaborative approach is an asset to our client partners, ensuring that value is maximized throughout the entire project lifecycle, leveraging expertise in project development, deal structuring, project financing, construction delivery, and long-term asset management. Sam has worked on projects in the water, wastewater, transportation, energy, and social infrastructure sectors, and is largely focused on applying his expertise to projects at the municipal level.
Sam Johnson is a Professional Engineer with 15 years of construction industry experience, specializing in the development and delivery of complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects. As Graham Capital’s Director of Development, Sam partners with Graham’s clients to develop and implement cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions to bring critical infrastructure online in communities throughout Canada. His collaborative approach is an asset to our client partners, ensuring that value is maximized throughout the entire project lifecycle, leveraging expertise in project development, deal structuring, project financing, construction delivery, and long-term asset management. Sam has worked on projects in the water, wastewater, transportation, energy, and social infrastructure sectors, and is largely focused on applying his expertise to projects at the municipal level.
Marijn Kik is a strategic mobility advisor at the City of Utrecht, Holland. He develops and implements strategic and tactical traffic and transport policies as they relate to active transportation, public space and mobility management. His expertise lies in design and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian friendly-infrastructure and the development of a future-proof urban and regional cycling and walking network. He knows how to cooperate with both local stakeholders and communities as well as the relevant regional and national stakeholders and network. Working for a fast-growing city like Utrecht, Marijn is persistent in his strategy on creating a people and bicycle friendly urban realm. The last couple of years he was of importance in showcasing the city’s mobility transition as a project manager of street redesign projects and as advisor of the implementation the Utrecht Sustainable Mobility Plan.
Marijn Kik is a strategic mobility advisor at the City of Utrecht, Holland. He develops and implements strategic and tactical traffic and transport policies as they relate to active transportation, public space and mobility management. His expertise lies in design and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian friendly-infrastructure and the development of a future-proof urban and regional cycling and walking network. He knows how to cooperate with both local stakeholders and communities as well as the relevant regional and national stakeholders and network. Working for a fast-growing city like Utrecht, Marijn is persistent in his strategy on creating a people and bicycle friendly urban realm. The last couple of years he was of importance in showcasing the city’s mobility transition as a project manager of street redesign projects and as advisor of the implementation the Utrecht Sustainable Mobility Plan.
Brenda Liegler is currently the acting Director of the Standards and Contracts Branch, Transportation Infrastructure Management Division, Ministry of Transportation (MTO) which provides technical leadership and oversight, stakeholder management, innovative ideas, best practices, program delivery, and sets provincial policy, standards and specifications for Highway Design, Materials, Structures, Geomatics, and Contract Management. Brenda has more than 30 years of Civil Engineering experience at MTO. She is a graduate from Seneca College with a diploma in Civil Engineering Technology and a graduate from McMaster University with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Brenda is currently the acting Director of the Standards and Contracts Branch, Transportation Infrastructure Management Division, Ministry of Transportation (MTO) which provides technical leadership and oversight, stakeholder management, innovative ideas, best practices, program delivery, and sets provincial policy, standards and specifications for Highway Design, Materials, Structures, Geomatics, and Contract Management. Brenda has more than 30 years of Civil Engineering experience at MTO. She is a graduate from Seneca College with a diploma in Civil Engineering Technology and a graduate from McMaster University with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Ian Lockwood is a Livable Transportation Engineer with Toole Design Group. He has Bachelor and Master Degrees in Civil Engineering and is a Harvard University Loeb Fellow. In 1997, Ian was awarded the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ (ITE’s) Past Presidents’ Award for his project that preserved Virginia Route 50 as a 2-lane rural road instead of widening it into a major freeway. In 2005, he helped define the term “complete streets,” an idea about inclusive design which has spread across North America. In 2009, Ian helped replace the plan for a proposed major highway, east of Flemington, New Jersey, with a connected street network and integrated land use plan, which won ITE’s Project of the Year, for its cost-effectiveness, context-compatibility, and multimodal nature. He led the development of new language regarding highway removals for the FHWA to enable people to discuss the topic more effectively. Ian has been involved in over 30 highway removal efforts during his career. At the other end of the spectrum, he enjoys designing slow and barrier-free streets that are comfortably navigable for people with mobility disabilities or visual disabilities. For fun, Ian is a cartoonist and road cyclist.
