The Operations Academy™ is an intensive, application-focused professional development program for transportation professionals seeking a deep understanding of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) — and the skills to implement it effectively within their agencies.
This is not a series of stand-alone webinars or classroom sessions. The Operations Academy is intentionally designed as a cumulative learning experience that builds technical expertise, strengthens organizational capability, and enhances professional effectiveness over time.
Participants engage in structured pre-work, interactive virtual sessions, applied exercises, and a culminating in-person immersion. The program concludes with action planning that supports immediate, real-world application within participants’ home agencies.
Admission is competitive and requires nomination by a local, state, or federal transportation agency. Participants are expected to fully commit to completing all program components. Completion of the Operations Academy™ program represents a significant professional development opportunity for TSMO leaders. View the positive feedback from previous attendees.
The Operations Academy™ was developed with funding from Eastern Transportation Coalition (TETC) and implemented by the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology (CATT) at the University of Maryland (UMD). TETC currently provides scholarships for employees of its member agencies. Since its inception, the program has been directed and delivered by CATT at UMD, with additional support from the National Transportation Operations Coalition (NTOC) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
