A Year of Action and Engagement for T&DI
As we begin a new ASCE year, I’m honored to serve as President of the Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI). Our focus now turns to implementing T&DI’s Strategic Plan, which charts a clear course for advancing our profession and strengthening the Institute’s impact.
Rooted in four central themes—Sustainability and Climate Resilience, Intelligent Infrastructure and Global Innovation, Leadership and Workforce Development, and Strategic Partnerships, the plan highlights the crucial role that transportation and development professionals play in shaping resilient, equitable, and future-ready communities. Over the next year, we will turn these priorities into measurable actions that reinforce T&DI’s position as a leader in innovation and excellence across the civil engineering profession.
I want to extend sincere appreciation to Scott Murrell for his exceptional leadership and vision as president over the past year, which has positioned T&DI for continued success in 2026 and beyond. We also thank Past President Chandra Bhat, who concludes four years of service on the Board of Governors, as well as Tom Klin and Jessica Garcia for their dedicated contributions over the past three years and two years respectively. I’m equally excited to welcome our new board members—Eileen Vélez-Vega, José Holguín-Veras, and Alyssa Ryan, whose passion, expertise, and can-do attitude will continue to strengthen our strategic leadership.
This year will be a pivotal one for T&DI as we prepare to bring together three of ASCE’s flagship transportation conferences—ICTD, Pavements, and APM-ATS—under one roof in Detroit, June 28–July 1, 2026. This will be a defining moment for our community and a powerful opportunity to showcase the breadth of our field.
Finally, I invite all members to get involved—join a committee, start one, or reconnect with colleagues across disciplines. T&DI is a big tent, and our strength lies in expanding our community of practice and advocacy. Now is the time to engage, collaborate, and help drive the Institute’s mission forward.
— Diniece Mendes
President, Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)