Rebecca Lush is a Roads and Climate Campaigner with UK-based Transport Action Network. She is a life-long environmental campaigner, specialising in transport activism. Rebecca became involved when Twyford Down was bulldozed for the M3 motorway in 1992, near where she grew up. She played a leading part in this campaign, and many of the prominent campaigns against roadbuilding in the 1990s, including the Newbury Bypass protest. Rebecca attended the first UN COP climate talks in Berlin in 1995, taking part in the first protests about the lack of progress in tackling rising carbon emissions. She established Road Block in 2005, an alliance of community groups against the new roads programme, and in 2007 became the first Roads and Climate Campaigner for Campaign for Better Transport. Rebecca had a brief interlude from 2012 working for Lush managing their charitable giving, but has now returned to her original passion, supporting local communities campaigning on transport issues.
Rebecca Lush is a Roads and Climate Campaigner with UK-based Transport Action Network. She is a life-long environmental campaigner, specialising in transport activism. Rebecca became involved when Twyford Down was bulldozed for the M3 motorway in 1992, near where she grew up. She played a leading part in this campaign, and many of the prominent campaigns against roadbuilding in the 1990s, including the Newbury Bypass protest. Rebecca attended the first UN COP climate talks in Berlin in 1995, taking part in the first protests about the lack of progress in tackling rising carbon emissions. She established Road Block in 2005, an alliance of community groups against the new roads programme, and in 2007 became the first Roads and Climate Campaigner for Campaign for Better Transport. Rebecca had a brief interlude from 2012 working for Lush managing their charitable giving, but has now returned to her original passion, supporting local communities campaigning on transport issues.
Ian Lockwood is a Livable Transportation Engineer with Toole Design Group. He has Bachelor and Master Degrees in Civil Engineering and is a Harvard University Loeb Fellow. In 1997, Ian was awarded the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ (ITE’s) Past Presidents’ Award for his project that preserved Virginia Route 50 as a 2-lane rural road instead of widening it into a major freeway. In 2005, he helped define the term “complete streets,” an idea about inclusive design which has spread across North America. In 2009, Ian helped replace the plan for a proposed major highway, east of Flemington, New Jersey, with a connected street network and integrated land use plan, which won ITE’s Project of the Year, for its cost-effectiveness, context-compatibility, and multimodal nature. He led the development of new language regarding highway removals for the FHWA to enable people to discuss the topic more effectively. Ian has been involved in over 30 highway removal efforts during his career. At the other end of the spectrum, he enjoys designing slow and barrier-free streets that are comfortably navigable for people with mobility disabilities or visual disabilities. For fun, Ian is a cartoonist and road cyclist.
Richard Lyall is an accomplished and experienced executive who has represented the residential construction industry in Ontario since 1991. He is a frequent speaker and popular source quoted by media on construction industry issues. Richard’s insightful columns appear regularly in The Toronto Sun, Canadian Real Estate Wealth, Storeys, Builder Bites, Daily Commercial News and Canadian Construction Business. He has a successful track record in advancing RESCON’s vision, mission and values through his high-level board and strategy work. Richard was honoured with the 2019 Canadian Lifetime Volunteer Award from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans for his contributions to enriching the organization’s educational efforts and is also on a steering committee of the Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. He is also on the Ontario Housing Supply Action Plan Implementation Team.
Richard Lyall is an accomplished and experienced executive who has represented the residential construction industry in Ontario since 1991. He is a frequent speaker and popular source quoted by media on construction industry issues. Richard’s insightful columns appear regularly in The Toronto Sun, Canadian Real Estate Wealth, Storeys, Builder Bites, Daily Commercial News and Canadian Construction Business. He has a successful track record in advancing RESCON’s vision, mission and values through his high-level board and strategy work. Richard was honoured with the 2019 Canadian Lifetime Volunteer Award from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans for his contributions to enriching the organization’s educational efforts and is also on a steering committee of the Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. He is also on the Ontario Housing Supply Action Plan Implementation Team.
