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About the Leadership Academy Alumni Association

The mission of the Leadership Academy Alumni Association (LAAA) is to foster meaningful and lifelong connections through the ongoing advancement of leaders, exchange of ideas, and mobility solutions to link communities.

 

Nearly 500 professionals have graduated from the Leadership Academy and are part of the Leadership Academy Alumni Association, the Foundation organization that continues to foster; meaningful connections among alums.

   View LAAA Class Photos

LAAA Officers

The LAAA Officers serve a 2 two-year term.

Chair

Mike Davis, VP, Tolls and Technology Service Group Leader
RS&H

Liaison to Chair/Coordinator

Alan Williamson, P.E., Construction Engineering Manager
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

Committees
  • Vice Chair of Mentor Program: Chelsea Scheid-Mason, Toll Systems Project Manager, HDR
  • Co-Vice Chair of Leadership, Membership and Events: Tyler Milligan, Managing Partner, Milligan Partners, LLC
  • Co-Vice Chair of Leadership, Membership and Events: Amanda Boulden, Director of IT, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority
  • Vice Chair Professional Development and Awards: Mark Hicks, AVP, Principal Tolls and Technology Consultant, RS&H
About the Award

   Distinguished Leadership Academy Alum of the Year Award

This award recognizes a leader who has demonstrated and made significant commitments to tolling and the transportation industry after graduating from the IBTTA Leadership Academy. Nominees for the IBTTA Distinguished Leadership Academy Alum of the Year has mirrored IBTTA's focus on advancing leaders in the industry as well as served to inspire others while building relationships.  This outstanding Alum embodies emerging mindsets and the evolution of transportation in their respective organization or agency, and demonstrates an intense commitment to providing excellent service to the tolling industry and maintaining perseverance in the face of adversity. 

Purpose

The Distinguished Leadership Academy Alum of the Year will honor an Academy graduate who has made significant contributions to the transportation/tolling industry in a way that mirrors the Association’s focus on advancing transportation by attracting and developing talent with a keen recognition of the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive leadership and membership.

This outstanding Alum will have personal and professional priorities that exemplify overall leadership within a tolling agency, forging genuine human connections within and across diverse teams and people, and mentor and cultivate employees, and creating a culture of respect that fosters an atmosphere conducive to advancement and enthusiasm for the tolling industry. This outstanding Alum will embody emerging mindsets and the evolution of transportation in their respective organization or agency, along with demonstrating an intense commitment to providing excellent service to the tolling industry and maintaining perseverance in the face of adversity.

This distinguished Alum should inspire and encourage personal and professional development in others; build strong relationships that support a high level of trust and credibility; promote the transfer of knowledge and influence from person to person, and recognize and respond to different learning preferences while cultivating other’s abilities and talents.

Nomination Criteria

The Leadership Academy Alum Award is open to all IBTTA Leadership Academy graduates.  Nominations may be submitted by an individual familiar with the work of a nominee. Self-nominations are also accepted. To be considered for the award, a nominee must meet certain criteria.

The nominee must be a graduate of the IBTTA Leadership Academy. The nominee must have demonstrated a continuing interest in and support of IBTTA and the Leadership Academy through the contribution of time, talent, or resources. The nominee must have contributed to the betterment of the bridge, tunnel, and tolling industry.

Selection Methodology:
Nominations will be submitted and distributed to the LAAA Awards selection committees. Only the nomination forms will be reviewed by the committee and numbered.  The LAAA Awards committee will score each submission and from there, will make the selection, based on numerical scoring. All nominees will be considered but only will be notified if they are selected for the award.

  • The nominee should have demonstrated, through personal, professional and/or organizational achievement, initiatives outlined by IBTTA President during his term.
  • During the current year, the Nominee must have served as a Leadership Academy mentor or must have guided and assisted others during participation in IBTTA committees, conferences, or activities.
  • The nominee must be a current member of IBTTA.
  • Previous winners are not eligible.
LAAA Meet-Up & Awards Ceremony

The LAAA’s annual Meet-Up and Awards Ceremony was held during the 92nd Annual Meeting in Cleveland, OH. Watch the full recording below!

2024 Alum of the Year

Snehal Ambare, an active member of the LAAA and the Women in Tolling Council, was honored at this year’s Meet-Up.

Snehal Ambare
Regional Client Service Leader
CDM Smith
LAAA Class of 2024

Snehal Ambare is a dynamic leader in the transportation industry with over 23 years of experience, currently serving as the Regional Client Service Leader for the Transportation South Group at CDM Smith. She is passionate about shaping the future of transportation, delivering innovative solutions in tolling and transportation, and developing the next generation of leaders. Additionally, Snehal is the Co-Momentum Leader of the Recognitions Working Group of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee furthering the DEI initiatives and demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the industry's progress.