Public Announcements
The Sectional Podcast Episode 13 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 13 Out Now!
Although Xavier Harmony has now moved outside of the region and the US entirely, he provided a variety of local transit insights. Sarah and Eric enjoyed discussing everything from ridership to policy decisions, focusing on how transit impacts our communities and the transportation options available. We enjoyed Xavier’s unique perspective because of his diverse career path and the comparisons he can draw between Australia and the US. We admire Xavier as a professional and a father for sharing his passion with his daughter. Xavier was previously employed by NVTC but now works for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads in Brisbane. He’s no longer local but even across the world, the transportation community remains tight knit.
Search for “CAPSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
Call for Submissions! 2025 CAPSITE Project of the Year Award
Project of the Year Award
The CAPSITE Project of the Year award is awarded to a project that applies innovative methods and techniques to solve a transportation problem/issue for the overall betterment of the community. The project should clearly demonstrate the use of effective and trend-setting solutions that reflect in-depth knowledge in the field of transportation.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- The competition is limited to agencies/consultants and projects located within the CAPSITE geographic area.
- Project should be able to highlight substantial involvement of at least one CAPSITE member.
- Project may be of any type (study, design, or construction) or magnitude.
- The committee will accept submission of projects that are work-in-progress. However, should your project be selected for the award, the same project cannot be submitted again for consideration the next two (2) years.
- Projects submitted must have been completed within the past three (3) years to be considered for selection.
Projects submitted for this award will be judged on the following criteria
- Use of sound engineering principles with application of innovative solutions and ideas;
- Social, environmental, and significance of the project to the relevant community/area;
- Project complexity and net benefit of the project, and;
- Technical value to the transportation engineering profession.
NOTE: Dollar value of the project will not be a major consideration while evaluating submissions.
SUBMISSION ITEMS
- The submittal shall consist of a project description of no more than two pages that outlines its benefits (including graphics/pictures).
- Include the name of the agency/firm, project location and information necessary to judge the project based on the stated criteria.
- Up to two additional pages of drawings/graphics will be accepted as an appendix (if necessary).
- Applicants are also encouraged to submit a technical paper about their project for presentation at the annual meeting.
- Deadline: Submission Package should be sent to Vivek Hariharan ([email protected]) by September 5, 2025
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS! 2025 CAPSITE Annual Conference and Business Meeting
The Chesapeake and Potomac Section of ITE (CAPSITE) invites you to submit an abstract for presentation at our 2025 Annual Conference and Business Meeting, to be held at the Engineer’s Club in Baltimore, on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
This annual gathering brings together transportation professionals, researchers, and public- and private-sector leaders from across the region to share insights, projects, and innovations shaping the future of transportation in the Chesapeake and Potomac area.
Abstract Submission Guidelines
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Submission Deadline: August 10, 2025
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Abstract Length: Up to 250 words
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Format: Title, author(s), affiliation(s), abstract text
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Submission Method: email to [email protected]
Topics of Interest May Include (but are not limited to):
- Emerging technologies in transportation (e.g., CAVs, smart infrastructure, AI applications)
- Traffic engineering and operations
- Safety and accessibility in multimodal systems
- Transportation systems management and operations (TSMO)
- Complete streets and active transportation
- ITS and signal systems
- Local case studies and project highlights
- Planning, policy, and environmental considerations
- Resilience and climate adaptation
- Public engagement and community-driven design
We welcome a broad range of topics and project types, from research to real-world implementation.
Selection and Notification
Submissions will be reviewed by the CAPSITE Conference Committee. Accepted abstracts will be invited to present in a technical session or panel discussion. Notifications will be sent by September 10, 2025.
Why Present?
- Share your work and ideas with a multidisciplinary audience
- Gain visibility in the regional transportation community
- Contribute to professional dialogue and innovation
- Connect with colleagues and collaborators across sectors
Join us in advancing dialogue and sharing impactful work in transportation across the Chesapeake and Potomac region. For questions or more information, please contact [email protected].
We look forward to your submission!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 12 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 12 Out Now!