Andy Manahan has been an association executive for 30 years representing the construction sector. As a Professional Land Economist, he is an advocate for city-building supported by evidence-based decision making which has included the commissioning of independent research reports to advance long-term infrastructure investment and asset management priority setting. As president of Manahan Consulting Services, Andy represented a development group involved with transit-oriented community planning and organized a Housing Supply Summit with local, international and political speakers. A frequent public speaker and writer, he has authored articles and been interviewed in a variety of mainstream and technical publications. Andy sits on the boards of the Urban Robotics Foundation and AECO Innovation Lab. He holds a Master’s in Urban Geography from the University of Waterloo and a B.A. (Honours), Urban Studies/Geography from York University.
Andy Manahan has been an association executive for 30 years representing the construction sector. As a Professional Land Economist, he is an advocate for city-building supported by evidence-based decision making which has included the commissioning of independent research reports to advance long-term infrastructure investment and asset management priority setting. As president of Manahan Consulting Services, Andy represented a development group involved with transit-oriented community planning and organized a Housing Supply Summit with local, international and political speakers. A frequent public speaker and writer, he has authored articles and been interviewed in a variety of mainstream and technical publications. Andy sits on the boards of the Urban Robotics Foundation and AECO Innovation Lab. He holds a Master’s in Urban Geography from the University of Waterloo and a B.A. (Honours), Urban Studies/Geography from York University.
Mike Millian is President of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC). He grew up on a beef farm in rural Southwestern Ontario in Huron County and began his career in the trucking industry in 1990 at the age of 18. After three years hauling livestock and bulk agriculture products for Brindley Transport in Ontario, Mike joined Veri Trucking to haul refrigerated and general freight across 48 US mainland states and 6 Canadian provinces. When Veri opened a certified driver training school in 1998, he came off the road to become one of the its first certified driver trainers. In 2000 Mike transitioned into safety and compliance for the fleet, while still working part time as a trainer for the school. He subsequently joined Hensall District Coop in the role of Safety, Compliance, Maintenance and Training Manager where he oversaw the commercial fleet’s growth from 40 trucks in 2002 to over 160 trucks by 2015. Mike then moved into the trucking association business and was named PMTC President in 2015. He holds a designation as a CITT Certified Logistics Professional.
Mike Millian is President of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC). He grew up on a beef farm in rural Southwestern Ontario in Huron County and began his career in the trucking industry in 1990 at the age of 18. After three years hauling livestock and bulk agriculture products for Brindley Transport in Ontario, Mike joined Veri Trucking to haul refrigerated and general freight across 48 US mainland states and 6 Canadian provinces. When Veri opened a certified driver training school in 1998, he came off the road to become one of the its first certified driver trainers. In 2000 Mike transitioned into safety and compliance for the fleet, while still working part time as a trainer for the school. He subsequently joined Hensall District Coop in the role of Safety, Compliance, Maintenance and Training Manager where he oversaw the commercial fleet’s growth from 40 trucks in 2002 to over 160 trucks by 2015. Mike then moved into the trucking association business and was named PMTC President in 2015. He holds a designation as a CITT Certified Logistics Professional.
Eric Morris is a Professor of City and Regional Planning at Clemson University in South Carolina . His primary focus is on how transportation and urbanization contribute to our activity patterns, access to opportunities, and well-being and quality of life. Eric also conducts research in the field of transportation history, and his co-authored book “The Drive for Dollars: How Fiscal Politics Shaped Urban Freeways and Transformed American Cities” has recently been published by Oxford University Press. Other interests include transportation equity, shared mobility, transportation finance, transportation policy, transportation and the economy, goods movement and logistics, and transportation and economic geography. Eric wrote a column on transportation for the New York Times for several years. He was also the Associate Editor of Access magazine, and a Handling Editor for the Transportation Research Record journal. He teaches courses on transportation planning, transportation and the economy, cities and technology, and urban economics. Before returning to academia Eric worked as a travel writer, a sports writer, and a television writer and producer.
Eric Morris is a Professor of City and Regional Planning. His primary focus is on how transportation and urbanization contribute to our activity patterns, access to opportunities, and well-being and quality of life. Eric also conducts research in the field of transportation history, and his co-authored book “The Drive for Dollars: How Fiscal Politics Shaped Urban Freeways and Transformed American Cities” has recently been published by Oxford University Press. Other interests include transportation equity, shared mobility, transportation finance, transportation policy, transportation and the economy, goods movement and logistics, and transportation and economic geography. Eric wrote a column on transportation for the New York Times for several years. He was also the Associate Editor of Access magazine, and a Handling Editor for the Transportation Research Record journal. Eric teaches courses on transportation planning, transportation and the economy, cities and technology, and urban economics. Before returning to academia he worked as a travel writer, a sports writer, and a television writer and producer.
