Co Chairs for Winter 2021 Spring 2022 Development Cycle - usdot-jpo-ode/wzdx GitHub Wiki

WZDWG Co-Chairs

Adam Graham (Chief Product Officer, one.network) – Adam leads the strategy of one.network, a UK based business rapidly expanding into the U.S., where they provide technology solutions allowing road agencies to plan and communicate temporary disruptions (such as work zones) to consumers like Google, TomTom, Waze, and Here. He has been involved with the WZDWG over the last year including two of the subgroups and is passionate about releasing work zone data from silo’s and getting high quality data from authoritative sources into the hands of consumers to improve safety and enable an automated future. He hopes sharing his experiences of developing a national work zone data feed for the UK and helping road agencies be truly ready for modern mobility will help accelerate the WZDWG’s outcome by sharing lessons learned and previous successful strategies.

David Craig (Chief of Maps, General Motors Vehicle Engineering Center) - David is responsible for all things map-related as it relates to Automated Driving at General Motors. Autonomous systems require HD maps to remain as “fresh” (current) as possible. The key to keeping HD maps fresh involves tracking construction zones: turning portions of the map off that have changed, sending vehicles out to rescan newly changed road as quickly as possible, processing new data, and sending map updates to vehicles in the field. Currently, construction tracking is very manual, involving many people staying in constant contact with all the various DOTs. If the system became standardized and automated, it could drastically improve the entire management and maintenance of autonomous maps. Therefore, helping WZDx to become a standard that meets autonomous vehicle needs is very important to David and his position at General Motors.

Nate Deshmukh Towery (Technology Policy Analyst, US DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center) - Nate Deshmukh Towery is a technology policy analyst in the Innovative Research Program Office at Volpe. Deshmukh Towery currently supports FHWA’s Exploratory Advanced Research Program, which funds longer-term, higher-risk research projects that could lead to transformational changes and truly revolutionary advances in highway engineering and intermodal surface transportation in the United States. For the ITS JPO’s Data program, he also leads the Work Zone Data Exchange, which seeks to make travel on public roads safer and more efficient through ubiquitous access to data on work zone activity. Specifically, the project aims to get data on work zones into vehicles to help automated driving systems (ADS) and human drivers navigate more safely.

Specification Update Subgroup Co-Chairs

Jacob Brady (Software Engineer, IBI Group) - Jacob Brady is a software developer with experience in architecting and deploying software systems in the ITS, transportation, and work zone technology realms. He is skilled in many aspects of software systems including microservice, API, and web app development, cloud-based deployment, operations, and system administration. Jacob is currently working with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to implement a smart work zone management (SWZM) web application that allows for the integrated central configuration, management, monitoring, and reporting on smart work zone (SWZ) sites across the state. Jacob has served as a co-chair of the Specification Update Subgroup for several of the most recent development cycles. Jacob was the primary implementer and reviewer of updates to the WZDx Specification for the past four specification releases.

Jacob Larson (Applications Analyst for the City of Omaha Parking and Mobility Division) - Jacob graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College majoring in GIS and Environmental Studies and is data driven while trying to better the transportation ecosystem. In his current role, Jacob has worked on API integrations, asset management, and development of curb management practices.

Skylar Knickerbocker (Research Engineer, Iowa State University Institute for Transportation) - Mr. Knickerbocker is a research engineer and co-director of the Real-Time Analytics in Transportation (REACTOR) Laboratory. He works primarily in the areas of traffic operations, maintenance, and safety, including data analytics, data visualization, and big data management. He assists in the management and support of several research projects for the Iowa Department of Transportation, Midwest Transportation Center, Strategic Highway Research Program, and the Federal Highway Administration through collaboration with the Center for Transportation Research and Education.