Mike Sakata, President & CEO of Maryland Transportation Builders & Materials Association (MTBMA), wears many hats within the industry. Thanks to his roles and diverse background, he has become laser focused on promoting a safe transportation system that will progress our communities forward. Sarah and Eric have dedicated their careers towards this same goal, nevertheless, it was enlightening to converse with Mike about his unique perspective. Mike participates in the legal, business, and communicative processes involved in advocating for more infrastructure and preparing the industry for challenges ahead. He provided us a motivating message to advocate for infrastructure that works for all users without compromising safety.
Search for “CAPSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
The Sectional Podcast Episode 11 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 11 Out Now!
Safety is a multi-discipline endeavor. Jessica Cicchino, Senior VP of Research from the IIHS-HLDI, was our guide through the many ways that her organization brings together professionals from a variety of specialties and backgrounds to perform valuable research on the motor vehicles that traverse our roadways and the human behaviors that influence vehicle operation. The IIHS stays on top of the latest technology trends to provide consumers with information for an informed purchase. Sarah and Eric cherished the opportunity to speak with and relate to Jessica and her organization’s work because in one way or another we are all working to improve safety for our communities.
Search for “CAPSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
The Sectional Podcast Episode 10 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 10 Out Now!
Mobile ID, Customer Connect System, CAV testing, and a pilot testing out Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) technology are just some ways Chrissy Nizer and her team are modernizing the Maryland DOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). But these systems don’t run on their own, customer service is at the core of everything the MVA does. Needless to say, we were humbled with the opportunity to speak with Administrator Nizer and hear about how the MVA puts people first in new, safe, and innovative ways.
On November 17th, 2023, Governor Moore's Work Zone Safety Work Group announced its final set of recommendations. View the complete recommendations here.
Search for “WDCSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
The Sectional Podcast Episode 9 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 9 Out Now!
After a long day of work, nothing sounds better than going to school. Wait, huh? At least that’s what seemed to be Norie Calvert’s perspective throughout her career as she hustled to achieve her accomplishments. She did so by working hard to move up the career ladder, continuously striving for more knowledge and new opportunities. Norie, WMATA’s Director of Contract Support and Marketing Outreach, impressed Eric and Sarah as they discussed her upbringing, work ethic, and determination to continuously step into new crucial roles. She shared the latest in procurement methodologies and her tips for consultants who are submitting proposals.
Here’s a short video clip from our recording, listen to the podcast for the whole conversation:
Search for “CAPSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
The Sectional Podcast Episode 8 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 8 Out Now!
What do DC; Corvallis, OR; and Tehran, Iran all have in common? Our latest guest, Sahar Nabaee, has walked and rode through their streets looking for ways to improve safety and quality of life! It’s more than just a catchphrase, Sahar dives into the specifics of Vision Zero with Sarah and Eric. We discuss how her work at DDOT is overcoming common challenges to create a network that is more welcoming to a wider variety of modes and users. As Traffic Safety Manager, she leads a team that is committed to delivering quick build solutions so that DC residents and visitors can appreciate the benefits of a well-rounded and safer transportation network.
Search for “CAPSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
The Sectional Podcast Episode 7 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 7 Out Now!
There’s no better place to talk about MTA’s Red Line, Resilience 2050, the state of good repair, and urban planning than right here in the heart of Downtown Baltimore. Sponsors, members, and friends of WDCSITE joined us at the Hotel Revival for a rooftop live session of The Sectional. Brian O’Malley, President and CEO of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance (CMTA), intrigued us with the past, present, and future of Central Maryland’s transportation system. Sarah and Eric engage with Brian and his stories that have us meander around topics such as Light Rail and the Orioles, the irony of a Bus Rapid Transit ribbon cutting, and the Highway to Nowhere.
Search for “WDCSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
The Sectional Podcast Episode 6 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 6 Out Now!
We apologize for the hiatus but we’re back and looking forward to some great podcast releases to cap off the year! Back in early Spring we recorded an episode with a wonderful guest, and we’re excited to share it with you now. Although the phrase was coined following her transition from a private to public employer, we feel like we’ve experienced our own Carole Effect after chatting with Carole Delion about Connected and Automated Vehicles! We learned and were inspired by her insight as Deputy Director of MDOT SHA’s Office of Transportation Mobility & Operations. Carole’s unique background, career mantras, and passion for her work have driven her to be a leader in our region for this emerging technology. We discuss future scenarios as well as technology you can find right here on our own streets today. This episode is as much about CAVs as it is an encouragement to take on new opportunities life throws at us.
