STUDENT QUOTES – October 2023 SESSION
The Operations Academy not only provides you with the knowledge to be successful with TSMO, it provides you with the connections and confidence to be successful with TSMO.
John Engle, Michigan DOT
10/10 would recommend as a great way to hear what other DOT’s are doing that I am not exposed to regularly. Implementing new strategies in my job will be a number one priority moving forward.
Ericka Ross, MoDOT
Really helped me understand the importance and value of TSMO and how it should be considered in all phases of a transportation project. I recommend this program to both new and senior leaders.
Paul Manyisha, Penndot
I definitely recommend this program. It has helped me understand the importance of traffic management, data analysis, safety protocols, effective presentation skills, and much more. Initially, I felt intimidated as I thought everyone else knew more than me. However, attending this training gave me a fresh perspective on being a traffic management supervisor. I now have a better understanding of the various components that need to be aligned to ensure road safety and provide adequate protection for everyone involved including motorists, police, maintenance workers, and emergency response units. I’m excited to discuss and implement what I’ve learned to make our roadways safer and more efficient.
Shaneka Johnson, MDTA
I feel very validated hearing the struggles of other states. I also feel very inspired hearing the successes of other states.
LisaRene Schilperoort, WSDOT
I gained valuable connections and information that I can use in all aspects to advance in my career, that I will take with me every day into the future.
Lauren White, Maryland Transporation Authority
I recommend this program to anyone who works in the roadway, deals with transportation technology, or construction planning or design. The Operations Academy is an outstanding tool for transportation professionals to grow their understanding of TSMO concepts – concepts that relate to the work many of us do, but that many of us are unaware of.
Ryan Knapp, VTrans
I would definitely recommend the Operations Academy to transportation professionals who strive to make a difference by using technology to improve the safety and operations of our transportation systems.
Andrew Wilson, FHWA Colorado Division
I would highly recommend this program for anyone in any level of career status. From entry level to executive, you will take away a significant amount from this Academy.
Don Maicki, PennDOT
I would recommend this course to others. I think the information provided in this course and the understanding of my Cabinet’s intention for my attendance help to become the TSMO assistant intended. The knowledge gained in this course will be useful to help support my peers at the Cabinet as we work to increase the knowledge and understanding of TSMO and the importance it will play for the organization.
Kenny Carrico, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
it is an invaluable experience. The Ops Academy enhanced my fluency with TSMO concepts and boosting my confidence in navigating the overall TSMO subjects. I appreciate the commitment to excellence and the dedication of the instructors who made the learning experience both enriching and enjoyable.
Mario Ishak, NCDOT
My goal with attending this session was learning how to better communicate TSMO in my agency. I see myself as a TSMO Champion and this gave me the tools I will need to hopefully bring change to my agency.
Joshua Harrouch, LA DOTD
Operation Academy is an eye-opening platform for me where I found various organizations that want to practice similar management styles to deliver their mission and vision efficiently.
Hasina Luna, MCDOT
Operations Academy allowed me to better understand my agencies TSMO plan and allowed me to connect with other state DOT staff that can assist me in my career development.
Brian Crossley, PennDOT
Operations Academy helped me realize that (1) I came here with a better understanding of TSMO than I give myself credit for (2) I have far more to learn (3) I can comfortably tap the knowledge of 46 new contacts (with well over 500 years of collective experience) for TSMO-related advice if I feel the need to do.
Ken Knutson, WSDOT
Operations Academy provided an excellent opportunity to learn about the current and future state of TSMO around the country. From the program curriculum and the contacts I’ve made here I’ll be able to bring back ideas to help my agency eliminate barriers among our teams and to better communicate the value of our programs.
Victoria Coulter, GDOT
The academy changed my entire preception and undrestanding of TSMO.
Elena Farhadi, CDOT
The academy helped build valuable relationships with many people in different levels of government across the country. I know that I will be able to reach out to any one of them for information in the future.
Thomas Fisher, FHWA
The contacts and networks developed will be used right away; the advanced knowledge gained may take time to implement in my agency.
Phill Balsley, Montana Department of Transportation
The course provided the information I needed to identify and communicate with leaders already involved in TSMO in my agency. This in-turn will provide more opportunities to enhance our long-range planning efforts for the transportation system in our state.
Charles Wade, WisDOT
The Operations Academy is an excellent resource for professionals in the transportation operations industry. I’ve gained a new network of like-minded people to share my challenges and successes. The program is immersive and exposes you to many topics, and is presented in a way to keep it interesting and applicable to the diverse class of students. Prepare to invest 120+ total hours into the program, and expect to gain in-demand skills and knowledge.
Kerry Yost, DelDOT
The Operations Academy is more than program, it’s a journey into learning and connections that you can’t get anywhere else. I would recommend The Operations Academy to anyone who wants to challenge themselves on their journey in discovering what TSMO has to offer and truly wants to make a difference.
David Spencer, Town of Cary
The Operations Academy was an incredible training. The highly varied backgrounds of instructors and attendees alike, spanning several disciples as well as academic backgrounds and professional experience, all had one overarching goal–working together to make our highways safer. Students left inspired to more openly work across disciplines and organizational borders, and to constantly improve their respective agencies.
Charles Burckhardt, Pennsylvania State Police
The program is highly informative. Prior to attending, I had heard the term TSMO tossed around, but now I have a better insight & understanding of it, along with the opportunities it presents. I highly recommend this program to everyone.
Garry Western, TDOT
This course has helped me understand how different departments of my DOT and data can come together to better serve the public interest. This course is incredibly useful for my current job and has shown me ways I can grow in my career. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone who works in our field.
Matthew Blankenship, KYTC
This course has prepared me for the future challenges I will face in the ever changing field of TSMO. A definite recommend if you’re in the Transportation field.
Alex Varela, FDOT
This is a great program that uses blend of classroom instruction, speakers, workshops, and analysis of existing systems. It creates opportunities for practitioners from different states and regions to come together and share experiences. I gained a comprehensive knowledge about TSMO and various strategies to apply in my day-to-day job. I enjoyed the whole program and I recommend it to any transportation professional.
Menasse Kumlachew, ALDOT
This was an incredible collection of transportation professionals who represented an array of disciplines with the field. It’s definitely a program that should not be taken lightly yet taken regularly by all who qualify.
Jason Josey, GDOT
This was memorable experience that taught me a lot about TSMO and working with people from around the country gave me great insights into how things are being handled elsewhere.
Chris Falcos, MassDOT
TSMO Academy afforded me the invaluable opportunity to delve deeply into TSMO concepts. The knowledge gained and meaningful connections established with fellow participants stand as valuable assets, poised to significantly contribute to my professional growth and advancement in my career journey.
Joanna Wadsworth (RTC), RTC of Southern Nevada