Lisa Orchard is owner and principal consultant at Scribe Technical. She is an urban expert who brings a big-picture, interdisciplinary, and creative approach to city building that combines her experience in several related fields: technical writing and editing, urban planning, policy and research, community engagement, and intergovernmental relations. Lisa has been involved in research, policy, and planning projects for many high-profile, effective projects that will have an impact on our urban environment for decades into the future. She holds a M.Sc.Pl in Planning from the University of Toronto and a Certificate in Technical Communications from George Brown College.
Lisa Orchard is owner and principal consultant at Scribe Technical. She is an urban expert who brings a big-picture, interdisciplinary, and creative approach to city building that combines her experience in several related fields: technical writing and editing, urban planning, policy and research, community engagement, and intergovernmental relations. Lisa has been involved in research, policy, and planning projects for many high-profile, effective projects that will have an impact on our urban environment for decades into the future. She holds a M.Sc.Pl in Planning from the University of Toronto and a Certificate in Technical Communications from George Brown College.
Andrea Ostrodka is a collaborative and solutions-oriented transportation planner who serves as Toole Design’s Central Florida Office Director and Transit Practice Lead. She has a unique collection of experience with transit and land use planning in both the public and private sectors, having served as the Director of Planning and Engineering for a regional transportation authority, the project manager for a wide variety of Bus Rapid Transit and rail efforts, and a local government liaison for transportation issues. Andrea has seen a broad transportation initiatives through to implementation, proving her value on both project- and enterprise-level planning efforts. Her notable projects include managing the SunRail Transition, where she deftly facilitated the competing goals of multiple jurisdictions while navigating a highly charged political landscape, as well as overseeing final design for the Central Avenue BRT in St. Petersburg, FL, the LYNX Transit Development Plan in Orlando, FL, and the US 192 Alternatives Analysis in Kissimmee, Florida. Andrea holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in History and Environmental Studies from Emory University.
Andrea Ostrodka is a collaborative and solutions-oriented transportation planner who serves as Toole Design’s Central Florida Office Director and Transit Practice Lead. She has a unique collection of experience with transit and land use planning in both the public and private sectors, having served as the Director of Planning and Engineering for a regional transportation authority, the project manager for a wide variety of Bus Rapid Transit and rail efforts, and a local government liaison for transportation issues. Andrea has seen a broad transportation initiatives through to implementation, proving her value on both project- and enterprise-level planning efforts. Her notable projects include managing the SunRail Transition, where she deftly facilitated the competing goals of multiple jurisdictions while navigating a highly charged political landscape, as well as overseeing final design for the Central Avenue BRT in St. Petersburg, FL, the LYNX Transit Development Plan in Orlando, FL, and the US 192 Alternatives Analysis in Kissimmee, Florida. Andrea holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in History and Environmental Studies from Emory University.
Phil Pothen, J.D., M. Land. Arch, is environmental, land use planning and administrative lawyer, and the Ontario Environment Program Manager with Environmental Defence. Using a combination of political advocacy, community legal education and strategic litigation, Phil is helping lead the fight to protect Ontario’s natural heritage, curb sprawl, and transform existing car-dependent post-WWII developments across the province into denser, walkable and transit-supporting complete communities.
Phil Pothen, J.D., M. Land. Arch, is environmental, land use planning and administrative lawyer, and the Ontario Environment Program Manager with Environmental Defence. Using a combination of political advocacy, community legal education and strategic litigation, Phil is helping lead the fight to protect Ontario’s natural heritage, curb sprawl, and transform existing car-dependent post-WWII developments across the province into denser, walkable and transit-supporting complete communities.
