Member spotlight: Bailey Steele
Bailey Steele is an account manager and software developer at Agile Mile. In this October member spotlight, read about Bailey's time in the industry, experience in ACT, and TDM outlook.
Please introduce yourself and your organization.
I serve as a software developer and account manager at Agile Mile. Our mission is to reduce climate change and improve mobility for all. We do this by working with government TDM programs to provide a software platform that helps people find greener ways to travel while also getting rewarded for their efforts.
In my role, I leverage insights from our clients into novel features that can help their programs thrive. Within ACT, I serve on the Technology & Innovation Council and I am a member of the Patriot chapter.
What brought you to TDM and how did you get involved in the field?
Surprisingly, my background is in Neuroscience. I was on the pre-medical track at the University of Connecticut with the goal of becoming a family doctor. However, I became disillusioned with the field after several years doing research on Alzheimer’s Disease.
Public transportation had always been a passion of mine. I often found myself studying subway maps while living in NYC, seeking to navigate the city’s system as efficiently as possible. When the opportunity to work for Agile Mile presented itself, I knew that it would be a great fit. Three years into TDM and I’ve never looked back!
Why did you get involved in ACT?
I became involved in ACT as a means of gaining a deeper understanding of the TDM landscape. It also has presented itself as a wonderful way of keeping my finger on the pulse of TDM and identifying new and emerging trends. Plus, ACT has been a tremendous platform in helping our team share information we’ve learned from our clients and experiences!
What has been the most memorable moment of your experience in ACT?
My first time speaking on a panel at the TDM Forum in Atlanta, for sure! Our panel discussed the challenges faced by older adults in obtaining reliable transportation and how TDM programs can help address these needs in new ways. This was my first time speaking professionally in front of a crowd, and it will undoubtedly be a lasting memory.
What would you tell someone thinking about becoming a member of ACT?
ACT is a wonderful community where all organizations, both public and private, work collaboratively to achieve a common goal. Individuals within ACT present a level of collegiality that is not always seen among professional organizations.
If they chose to join, I would encourage them to get involved in their local chapter as well as any councils that pique their interest.
What do you see as future opportunities and/or challenges for TDM?
I think TDM can position itself for the future by looking beyond the 9-5 commuter. I believe that we can make TDM a household term by increasing the breadth of individuals we attempt to assist — from the 20-something who wants to avoid paying for parking at the baseball stadium, to an older adult who needs help getting their prescriptions from the pharmacy. I believe that if we speak to individuals like these, we increase our presence!