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The Source for Public Transportation News and Analysis December 13, 2013
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APTA MEMBER PROFILE
Meet Ann Warner!

Ann Warner
Managing Partner
Ann Warner LLC
Member, Authorization Task Force, BMBG Government Affairs, Legislative, Policy and Planning, and Public-Private Partnerships committees


How many people are employed at your agency?

Ann Warner LLC advocates for public transportation, aviation, and infrastructure projects and programs on behalf of state, municipal, and private-sector clients. The company, which is DBE certified, is purposely small, bringing together teams of government relations and communications consultants for specific needs. Additionally, the firm enjoys a strategic partnership with Total Spectrum, which gives us access to a robust and highly successful team of experts who provide their clients with tailored services and measurable achievements in public policy and advocacy.

How long have you worked in the public transportation industry?

I count my experience in public transportation by the number of surface transportation authorization and annual appropriation measures I’ve worked on. My first authorization bill was the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). I’ve successfully advocated for policy and funding initiatives during each of the three subsequent surface transportation laws.

Since funding is the industry’s lifeblood, I’ve worked for more than two decades with colleagues to help obtain the highest possible funding levels in appropriations bills. In addition, I have advocated for approval of and funding for specific public transportation projects and worked to identify alternative funding sources and enhanced project delivery incentives.

On behalf of a corporate client, I initiated and mobilized industry support for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Pilot Program in SAFETEA-LU. This program encouraged five New Start projects to utilize innovative project delivery methods.

How long have you been an APTA member?

I’ve been actively involved in APTA since 2002. Earlier this year Ann Warner LLC became an APTA member. In addition to my participation in APTA committees, I am also a member of the Washington Area Transit Industry Representatives.

What drew you to a career in public transportation?

Public infrastructure is in my blood. In the 1930s, my grandfather launched his own business in Denver selling windmills to pump water. The company still supplies drinking water and sewer utility products to municipalities in several Western states.

My involvement in transportation began in 1990 when I was director of government relations for the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA). I experienced several “firsts,” including IBTAA’s in-house government affairs program and provisions in SAFETEA-LU that allowed toll revenues to be combined with federal funds and promoted the use of electronic toll collection.

I subsequently served as vice president of government affairs with the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA). I helped secure record-level funding for the Airport Improvement Program and advocated for an increase in passenger facility charges while supporting airport capital programs, notably at Denver.

I developed a passion for transportation and helping bring projects to life, which requires aligning funding, financing, political commitment, stakeholder support, technical expertise, environmental compliance, and internal and external education and communication. My multimodal experience was enhanced further after ACI-NA. I held similar positions in the corporate world, where I supported major transportation projects, including the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Extension, New York East Side Access, and Portland Light Rail/Cascade Station Development.

What have you found to be the most valuable APTA benefit or resource?

APTA offers its members numerous opportunities to network, share knowledge on, and advocate for technical, financial, community, legal, legislative, and regulatory issues.

Please explain why or how this has helped.

My clients have benefited from participating in APTA on many levels. I facilitated a client’s presentation at an APTA conference on PPPs. For another conference, I helped arrange for a corporate client to present on sustainability.

What do you like most about your job?

I really enjoy helping clients achieve their goals. I especially like getting outside the Beltway and doing site visits. I get so much from speaking with the planners, engineers, and constructors who do the work. Interacting with federal, state and local officials, and community stakeholders is inspiring. Without their vision and leadership, most projects would never get built.

What is unique about your organization? What would readers be surprised to learn?

I’m a very detail-oriented person and tend to get into the weeds, which helps me identify potential policy issues that have real-world implications, recommend solutions, figure out an integrated strategy, and map-out the decision-makers in FTA, on Capitol Hill, or in the industry who need to be educated.

Make sure you see Ann Warner's video, now that you've read this!

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