Show Notes
In the world of traffic engineering, ITS, and tolling, technical expertise is an important part of the equation. However, building a successful, impactful career includes engaging with the broader professional community—sharing knowledge, shaping policy, and fostering innovation. RK&K takes great pride in the involvement that our team members have had in several professional organizations.
Since it is Traffic Awareness Month, we wanted to celebrate some of the contributions that our team members have made to these organizations. Each person has a different story on how and why they got involved, but all of them are living proof that active involvement in such organizations is a huge benefit to their careers.
Rebecca Biro, PE, PTOE, got her start with the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) by attending local events in the Philadelphia area when she began her professional career in 2013. A few years later, in 2019, Becky took her first plunge into leadership – serving as the area coordinator, leading a committee responsible for planning over 20 similar technical, social, and networking events as her first ones as a new graduate engineer. Her climb in the organization continued there, and she is serving as the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Section (MASITE) President.
Meanwhile, Stuart Samberg has kept his involvement in Transportation Research Board (TRB) activities for over 20 years, since his time in both his undergraduate and graduate school. Stuart’s involvement has included serving on several committees and previously chairing the Standing Committee on Access Management.
“It is exciting to be able to stay heavily involved in Transportation Research Board projects and committees”, Stuart notes. “While the research work is always exciting, and it’s great to stay at the forefront of the profession, the best part of my work with TRB has been the relationships built internationally.”
Owen Hitchcock, PE, PTOE, was named one of ITE’s Mid-Colonial District 2024 Volunteers of the Year. His journey began as president of Penn State’s ITE student chapter, where he first discovered the Traffic Bowl—a Jeopardy-style competition for aspiring engineers.
“I joined ITE to compete in Traffic Bowl and to network with engineering professionals,” Owen recalls. “It helped grow my leadership skills when I was elected president of the Penn State student chapter.”
Today, Owen serves as the District’s Traffic Bowl Coordinator, crafting questions, managing logistics, and mentoring students. His dedication earned him the role of Chair of the Student Activities Committee, where he works to strengthen student chapters and increase engagement.
Throughout the course of his career, Project Engineer David May obtained several of the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) temporary traffic control certifications. When the national Midyear meeting was held in Williamsburg, VA, in 2018, David found that the opportunity was too good to pass up. Meeting with other industry professionals who shared the common goal of safer roadways sparked an interest in getting involved. He discovered several areas where he could participate in and later lead efforts to promote and develop traffic safety initiatives. David is currently a member of the national Temporary Traffic Control Committee and the Work Zone ITS Subcommittee, is the Vice-Chair of the Safety & Public Awareness Committee, and serves as the Chapter President for the Chesapeake Chapter (representing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Delaware).
David notes the importance of participation in ATSSA to him, noting that “my participation has accelerated my professional growth, both becoming a more effective learner and presenter.”
Similarly, Jeff Kuttesch started attending ITE Virginia Section (VASITE) events when he made a mid-career move to relocate from Maryland to central Virginia. He immediately found a group of engaged traffic engineering professionals who are interested in improving transportation for all. When Jeff was asked about running for VASITE Secretary back in 2023, he “jumped at the opportunity to work with the Board and help lead the organization.”
For Jeff, this was a welcome opportunity to give back to a group that welcomed him with open arms over 15 years ago, as well as an opportunity to provide the same opportunities for new graduates, emerging leaders, and newcomers to the Commonwealth.
Jumping in headfirst
Heather Henck recollects when she first switched the focus of her career from Traffic Engineering to Toll Systems. “I had a lot to learn and an entirely new network to build.”
Randy Brown, our Toll Systems Director at that time, recommended that she get involved with the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA). Heather had the opportunity to join a Young Members Council (YPC) as it was first formed. She volunteered to be a part of the mentorship committee, then took on a role as Chair of the Education committee, and currently sits on the YPC Steering Committee.
After getting involved in YPC, Heather was selected to attend the IBTTA Leadership Academy, which is a weeklong immersion program in leadership and the tolling business that brings public agency and private sector staff together from organizations around the world. A connection she made at Leadership Academy led her to serve on the Women In Tolling (WIT) Council, where she supports the mission of connecting women in the industry through planning social events at conferences.
Finding the thing that makes you tick
Anyone who has met Tyler Hartman even briefly figures out two things quickly. First, he embraces the traffic engineering community wholeheartedly. Second, he is personally committed to helping professional organizations serve their younger members. Tyler is one of two co-chairs of ITE International’s Younger Member Committee. Their mission is to support, empower, and engage younger members 35 years and under. They lead several initiatives, all geared towards enhancing the experience for younger members and connecting them to more experienced members.
Tyler shares his passion for this topic widely. “Honestly, I just love this committee because it shows that Younger Members are a vital part of ITE and want to help out wherever possible. During my time as co-chair, we’ve begun building out the committee in amazing ways by adding technical presentations designed for Younger Members and by spotlighting the great contributions Younger Members are making throughout ITE.”
Tyler first became involved with the committee in 2022 while participating in the Younger Member Challenge, Navigating to New Orleans. Later that year, the committee began planning a Younger Member Roundtable that would feature leaders from district and section YMCs sharing their committee activities. Tyler took on the opportunity to lead this effort, finding it to be a rewarding experience that allowed him to connect with young professionals from across ITE. Following the success of that event, Tyler was invited to become a co-chair of the committee and has served in that role ever since.
Leadership at the International Level
Kate Russo, PE, PTOE, serves on ITE’s International Board of Directors (IBOD), representing the Mid-Colonial District, which includes Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Southern New Jersey, West Virginia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Elected to a three-year term beginning in January 2025, Kate helps shape ITE’s strategic direction and policies.
“Being on the IBOD allows me to have a seat at the decision-making table about ITE and its path forward,” Kate says. “I am fortunate to have RK&K’s support in this role.”
Kate is passionate about ITE’s Safety Roadmap and Action Plan, which promotes a Safe System approach to eliminate roadway fatalities. She’s actively working to raise awareness and encourage participation across her district.
In addition to Kate’s board involvement, we are proud of the staff who have completed national leadership programs, such as IBTTA’s Leadership Academy, and the several LeadershipITE graduates shining brightly at RK&K.
The Power of Connection
One thing was common across each person’s story – they all emphasized the value of the relationships they’ve built through these activities. Whether it’s meeting future colleagues, shaping industry standards, or even conducting a bit of business, the connections made through professional organizations are invaluable. Heather’s experience with IBTTA is a great example, as she notes that “Through my involvement with YPC, Leadership Academy, and WIT, I have built lasting professional relationships and friendships that will continue to enrich my career.”
As importantly, it is obvious that their involvement has given them a valuable perspective on the people who really make this industry go. Jeff noted that “Serving (VASITE) in a leadership role is really encouraging to me for the future as I see the young staff joining our industry and know that we will be in good hands moving forward.”
Similarly, Stuart also noted that his TRB experience allowed him “to make connections that allow me to learn different perspectives, but also to build relationships with people who get me to think beyond my own personal experiences. I have undoubtedly become a better engineer and a more well-rounded person because of it.”
Professional organizations like ITE, TRB, IBTTA, ATSSA, and many others offer more than just technical resources—they provide a community, a platform for leadership, and a path to personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a student, a seasoned engineer, or somewhere in between, getting involved can open doors you never expected.
As we have seen at RK&K time and time again, saying “yes” to opportunities—big or small—can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
