Executive Director's Report February 2026
As we settle into the rhythm of the year, I’m reminded how fortunate we are to be part of such a passionate, collaborative community. And with the kind of dedication you bring to improving mobility and supporting commuters, it’s no wonder our work often feels as smooth as a perfectly timed bus‑to‑train transfer. Your efforts keep this community moving with purpose and momentum, and I’m excited to share the updates and opportunities ahead as we continue growing, learning, and shaping the future of TDM together.
Our Extra Early Bird registration, providing ACT members with the lowest price for ACT’s 40th Annual International Conference in Philadelphia is open, and I could not be more excited about what we’re preparing. As our largest gathering of TDM and mobility professionals, the conference continues to be the place where leading ideas, emerging practices, and peer connections come to life. If you are not a member of ACT, now is the best time to join so that you can save $500 on your registration and get the added benefit of joining an amazing community of professionals.
We’re also gearing up for Spring into TDM, our annual series of chapter TDM summits designed to meet members where they are. What makes Spring into TDM so valuable is its local focus: each summit is shaped by the unique transportation challenges, priorities, and opportunities within that chapter’s region. This creates space for conversations that truly matter to the communities you serve, bringing together local practitioners, employers, policymakers, and partners to share solutions that reflect the realities on the ground.
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, Spring into TDM provides practical insights, regional context, and connections that directly support your day-to-day work. I hope you’ll attend one of our upcoming events in Houston or the Bay Area.
In January, the ACT Board of Directors met in Phoenix for a highly productive session where we adopted ACT’s new Strategic Plan, setting a bold and forward-looking path for our organization. This plan reflects thoughtful input from our members and a shared commitment to strengthening ACT’s leadership in the TDM field.
I’m also pleased to share that the Board voted to continue offering free student memberships as a benefit available to all ACT member organizations. This means that your organization can provide its students and interns with access to ACT’s resources, events, and professional community at no additional cost. This initiative has already helped bring new talent into our field, and we are thrilled to keep that momentum going. If you have questions about how to provide this great benefit to your students, please reach out to Elizabeth Denton.
As we look to the future of our profession, I want to emphasize the importance of continuing to invest in professional development and organizational excellence.
- Pursuing the TDM-CP credential is one of the most impactful steps you can take to strengthen your expertise and advance your career. It signals your commitment to the highest standards in our profession.
- Earning the TDM-AO designation allows your organization to demonstrate its excellence as a TDM program and sets a benchmark for quality and impact across the industry.
If you or your organization haven’t yet explored these opportunities, now is the perfect time.
Thank you for everything you do to support commuters, your communities, and the broader TDM movement. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and continuing the important work we share.