Andrew Price has over 30 years of experience in infrastructure economics, working in the public and private sectors. He joined Halcrow in 2008 (later acquired by CH2M and Jacobs) and has led a wide range of economics projects in the transport, energy, urban development and industrial sectors for public and private sector clients in the UK, Europe, Middle East and North America. During his career Andrew has specialised in transport economic appraisal, economic impact assessments and the development of business cases for highways, rail, airports, ports and industrial projects and the provision of funding advice for local authorities. He has in depth knowledge of HM Treasury’s Green Book on appraisal and the Department for Transport’s (DfT) transport analysis guidance (TAG) and he leads Jacobs transport appraisal training programme. Prior to joining Halcrow, Andrew was an Economic Adviser in the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) (1990 to 2008). In DfT he worked in the maritime, aviation, roads and rail divisions, where he provided advice on the value for money of rail franchise bids. He was seconded to the Cabinet Office (1996) working on the appraisal of regulations and to the Export Credit Guarantee Department (1996 to 1997) providing macroeconomic advice on countries in Africa and Eastern Europe. Andrew holds a BA Economics at Swansea University and an MSc Economics from Queen Mary College, University of London.
Andrew Price has over 30 years of experience in infrastructure economics, working in the public and private sectors. He joined Halcrow in 2008 (later acquired by CH2M and Jacobs) and has led a wide range of economics projects in the transport, energy, urban development and industrial sectors for public and private sector clients in the UK, Europe, Middle East and North America. During his career Andrew has specialised in transport economic appraisal, economic impact assessments and the development of business cases for highways, rail, airports, ports and industrial projects and the provision of funding advice for local authorities. He has in depth knowledge of HM Treasury’s Green Book on appraisal and the Department for Transport’s (DfT) transport analysis guidance (TAG) and he leads Jacobs transport appraisal training programme. Prior to joining Halcrow, Andrew was an Economic Adviser in the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) (1990 to 2008). In DfT he worked in the maritime, aviation, roads and rail divisions, where he provided advice on the value for money of rail franchise bids. He was seconded to the Cabinet Office (1996) working on the appraisal of regulations and to the Export Credit Guarantee Department (1996 to 1997) providing macroeconomic advice on countries in Africa and Eastern Europe. Andrew holds a BA Economics at Swansea University and an MSc Economics from Queen Mary College, University of London.
Emil Sylvester Ramos is an award winning entrepreneur with +15 years of building niche businesses in rapidly maturing industries. Emil owns and operates two geotechnical engineering companies specializing in excavation systems support, ground improvement, slope protection, soil investigation and site development. He is currently the CEO and Co-founder of IRIS, a Canadian AI infrastructure solutions company headquartered in Toronto. IRIS work with cities, concessionaires, tolling agencies and infrastructure companies to increase road safety and extend the life of the world’s ageing road infrastructure through proactive maintenance, data and AI. Emil is an active member of Canada’s innovation ecosystem and continuously sponsor and mentor students in hackathons and academic based research projects.
Emil Sylvester Ramos is an award winning entrepreneur with +15 years of building niche businesses in rapidly maturing industries. Emil owns and operates two geotechnical engineering companies specializing in excavation systems support, ground improvement, slope protection, soil investigation and site development. He is currently the CEO and Co-founder of IRIS, a Canadian AI infrastructure solutions company headquartered in Toronto. IRIS work with cities, concessionaires, tolling agencies and infrastructure companies to increase road safety and extend the life of the world’s ageing road infrastructure through proactive maintenance, data and AI. Emil is an active member of Canada’s innovation ecosystem and continuously sponsor and mentor students in hackathons and academic based research projects.
Santiago Rodilla is Project Finance Director for Ferrovial, based in Texas, and has been in charge of non-recourse financings in the Americas region since 2017. During this period, he has led debt issuances totaling more than $4bn for projects with more than $2bn equity invested and led the financing for several bidding process for greenfield concessions. Santiago joined Ferrovial in 2013, as a member of the project finance department in Madrid, where he led the financing process of 8 infrastructure projects in both Europe and Latin America, including bid processes and restructuring of assets in portfolio. He began his career in investment banking at BBVA in Madrid in 2007, as a member of the Structured Finance team for power/energy projects, where he participated and led the financing of 15 projects in Europe, mostly in the renewable energy sector. Santiago has a MSc in Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Vigo (Spain) and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder. He also holds a certificate in environmental, social and governance from the CFA Institute.
