Executive Director's Report December 2025
This month marks a personal milestone —10 years as ACT’s Executive Director. When I pause and look back on this decade, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for what we’ve accomplished together. ACT has grown, more than some thought possible, into a strong professional association and an internationally recognized leader in the advancement of TDM. That transformation didn’t happen overnight, it happened because of the passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment of our members, volunteer leaders, and our dedicated staff.
I vividly remember my first conversations with the Board in January 2016, sitting in the basement of the Hilton Garden Inn in Washington, DC, just two weeks into my tenure, as we began outlining the priorities that would shape ACT’s future. We talked about creating new opportunities for member engagement, including online networking tools; and growing and broadening our membership by reaching large employers, universities, service providers, and students. We aimed to elevate professional development by re-launching certification efforts. Expanding our public policy efforts nationally and locally was another critical goal. We committed to exploring new partnerships that would broaden ACT’s impact and amplify our voice.
Those priorities became the foundation for everything we’ve achieved. Today, ACT stands stronger than ever:
- Membership has more than doubled and diversified, creating a vibrant network of professionals throughout the US, Canada, and globally.
- ACT events are the benchmark for learning and networking, providing unparalleled opportunities for TDM professionals to gather locally and nationally.
- Professional development has expanded, with certification, accreditation, and leadership programs that empower members to grow from the moment they enter the field through retirement.
- Public policy efforts have flourished, from achieving commuter benefits parity to influencing federal legislation and shaping the national conversation on TDM.
- Partnerships have expanded, strengthening our influence, amplifying our reach and impact across sectors, communities, and continents.
These accomplishments reflect the strength of our community and the power of collaboration. But as proud as I am of what we’ve built, I’m even more excited about what’s ahead. The next decade will bring new challenges and opportunities, and ACT is ready to lead the way.
Looking forward, we will:
- Inspire and prepare our members to make a meaningful impact in their communities
- Grow membership to welcome all people working to improve transportation options
- Support new initiatives to strengthen the case for TDM
- Expand regional and global engagement opportunities
- Continue advocating for policies that make TDM strategies a priority
Thank you for an incredible ten years of trust, leadership, and progress. Together, we’ve turned a vision into reality, and the journey ahead will be even more extraordinary. Here’s to the next chapter!
Warmest regards,
David Straus, TDM‑CP