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N.C. Transportation Summit

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N.C. Transportation Summit logo displaying the date of the event, Sept. 3-4, location is Raleigh N.C.
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The N.C. Department of Transportation, in partnership with NC GO! and NC Chamber, hosted the sixth annual ​​N.C. Transportation Summit Sept. 3-4 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh.​​ ​

The annual event explores​​​ topics related to safety, funding and innovation for North Carolina’s growing population and transportation needs.​

Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025

Opening Session​

 

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

General Sessions & Breakouts​​

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

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

Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Brad Lail, N.C. Board of Transportation

  • Moderator: Secretary Joey Hopkins, P.E.

  • Justin Powell, SCDOT, Secretary

  • Will Reid, PE, TDOT, Commissioner

  • James Ballinger, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, State Highway Engineer

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


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

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

Speakers
  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Mike Fox, N.C. Board of Transportation

  • Moderator: Carly Swanson, NCDOT, Director of Innovative Delivery

  • Stephen Brich, VDOT, Commissioner

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

  • Paige Heintzman, TDOT, Director of P3 Delivery

  • Dr. Shawn Wilson, WSP, Senior Vice President


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


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


Speakers
  • ​​Opening & Closing Remarks: David Womack, N.C. Board of Transportation

  • Moderator: Brian Clark, North Carolina State Ports Authority, Executive Director

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

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

  • Dr. Erez Agmoni, Interwoven Ventures, General Partner

Trusted Routes: The Value of Stakeholder and Community Engagement

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


Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Stephen Rosenburgh, N.C. Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Jamille Robbins, NCDOT, Public Involvement, Community Studies & Visualization Group Leader
  • Tracy Montross, American Airlines, Managing Director of Government Affairs
  • Beau Mills, Fountainworks, Senior Advisor
  • Lisa Qualls, CRTPO, Chair

Strategic Finance: Managing Cash Across State DOTs

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


Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Valerie Jordan, N.C. Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Mark Newsome, NCDOT, Chief Financial Officer
  • Lisa Saliba, FDOT, Chief Financial Officer
  • Laura Farmer, VDOT, Chief Financial Officer
  • Bill Malczyk, Senior Managing Director, EY Turnaround Management Services LLC
  • Jason Adank, FDOT, Comptroller

Ready and Resilient: Preparing for Nature’s Worst

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


Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Billy Clarke – N.C. Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Matthew Lauffer, P.E., NCDOT, Hydraulics
  • Esther Manheimer, Asheville Mayor
  • Kathy Fulton, American Logistics Aid Network, Executive Director
  • Christine Laporte, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Program Manager for the Truist Foundation Western NC Recovery and Resiliency Fund
  • Aimee Flannery, JACOBS, Global Principal – Transportation Risk and Resilience

General Session 2: What To Expect From Reauthorization

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

Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Graham Bennet, N.C. Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Chris Peoples, P.E., NCDOT, Chief Operating Officer
  • Patrick McKenna, Eno Center for Transportation, President & CEO
  • Dean Franks, ARTBA, Senior Vice President for Congressional Relations
  • Joung Lee, AASHTO, Deputy Director and Chief Policy Officer
  • Ed Sniffen, HDOT, Director of Transportation​

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025​

General Session 3: On the Horizon: Innovative Transportation Solutions

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

Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Melvin Mitchell, Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Cat Peele, NCDOT, Deputy Director of Maritime Operations & Programming
  • Tyler Duvall, Cavnue, CEO & Co-Founder
  • James Lanier, General Motors OnStar, Global Public Safety Engagement Manager
  • Het Patel, City of Raleigh, Assistant Director of Transit
  • Kara Evanko, Siemens Mobility North America, Vice President of Communications and Strategy

Mindful Mobility: Safety at the Forefront of Modern Transportation

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

Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Tess Judge, N.C. Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Robin Barfield, NCDOT, Director of Safety & Risk Management
  • Bernard Jackson, New York City Transit, Chief Operating Officer
  • Laura Demeo-Chace, ITS America, President & CEO
  • Mitch Petterson, General Motors, Public Safety Engagement Lead

​Improving the DMV Customer Experience

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


Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Ralph Huff, N.C. Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Marty Homan, NCDMV Communications Manager
  • Gerald Lackey, Virginia DMV, Commissioner
  • Paul Tine, NCDMV Commissioner
  • Kevin Shwedo, South Carolina DMV, Executive Director

Advancements in Technology Across the Project Lifecycle

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


Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Meagan Phillips – N.C. Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Patrick Norman, NCDOT, Chief Engineer
  • Garth Donahue, JMT, Director of Design Center of Excellence
  • Alicia Lopez, FlatironDragados, Chief Innovation Officer & Senior Vice President
  • James Graham, Cyclomedia, Solution Engineer

Smart Vehicle Revolution – Where Safety and Convenience Meet

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

Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Lynn Clark – Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Logen Hodges, NCTA, Director of Communications & Marketing
  • Vidhu Shekhar, Microsoft, Government Strategy Leader
  • Brooke Beasley, Red Hat, Strategic Account Executive
  • JJ Eden, NCTA, Executive Director
  • Jim Nichols, Volvo Cars USA, Vice President and Head of Product & Technology Consumer Offer
  • Chapin Flynn, Mastercard, Senior Vice President

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


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


Speakers

  • Matt Battin, AECOM, Associate Vice President, East Regional Market Sector Lead – State and Local Disaster Resilience
  • Major General (Ret.) Jim Trogdon, P.E., AECOM, Vice President, Transportation-North Carolina
  • Dr. Shawn Wilson, WSP, Senior Vice President

General Session 4: Funding and Financial Planning Roundtable

Speakers

  • Opening & Closing Remarks: Chair Tony Lathrop, N.C. Board of Transportation
  • Moderator: Carly Swanson, NCDOT, Director of Innovative Delivery
  • Senator Vickie Sawyer, North Carolina State Senate, District 37
  • Jay Gillespie, GDOT, Director of Alternative Finance
  • John Boylston, P.E., SCDOT, Chief Engineer for Project Delivery
  • Ed Driggs, Charlotte City Council, District 7 Representative


Last updated Sep. 5, 2025