Technical Assistance Subgroup Co-Chairs

Chuck Felice (Project Manager, Utah DOT) - Mr. Felice is a Project Manager over software development projects and GIS projects at the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) Transportation Technology Group. He has been instrumental in UDOT’s connected vehicle technology projects, specifically with software oversight, standardized message development, and intersection mapping for connected vehicles. He is also engaged with connected vehicle standards development. Charles has more than 35 years of experience working in the software industry in both the private and public sectors. He has also worked in the civil engineering, aerial photography, and mapping industries. UDOT is currently working on implementing a WZDx data feed and Charles is the project manager for this new project.

Curtis Hay (GPS, V2X, and Mapping Divisions, General Motors) - Curtis Hay is a Technical Fellow at General Motors. In his role, Curtis develops precise GNSS, vehicle-to-vehicle, and map technologies to enable the safe and reliable operation of automated vehicles. Curtis also led the team responsible for launching GM’s 4G LTE connectivity in North America, Europe, and China. Prior to joining General Motors, Curtis served as an officer in the US Air Force for eight years where he developed GPS technology for precision weapons, performed satellite launch planning, and managed the GPS Accuracy Improvement Initiative. In addition, Curtis also developed precision GPS equipment to automate farm and construction vehicles during his time at John Deere.

Ross Sheckler (President and CTO, iCone) – In 2005 the State of New York asked Mr. Sheckler’s company, Calmar Research, to create a simpler, more robust traffic monitoring system based upon principles from the truck telematics industry. The effort resulted in the creation of iCone Products LLC and a series of work zone ITS products based upon simplicity and affordability. Mr. Sheckler has advised NASA, the US DOE, the US DOT, the US EPA, the Army and the US Air Force. Mr. Sheckler has been a guest lecturer in the Aerospace Department of Syracuse University and served as the President of Iowa State University’s Industry Advisor Council. Mr. Sheckler has served as the Vice Chair of ATSSA’s Innovation Council and the Chair of the Work Zone ITS Subcommittee. Mr. Sheckler has been a member of the WZDx since Ariel Gold first opened the conversation in 2017.

Shane Zumpf (Application Development Lead, Trihydro) - Shane Zumpf is the Application Development Lead for the Wyoming DOT (WYDOT) Connected Vehicle (CV) pilot project and is responsible for system design, application development oversight, project schedule, as well as testing. He has authored and presented on CV topics ranging from the WYDOT CV pilot program to CV integration best practices within Traffic Management Centers. He is also the program manager for the Trihydro Situation Data Exchange (SDX) that has been developed as a central data exchange platform for CAV messaging between DOTs and third parties. Shane would like to continue in his role as co-chair of the Technical Assistance Subgroup because he believes in the mission and benefits of safety that will come with getting a consistent WZDx feed up-and-running across states.

Worker Presence Subgroup Co-Chairs

Benjamin Acimovic (Traffic Operations & Technology Manager, Colorado Department of Transportation) - Benjamin Acimovic is the Traffic Operations and Technology leader at the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Ben brings twenty years of experience at the headquarters and regional level in transportation design, construction, connected vehicles, estimating, project management, and traffic operations. He manages statewide efforts on technology integration, Variable Speed Limit deployment, traffic operations, and speed management. He also champions the Smart Work Zone, Variable Speed Limit, and TSM&O task forces at CDOT that promote safety for the traveling public.

Kristin Virshbo (CEO and President, Castle Rock Associates) - Kristin Virshbo is CEO and President of Castle Rock Associates, a software firm that specializes in Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) solutions for its infrastructure owner/operator clients. Kristin served on the Worker Presence (WP) Subgroup in 2020 - 2021 as it carried out an industry-wide survey to explore the needs, requirements, implementations, plans, and concerns around WP reporting. In the last 6 months, she worked with the WP team to follow up on survey results and make specific Pull Request recommendations to help encourage the adoption and application of WP data. She is working with Minnesota DOT on their WZDX implementation, which includes a WP component.

Luke Urie (Program Manager, Austin DOT) - Luke Urie currently serves at the City of Austin Transportation Department (ATD) as a Capital Improvement Program Manager of Smart Mobility. Luke co-leads ATD’s Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Program, cybersecurity standards and innovative public-private partnerships. In addition, Luke supports the mitigation of congestion caused by construction activities and promotes safe work zone practices.

