Hall of Fame Honor
Texas Transportation Institute Executive Associate Director John Epps was inducted into the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Hot-Mix Asphalt Hall of Fame in February at the 56th annual meeting of the association in Orlando, Fla., in February 2011.
The hall of fame was “established to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the asphalt pavement industry leading to innovations in the production and placement of asphalt pavement, in the usage of asphalt as a paving material, and in the general advancement and recognition of the industry.”
The honor recognizes Epps’ significant contributions to the asphalt pavement industry throughout his 40-year career.
TTI Executive Associate Director John Epps is inducted into the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Hot-Mix Asphalt Hall of Fame. From left to right: Jim Roberts, president and CEO of Granite Construction, Inc.; Jon Epps; Larry Lemon, chairman of the National Asphalt Pavement Association; and Jay McQuillen, vice president of Granite Construction, Inc.
TRB Appointments
Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Executive Associate Agency Director Katie Turnbull has been appointed chair of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Technical Activities Council (TAC). The TAC provides leadership for the 200 TRB standing committees. It fosters communication across committees, coordinates annual meeting spotlight themes and cross-cutting issue sessions, helps identify critical transportation issues, and promotes research and outreach initiatives.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as TAC chair,” notes Turnbull. “Participating in TRB has greatly enriched my professional development, and I look forward to making sure others have the same opportunities.” Turnbull, who will serve a three-year term, is the first TTI researcher to serve as TAC chair.
Additionally, Paul Carlson, research engineer and head of TTI‘s Operations and Design Division, has been appointed to serve as chair of TRB‘s Operations and Preservation Group. In this capacity, he will also serve as a member of the TAC.
TTI Welcomes Returning Advisory Council Member
TTI is pleased to welcome Linda Watson back to the TTI Advisory Council. Watson was named president and CEO of Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority in July 2010. In this role, she manages Capital Metro’s day-to-day operations. Capital Metro serves 10 communities and has a budget of $164 million, 1,500 employees and 500 vehicles.
Most recently, Watson served as CEO of Central Florida’s Regional Transportation Authority, LYNX. She was a member of the council previously but resigned in 2004 when she moved to Florida. She formerly served as general manager of the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority and assistant general manager of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. Watson is a past chair of the Transportation Research Board and currently serves on the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, among several other board positions. She graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a B.A. in political science and an M.A. in urban and regional affairs, and was recently honored as a distinguished alumnus of the university.
State Research Champion Award
The 2010 Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) State Research Champion Award, sponsored by Trinity Industries, was presented to Gary K. Trietsch at a reception in Houston Nov. 30, 2010. Trietsch was a strong supporter of research throughout his 40-year career with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), including serving as district engineer for the Houston District and director of TxDOT‘s Maintenance and Operations Division. This commitment continues with his ongoing participation in the TTI Advisory Committee.
“Gary is well known for his innovative thinking, creative approach to problem solving and focus on results,” noted TTI Director Dennis Christiansen in presenting the award. “His leadership within TxDOT helped advance numerous research projects that have contributed to mobility, safety and improved operation of the state’s transportation system.”
Tooley Receives ARTBA’s Steinberg Award
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) honored Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Director of External Initiatives Melissa Tooley with its 2010 S.S. Steinberg Award Jan. 24.
“Some people ask what happened, some people watch what happens, and some people make things happen. Melissa Tooley makes things happen.” The sentence appears on an ARTBA news release announcing the award. The quote is from an industry peer describing Tooley, who is also director of TTI‘s University Transportation Center for Mobility.
Tooley accepted the award in Washington, D.C., during the 90th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board.
The Steinberg Award is named after the founding president of the ARTBA Research and Education Division (RED) and recognizes an individual who has made remarkable contributions to transportation education.
“It is a huge thrill to receive the Steinberg Award, and all that it represents,” Tooley said of the honor. “There is no greater tribute than to be recognized by my peers, especially in an organization like ARTBA.”
In Memoriam
Zimmer Receives ASTM Award
ASTM International presented Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Senior Research Specialist Dick Zimmer with a Meritorious Service Award after 32 years with the organization. Zimmer began serving on the group’s Vehicle Pavement System Committee (Committee E-17) in 1978.
The Meyer-Horne Outstanding Achievement Award was named after NASA Engineer Walter Horne and Penn State Mechanical Engineering Professor Wolfgang Meyer, early pioneers in pavement friction research.
TTI Honors Bob Skinner at TRB
Robert Skinner, the executive director of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), was honored by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23 at TRB‘s Annual Meeting. The TTI Director’s Research Champion Award was presented to Skinner for his support of transportation research.
“There is no better example of a transportation research supporter,” Agency Director Dennis Christiansen said of Skinner, who has been the TRB executive director since 1994. “Under his leadership, TRB has expanded its scope and increased its stature. He is a true research champion.”
In addition to his TRB duties, Skinner serves on numerous university advisory groups and special transportation study boards.
“I greatly appreciate this award. I have had the opportunity to work with terrific people and organizations over the years,” Skinner told those attending the reception. “All of TRB shares in this award, and I thank TTI and Trinity Industries very much for the recognition.”
