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 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.
Importance of the Operations Academy™
The Operations Academy™ develops professionals who can advance TSMO in practice.
Participants build skills in:
- Understanding TSMO strategies, tools, and technologies
- Making sound decisions using data and performance management
- Integrating technology to support smarter operations
- Strengthening processes and building agency capacity
- Communicating the value of TSMO
- Advancing workforce readiness
- Building a lasting professional network within the TSMO community
The focus is practical application and professional growth.
How the Program Builds
The Academy is intentionally sequenced. Participants move through a progression that answers:
- What is TSMO?
- Why does it matter?
- How is it delivered day to day?
- How do we measure and improve it?
- How do we strengthen it within an agency?
- What will I do differently as a result?
Each session builds on prior learning and reinforces connections across topics.
Program Structure
Pre-Study
Participants complete structured pre-study materials to establish shared vocabulary and baseline knowledge. This allows virtual and in-person sessions to focus on application and discussion rather than introductory concepts.
Plan to devote up to 16 hours to pre-study prior to the start of the in-person program.
Virtual Learning Series
The virtual sessions deepen understanding across technical and organizational dimensions of TSMO. Topics are sequenced intentionally and reinforced throughout the program.
Sessions are led by Operations Academy™ facilitators and presenters, complemented by numerous industry leaders who bring current agency experience and national perspective to the discussion.
Performance management and communication are emphasized as essential capabilities across all subject areas.
In-Person Immersion
The in-person session focuses on applied learning and implementation. Facilitators guide the overall experience, complemented by invited industry leaders who contribute case studies and real-world insight.
Participants:
- Work through real operational challenges
- Apply systems engineering and performance frameworks
- Engage in peer exchange and agency discussions
- Visit the Maryland Statewide Operations Center
- Develop an individual action plan to advance TSMO within their organization
The program concludes with structured action planning and presentations.