Search for “WDCSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
The Sectional Podcast Episode 5 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 5 Out Now!
Operations, Planning, Engineering – all vital yet typical transportation professional disciplines. But what about Reporting? Jordan Pascale, reporter for WAMU Radio, provides us a perspective we often don’t hear in a professional setting. Jordan chats with Sarah and Eric about the myriad of topics he covers on a day-to-day basis. Jordan’s passion for all things transportation is evident as we touch on some of his favorite bike lanes, the implications of free Metrobus fares in DC, the chaotic curbside, the push towards vision zero, and more.
Search for “WDCSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
The Sectional Podcast Episode 4 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 4 Out Now!
Technology is vital to many transportation projects these days. Hence, co-hosts Sarah Gary and Eric Tang are interested in learning about how this technology reaches our projects. We’ve brought in Randy Dominick, president of Traffic Systems & Technology (TS&T), to describe his perspective on new technology, supply chain, workforce, and procurement issues. He’s proud of how far our infrastructure has come and is looking forward to future opportunities to improve the system.
Search for “WDCSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
2023 MCDITE Annual Meeting - Call for Abstracts
The 2023 Mid-Colonial District Annual Conference will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton
Hotel & Suites in Pittsburgh, PA, from Sunday, April 16 to Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
We welcome you to submit an abstract on a wide variety of transportation engineering topics,
and we also look forward to hearing about some regionally relevant projects. The theme of this
year’s conference is “From 2017 to Now, What Have We Learned?” Some suggested topics
include:
- EV
- AV
- Bike/Ped
- Data Collection Technology and Application
- Traffic Simulation: Practice and Applications
- Roadway Finance
- Traffic Safety
- Traffic Operations
To submit an abstract, click on the google doc - 2023 MCDITE Annual Conference (google.com)
and follow the instructions. The deadline for submission is Friday, December 16, 2022.
Questions or problems? Contact: Brad DiCola [email protected]; Amanda Purcell
[email protected]; Patrick McTish [email protected]; John McGraw
[email protected]
The Sectional Podcast Episode 3 Out Now!
The Sectional Podcast Episode 3 Out Now!
Co-hosts Sarah Gary and Eric Tang are still “shaking in their boots” after all the Bay Bridge deflection talk with our most recent guests, Heather Lowe and Melissa Williams. The Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study Project Manager and MDTA’s Director of Division of Project Planning and Program Development, respectively, chat with us about this study and much more. They LIVE this project and they couldn’t wait to tell us how their careers brought them here, what challenges they face, and what the future holds for a potential new bay crossing.
Learn more about the study: https://www.baycrossingstudy.com/
Sign up for the Bay Bridge Run: https://www.thebaybridgerun.com/Race/MD/Annapolis/BayBridgeRun
Join us for our Annual Conference: https://wdcsite.org/meetinginfo.php?id=7&ts=1665405019
Search for “WDCSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service or use this Spreaker hosting site link. Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
Please contact Producer David Duarte with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
2022 PA AV Summit
Don't miss the 2022 Pennsylvania AV Summit on October 25-26, 2022. Registration is open!
2022 WDCSITE Bike Tour
Please join your WDCSITE colleagues in a fun social and networking bike tour event on Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. We will ride a 5.6 mile route in the District. Capital Bikeshare stations are available near the start of the route for those who do not own a bike.
Please make sure to arrive before 10:00 AM, as we will be departing at that time. Expect the tour to take just approximately 90 minutes, which includes stops along the way.
A helmet for each rider will be required. Please bring one if you can, and let WDCSITE know if you do not have one or if you can bring an extra helmet. Note that if you will need to sign a waiver if renting a bike through Capital Bikeshare.
Please remember to bring sun protection and rain gear in case of light rain. Snacks and water will be provided. Additionally, a first-aid kit will be available during the tour. The tour will involve a 5.6 mile ride along the Pennsylvania Ave NW Cycle Track, 15th St NW Cycle Track, G St NW Cycle Track, Virginia Ave NW Cycle Track and around the Washington Monument. The majority of the route are physically separated from roadways. It does cross some intersections, but all are signal-controlled. Please click on the link below for a map of the route, nearby Metro stations, and nearby public garages.