Santiago Rodilla is Project Finance Director for Ferrovial, based in Texas, and has been in charge of non-recourse financings in the Americas region since 2017. During this period, he has led debt issuances totaling more than $4bn for projects with more than $2bn equity invested and led the financing for several bidding process for greenfield concessions. Santiago joined Ferrovial in 2013, as a member of the project finance department in Madrid, where he led the financing process of 8 infrastructure projects in both Europe and Latin America, including bid processes and restructuring of assets in portfolio. He began his career in investment banking at BBVA in Madrid in 2007, as a member of the Structured Finance team for power/energy projects, where he participated and led the financing of 15 projects in Europe, mostly in the renewable energy sector. Santiago has a MSc in Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Vigo (Spain) and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder. He also holds a certificate in environmental, social and governance from the CFA Institute.
Ricardo Sánchez-Gomez holds a M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Madrid (Spain). He has over two decades of experience, leading and delivering innovative and transformative projects in analytics, machine learning and data processing in the transportation and mobility industry. As Global Head of Technical Services and Innovation, he leads Cintra´s strategy to engage key sector leaders in critical dialogue around the future of technology transformation in vehicle and infrastructure connectivity, safety and sustainability. He is a regular guest lecturer at Stanford, MIT and the University of Texas in Austin.
Shoshanna Saxe is an associate professor in Civil and Mineral Engineering at The University of Toronto, and a Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Infrastructure. Dr. Saxe researches the intersections between the infrastructure we build and the world we create with a specific focus on long-term environmental sustainability. Her research includes environmental life cycle assessment of infrastructure, material flow analysis of the built environment and transportation sustainability. Saxe is a former Action Canada fellow, sits on Waterfront Toronto’s Capital Peer Review Panel, is a senior fellow at Massey College and sits the board of the International Society for Industrial Ecology. She was awarded the 2019 OPEA Engineering Medal – Young Engineer and the 2021 ULI WLI Championship Team.
Dr. Matthias Schueller is Parsons’ Manager for the Structures Division in Vancouver, Canada, and Practice Leader for Long Span Bridges . He has 30 years of experience in the design and construction engineering of complex bridges worldwide. He is the Engineer of Record of the Deh Cho Bridge, one of the longest cable-supported bridges in North America, and the Canal Lachine Bridge, a curved extradosed bridge. Matthias received his Ph.D. in cable bridges under the guidance of Professor Joerg Schlaich, a structural engineer internationally recognized for his contributions in the development of Strut-and-Tie-Models and his designs of long span bridges, roofs, and other advanced light-weight structures. Matthias has worked on a wide variety of remarkable bridge projects in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He has been recognized for his contributions by local and international awards. His innovative design solutions have led to significant savings in construction and maintenance costs. Matthias is an IABSE Fellow, a member of the TRB Committee AKC40 – Construction of Bridges and Structures, invited speaker, and published numerous technical papers on bridges and structural design. He holds a Ph.D from the University of Stuttgart and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Dr. Matthias Schueller is Parsons’ Manager for the Structures Division in Vancouver, Canada, and Practice Leader for Long Span Bridges . He has 30 years of experience in the design and construction engineering of complex bridges worldwide. He is the Engineer of Record of the Deh Cho Bridge, one of the longest cable-supported bridges in North America, and the Canal Lachine Bridge, a curved extradosed bridge. Matthias received his Ph.D. in cable bridges under the guidance of Professor Joerg Schlaich, a structural engineer internationally recognized for his contributions in the development of Strut-and-Tie-Models and his designs of long span bridges, roofs, and other advanced light-weight structures. Matthias has worked on a wide variety of remarkable bridge projects in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He has been recognized for his contributions by local and international awards. His innovative design solutions have led to significant savings in construction and maintenance costs. Matthias is an IABSE Fellow, a member of the TRB Committee AKC40 – Construction of Bridges and Structures, invited speaker, and published numerous technical papers on bridges and structural design. He holds a Ph.D from the University of Stuttgart and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Nicole Swerhun helps connect public sector decision makers to the constituencies they serve. She works to make complex, often controversial, and high profile, multi-stakeholder projects meaningful and constructive. She does this by creating processes that get information flowing between all those involved, address the issues people care about, and demonstrate how different priorities influence the end result. Nicole has been doing this work for over 20 years, and has experience working in cities, regionally, and internationally. She has written an engagement handbook Discuss. Decide. Do., delivers engagement training, and regularly teaches and delivers guest lectures at colleges and universities. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Western University and an MBA from Wilfred Laurier University.