Serge Beaudry (VP of R&D, Ver-Mac) - Serge Beaudry is Vice President of Products at Ver-Mac, Inc. Ver-Mac is a worldwide manufacturer of mobile electronic traffic control equipment. Serge has been with the company since 2011. With over 30 years in various domains (Healthcare, Entertainment, Traffic Control), Serge has led SW, HW, Electrical, and Quality Engineers in developing various innovative products from desktop applications to mission-critical high-volume solutions. He earned his Bachelor of Science in 1987 at Laval University. His current role is leading Ver-Mac’s product portfolio from ideation to final product, including all product management and engineering aspects. He has been an active co-chair previously on the Specification Update Subgroup and Worker Presence subgroup.

Smart Work Zone Devices Subgroup Co-Chairs

Neil Boudreau (Assistant Administrator of Traffic and Safety/State Traffic Engineer, Massachusetts Department of Transportation) - Neil serves as the Assistant Administrator of Traffic and Safety for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Highway Division. Neil has been with MassDOT since 1995 serving in many roles within the Traffic Operations and Safety Management groups. In his current role, Neil represents MassDOT as a member of the AASHTO Committee on Safety and is currently serving as the Vice Chair for the Committee on Traffic Engineering. Neil also serves as a member of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, serving as Vice Chair of the Temporary Traffic Control Technical Committee. He has been a member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) for over twenty-seven years and is also a member of the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA).

Todd Foster (Vice President of ITS Engineering, Ver-Mac) - Todd Foster, P.E., is the Vice President of ITS Engineering for Ver-Mac, Inc. Todd designs and manages portable ITS systems and guides software enhancements based on customer needs. Todd has over 20 years of experience in smart work zones and over 30 years of broad experience in traffic and transportation planning and engineering, Todd has developed and managed many types of traffic studies, as well as designed roadways and traffic signal systems. Todd is also an active member of ITS America and often presents on “ITS in Work Zones” at conferences across the country.

Specification Extension Subgroup Co-Chairs

Brandon Patocka (Engineering Technician with the City of Omaha Parking & Mobility Division) – He received a B.S. in Geography from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Brandon oversees the curbside management and micro mobility programs while striving to build strong relationships with the people he interacts with on a daily basis.

Eric Kolb (Staff Geo Data Engineer, Google) - Eric Kolb served as a WZDx Specification Extension Co-Chair for the prior cycle, where he contributed to broadening the spec and fostering deeper collaborations between WZDx Data Providers and Consumers. Eric is a Staff Geo Data Engineer who has for the last 14+ years, undertaken processing and publishing of 1st and 3rd-party Satellite and Aerial imagery and Vector datasets to Google Maps. Eric believes that providing this data to Google Maps helps its users satisfy their fundamental quest to better understand the places around the world that are important to them. He has also mapped the geologic and surface features of Mars’ polar regions, and is co-author of the current global geologic map of Mars. Eric holds degrees in Geology from Indiana University and Arizona State University.

Frank Winters (Geographic Information Officer, New York State) - In this role he is responsible for Statewide GIS coordination, policy, and framework data programs. Frank also serves as the Executive Director of the New York State Geospatial Advisory Committee. In his past role as GIS Director for the New York State Department of Transportation, Frank served as a member of the AASHTO GIS for Transportation Task Force. Frank also serves as the president of the National State Geographic Information Council. Frank has a Master of Science in Geography from the University of Idaho and has been involved with GIS in New York State Government for 30 years.

Weimin Huang (Lead Research Engineer, HERE Technologies) - His role at HERE is to research on traffic data including probe data and event data. Prior to joining HERE, he was an Associate at Cambridge Systematics with more than 15 years of experience in data analytics in transportation engineering. One of his research efforts in HERE is to produce driver-maneuver based information for safer driving at work zones, as well as for potential applications of CAVs at work zones, which would be a good fit for the new specification extension group.