Bike Tour Route Map
AGENDA
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Arrival
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Bike tour, led by DDOT staff:
- TBA
COST:
- Students: FREE
- ITE Members (Public Sector or Private Sector): $10
Non-ITE Members (Public Sector or Private Sector) and Guests: $15
Payment for WDCSITE will be taken electronically only (through PayPal portal)
If you have any event questions, please contact Sogand
Karbalaieali ([email protected]), Alvaro Calle ([email protected]), or Doug Halpert ([email protected]) for further details.
Please click on the link below to register for the 2022 WDCSITE Bike Tour with DDOT.
Register Now
New Job Posting!
Check out the new job opportunities posted on the Job Opportunities page!
MDOT SHA is looking for a Team Leader (Transportation Design Engineer V) in Anne Arundel County.
If you are interested in posting an opening at your firm, please reach out to the current WDCSITE Vice President – Jon Crisafi at [email protected] or (202) 836-4007.
New Job Posting!
Check out the new job opportunities posted on the Job Opportunities page!
WMATA is looking for a Director, Regional Mobility Planning and a Strategic Planning Advisor.
The City of Alexandria is looking for a Senior Transportation Engineer.
If you are interested in posting an opening at your firm, please reach out to the current WDCSITE Vice President – Jon Crisafi at [email protected] or (202) 836-4007.
WDCSITE at the 2022 ITE Mid-Colonial District Annual Meeting
On Monday, April 11, WDCSITE held an in-person Board & Leadership Meeting at the 2022 ITE Mid-Colonial District (MCDITE) Annual Meeting. Some of our WDCSITE Board & Leadership members (pictured below) were in attendance at the District Annual Meeting in Baltimore, and took advantage of being together to conduct WDCSITE business. Similar to other meeting attendees, this was an opportunity for WDCSITE members to reconnect in-person after months of virtual activities.
WDCSITE Board & Leadership members typically meet once a month virtually (including pre-pandemic years) and were now able to meet in-person for the first time in years.
If you have any input or ideas to share about how to improve our communication with the WDCSITE members or have any questions about our WDCSITE events, we encourage you to reach out to our leaders directly (Board & Leadership contact information). We are available and always eager to find new ways to incorporate your thoughts.
2022 WDCSITE April Virtual Meeting – Time Management Workshop
Please join your fellow WDCSITE colleagues in this highly collaborative and engaging two hour workshop with DesignForce. For the workshop, we will discuss various tools, tips, and tricks to help A|E|C professionals achieve better results through more efficient and effective planning and goal setting. Individuals will walk away learning how to decrease daily workplace distractions, tap into their flow zones, utilize communication to increase workflow efficiencies, and efficiently schedule their work week for optimal outcomes.
To get the most put of this workshop please fill out this Survey regarding your time management habits and challenges.
Speaker information is shown below:
Ahmed Kurtom, Managing Principal Gabrielle Camilli, Career Consultant Natalie Singarella, Career Consultant
DesignForce is a people operations consultancy for the Architecture, Engineering, and General Contracting industries. With nearly two decades of retention-guided career development and workforce strategy consulting experience within the built environment, we are experts in fostering harmonious relationships between employee and employer. We partner with industry associations and employers alike to equip their people with the resources, tools, and guidance they need to elevate their careers and unlock their potential.
Cost
- Presenter / Public Sector / Student / Retired: Free
- Private-Sector ITE Member: $15
- Private-Sector Non-ITE Member: $25
It is anticipated that PDH credit(s) will be available.
Payment will be taken electronically only (through PayPal portal)
If you have any event questions, please contact David Samba ([email protected]) for further details.
Register Now!
WDCSITE Launches a Podcast!
The Sectional, the podcast where WDCSITE brings together local transportation professionals to talk about today’s biggest issues and hot local topics.
Water cooler talk has never been this cool and casual.
There’s no better time than now to keep our members and community informed and engaged with important and relevant topics in the realm of transportation within our Section. You’ll hear our co-hosts Sarah Gary and Eric Tang chat, learn from each other, and gain a better understanding for how we can improve transportation for all. Expect enticing facts and opinions, captivating guest speakers, and a bit of fun along the way. Please reach out to Producer David Duarte <[email protected]> with any comments, questions, and suggestions.
Search for “WDCSITE” or “The Sectional” on your favorite podcast service, listen from our website
Please use your podcast service to like and subscribe!