Nicole Swerhun helps connect public sector decision makers to the constituencies they serve. She works to make complex, often controversial, and high profile, multi-stakeholder projects meaningful and constructive. She does this by creating processes that get information flowing between all those involved, address the issues people care about, and demonstrate how different priorities influence the end result. Nicole has been doing this work for over 20 years, and has experience working in cities, regionally, and internationally. She has written an engagement handbook Discuss. Decide. Do., delivers engagement training, and regularly teaches and delivers guest lectures at colleges and universities. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Western University and an MBA from Wilfred Laurier University.
Nevena Vajdic is a Senior Project Manager with expertise in project management, problem-solving, and risk monitoring. She has extensive experience in infrastructure projects, particularly in the aviation sector. Nevena is currently working at the Digital Roads of the Future Initiative, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, where she is responsible for managing the European Commission’s MSCA COFUND Future Roads Fellowships project. Before her current role, Nevena worked as a Senior Airside Project Manager in the Investment and Development Department at Belgrade Airport, where she managed the implementation of 5-year airside infrastructure investment programs. In addition, she has experience working as a Short-Term Consultant for the World Bank delivering the update on the road sector model at the country level. Nevena holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Belgrade. Her research focused on developing a methodological framework for an early assessment of acceptable toll rates for Public-Private Partnership toll road projects considering multiple uncertainties. She also holds an MSc in Construction Engineering and Management from Texas A&M University and a BSc in Roads, Railways and Airports Engineering from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Belgrade.
Nevena Vajdic is a Senior Project Manager with expertise in project management, problem-solving, and risk monitoring. She has extensive experience in infrastructure projects, particularly in the aviation sector. Nevena is currently working at the Digital Roads of the Future Initiative, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, where she is responsible for managing the European Commission’s MSCA COFUND Future Roads Fellowships project. Before her current role, Nevena worked as a Senior Airside Project Manager in the Investment and Development Department at Belgrade Airport, where she managed the implementation of 5-year airside infrastructure investment programs. In addition, she has experience working as a Short-Term Consultant for the World Bank delivering the update on the road sector model at the country level. Nevena holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Belgrade. Her research focused on developing a methodological framework for an early assessment of acceptable toll rates for Public-Private Partnership toll road projects considering multiple uncertainties. She also holds an MSc in Construction Engineering and Management from Texas A&M University and a BSc in Roads, Railways and Airports Engineering from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Belgrade.
Ricardo Sánchez-Gomez holds a M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Madrid (Spain). He has over two decades of experience, leading and delivering innovative and transformative projects in analytics, machine learning and data processing in the transportation and mobility industry. As Global Head of Technical Services and Innovation, he leads Cintra´s strategy to engage key sector leaders in critical dialogue around the future of technology transformation in vehicle and infrastructure connectivity, safety and sustainability. He is a regular guest lecturer at Stanford, MIT and the University of Texas in Austin.
Shoshanna Saxe is an associate professor in Civil and Mineral Engineering at The University of Toronto, and a Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Infrastructure. Dr. Saxe researches the intersections between the infrastructure we build and the world we create with a specific focus on long-term environmental sustainability. Her research includes environmental life cycle assessment of infrastructure, material flow analysis of the built environment and transportation sustainability. Saxe is a former Action Canada fellow, sits on Waterfront Toronto’s Capital Peer Review Panel, is a senior fellow at Massey College and sits the board of the International Society for Industrial Ecology. She was awarded the 2019 OPEA Engineering Medal – Young Engineer and the 2021 ULI WLI Championship Team.
Dr. José Manuel Vassallo is a Professor in the Department of Transportation Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain. He is also an academic staff member of the Transportation Research Centre (TRANSyT) and a member of the Advisory Board of the Ministry of Transportation of Spain. Dr. Vassallo currently teaches “Socioeconomic Appraisal of Infrastructure Projects” and “Infrastructure Financing” while his recent research activity has focused on transportation management and financing, sustainability, transport regulation, and socioeconomic appraisal of transport policies. Dr. Vassallo has received several awards for his research and publications, which includes five books and more than eighty papers in prestigious journals. Besides being a research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Dr. Vassallo has worked as a private sector consultant, for the Spanish and Chilean Governments and also for international organizations, including the World Bank, the Interamerican Development Bank, the International Transport Forum and the European Investment Bank. Dr. Vassallo holds a PhD in Transport Economics and a BASc in Transport Engineering from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid as well as an economics degree from Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia.
