Conference Highlights

OPENING RECEPTION

 
Opening Reception at the Museum of Natural History in Balboa Park. Dave Schumacher, Co-chair, San Diego Conference Committee; WTS International President Ann L. Koby; the Honorable Mary Sessom, Mayor of the City of Lemon Grove and Chair, San Diego Association of  Governments Regional Planning Committee; and Mike Kennedy, President, Transportation Business Group, CH2M Hill, a Trailblazer Corporate Partner and sponsor of the Opening Reception.

Attendees enjoying good food and good conversation at the Opening Reception.

"I can already tell this is going to be a great conference!" Lisa Maurath, 2nd Vice President, Los Angeles Chapter; Melissa Thomson, Chicago Chapter Secretary and International Web and Newsletter Chair; and Kate Zale, President, Greater Indianapolis Chapter.

There was an elephant in the room, but it certainly wasn't
bringing down the mood at the reception.

It ain't a Red Sox game, but we're still having fun! Boston Chapter President Jacki Wilkins, and former international presidents Liz Levin and Mary Jane O'Meara

PLENARY SESSIONS

The inspiring opening session participants included (l - r) 
Dr. Sandra Rosenbloom, Director, Drachman Institute, University of Arizona; Dr. Martin Wachs, Director of Transportation, Space and Technology Program, RAND Corportation; Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky. Massachusetts Highway Department; Deborah Wathen Finn, Senior Vice President, Director, Transit and Rail, CH2MHill; and Chris Vineis, President, Capital Partnerships.

 
Founding members Deborah Wathen Finn and Chris Vineis exchange the “WTS Dead Sea Scrolls,” a book filled with WTS historical documents.

Hon. Asa Hutchinson, former Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security,
Department of Homeland Security, describes the challenges of
homeland security and immigration issues.

Alison Sander, Founder, AltWheels Festival, shared her journeys
from a small village in Ecuador to an annual festival of 20,000
on alternative fuel sources.

Wildlife Conservation Ambassador and spokeswoman for the
Zoological Society of San Diego, Joan Embery, discussed the
trials and tribulations of traveling with animals during Friday’s lunch.

Harry Mathis, Chairman, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
assisted Joan Embery with her presentation.

 
Laura Trejo, member, Washington, DC Chapter and Carrie Wallis, Vice President, Colorado Chapter, and International Membership Chair, are more than willing to let Joan show the audience how to determine the gender of this snake.

 

LEADERSHIP ALUMNAE

Graduates of the leadership training program meet during the Annual Conference.

EDUCATIONAL BREAKOUT SESSIONS

 
Hon. Lori Holt-Pfeiler, Mayor, City of Escondido/Chair, San Diego Association of Governments Regional Planning Committee; Tim Allison, Manager of Real Estate Assets, San Diego Metro Transit System; and Charlie Hales, Senior Vice President, Transit Planning, HDR consider “Smart and Smarter: Connecting Transit and Land Use through Smart growth, Smart Plans and Smart Projects.”

John Unbewust, Senior Consultant, Trainer Consulting Services, Inc.
introduces the “On-Time Performance for Capital Projects” panel.

Laura Toole, President, Baker Engineering NY, Inc.,
describes innovative public involvement strategies in
transportation.

AWARDS RECEPTION AND BANQUET

Linda Culp, Conference Co-chair, is flanked by Toni Bates,
Programs co-chair, and Linda Marabian, Blue Ribbon Committee Chair.


"Not so fast, Elaine! I want that Hawaii trip, too!" Bonnie Shepard, member, Washington, DC chapter, watches carefully as Elaine Dezenski, International Vice President, places her bid during the silent auction.

“So how do we promote more women in the industry?” ponder 
reception guests.

How about a toast to the banner scholarship year!

How sweet it is! Antendees enjoying the most popular feature of the dessert reception.

WTS Scholarship 2005-2007 President Jolene Molitoris
introduces this year’s scholarship winners at the
Annual Awards Banquet.

Brittany Montgomery, Helene M. Overly Graduate
Scholarship recipient and Bethany Haworth, recipient
of the Molitoris Leadership Scholarship.

Amy Lewin, the 2007 WTS Member of the Year, waves her scepter
during her acceptance speech.

 
Jane Chmielinski, 2007 Woman of the Year.

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

     To kick off the final day of the conference, International President Ann L. Koby highlights 2006-2007 accomplishments as the International Board listens.

WTS International Treasurer Terri Blackmore gives the financial report.

WTS International Board (back row left to right) Shannetta Griffin, Director; Sunnie House, Past President; Dedi Gonga, Director; Karen Schilling, Director; Margaret O’Meara, Director; Terry Gruver, Director; Barbi Stiles, Director; Jamie Rennert, Director; Dina Potter, Director.  Front row (left to right) Leslie Howell, Secretary; Terri Blackmore, Treasurer; Ann Koby, President; Elaine Dezenski, Vice President; Diane James, Executive Director.

"See y'all in '08!" The Atlanta crew is already hard at work, getting ready to show WTS the true meaning of southern hospitality at next year's conference!

Thanks to Linda Culp, Dave Schumacher and all the wonderful volunteers in San Diego that worked so hard to make this a great conference!

To view more pictures from the conference, click here!

In addition, some presentations from the breakout session speakers have been posted on the conference page. Click here to view the presentations.