Dr. José Manuel Vassallo is Professor in the Department of Transportation Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain. He is also an academic staff member of the Transportation Research Centre (TRANSyT) and a member of the Advisory Board of the Ministry of Transportation of Spain. Dr. Vassallo currently teaches “Socioeconomic Appraisal of Infrastructure Projects” and “Infrastructure Financing” while his recent research activity has focused on transportation management and financing, sustainability, transport regulation, and socioeconomic appraisal of transport policies. Dr. Vassallo has received several awards for his research and publications, which includes five books and more than eighty papers in prestigious journals. Besides being a research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Dr. Vassallo has worked as a private sector consultant, for the Spanish and Chilean Governments and also for international organizations, including the World Bank, the Interamerican Development Bank, the International Transport Forum and the European Investment Bank. Dr. Vassallo holds a PhD in Transport Economics and a BASc in Transport Engineering from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid as well as an economics degree from Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia.
Vince Versace is an accomplished journalist and editor, specializing in the Canadian construction industry. For more than 15 years, he has served as National Editor of Canada’s leading construction industry newspapers the Daily Commercial News (DCN) and the Journal of Commerce (JOC). He is also the founder and co-host of The Construction Record, an award-winning podcast. Vince has been responsible for helping build and execute the digital evolution of the DCN and JOC, Canada’s two oldest construction industry publications. He is responsible for the development and execution of editorial strategy across all content sharing mediums and manages two newsrooms in two different provinces as well as a national freelance writer network. He has moderated and participated in panels at events hosted by Magnet, the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities and Transport Futures. Vince has also been invited to participate in construction industry stakeholder roundtables to provide the perspective of media covering the industry. Vince was selected by the American Press Institute as North American journalist of the year for the Suburban Newspapers of America and has won various national and provincial journalism awards for his writing and photography.
Working at World Highways, Mike Woof writes about the road construction sector as well as the associated materials supply segments on an international basis. The magazine is recognised globally as the leading publication covering the road construction market, with its readership and presence having grown in the 15 years he has been editor. Mike graduated in mechanical engineering from Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has a strong history of producing incisive articles on construction as well as the extraction industries and is recognised as a leading expert in these fields. Prior to joining World Highways Mike was editor of World Mining Equipment, part of the Metal Bulletin Group. This job entailed traveling globally and often to remote areas to look at mining operations. Before that he was a reporter on the magazines Construction News, Plant Hire Review and Construction Weekly. Other previous experience includes having been a development worker in Nigeria for two years, a photographer on a local newspaper in Scotland and as a design and development engineer in the aviation sector.
Working at World Highways, Mike Woof writes about the road construction sector as well as the associated materials supply segments on an international basis. The magazine is recognised globally as the leading publication covering the road construction market, with its readership and presence having grown in the 15 years he has been editor. Mike graduated in mechanical engineering from Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has a strong history of producing incisive articles on construction as well as the extraction industries and is recognised as a leading expert in these fields. Prior to joining World Highways Mike was editor of World Mining Equipment, part of the Metal Bulletin Group. This job entailed traveling globally and often to remote areas to look at mining operations. Before that he was a reporter on the magazines Construction News, Plant Hire Review and Construction Weekly. Other previous experience includes having been a development worker in Nigeria for two years, a photographer on a local newspaper in Scotland and as a design and development engineer in the aviation sector.
Vince Versace is an accomplished journalist and editor, specializing in the Canadian construction industry. For more than 15 years, he has served as National Editor of Canada’s leading construction industry newspapers the Daily Commercial News (DCN) and the Journal of Commerce (JOC). He is also the founder and co-host of The Construction Record, an award-winning podcast. Vince has been responsible for helping build and execute the digital evolution of the DCN and JOC, Canada’s two oldest construction industry publications. He is responsible for the development and execution of editorial strategy across all content sharing mediums and manages two newsrooms in two different provinces as well as a national freelance writer network. He has moderated and participated in panels at events hosted by Magnet, the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities and Transport Futures. Vince has also been invited to participate in construction industry stakeholder roundtables to provide the perspective of media covering the industry. Vince was selected by the American Press Institute as North American journalist of the year for the Suburban Newspapers of America and has won various national and provincial journalism awards for his writing and photography.
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