Cameron Shew for
ITE Western District Secretary-Treasurer
Why I'm Running
ITE has played a pivotal role in my professional development, from student to young professional to manager. I am grateful for the strong support of ITE from both my former and current employer, as well as the countless connections and friendships I have made. I am committed to the vision of ITE being the organization of choice for all transportation professionals.
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My leadership experience includes 2 years at the student chapter level, 4 years at the Northern California Section level, and 5 years at the Western District level as a committee chair. Supporting the needs of local sections is my top priority. Many sections are still resetting and rebuilding from the challenges of the pandemic. But listening to section reps share their struggles and successes at round tables, I know there are a lot of commonalities and opportunities to learn from each other. As a "plangineer" with both private and public sector experience, I understand the importance that ITE serve and increase the value proposition of membership for all transportation professionals. This includes engineers, planners, and operators; agency members, consultants, and industry partners. We will do this by providing all members with timely, relevant, and high-quality technical content. Finally, I would like to increase our retention/conversion of student members to professional members. While the "new normal" of hybrid/remote work and virtual meetings provides many efficiency benefits, one of the challenges that young members face is often diminished mentoring and training opportunities. This is a natural gap for WesternITE to fill through its career guidance programs and events. Reaching all of these goals would not be possible without your support.
Supporting Our Sections
One of the most important functions of the District is to support its 11 constituent sections. It can be a constant challenge to engage with members, identify new leaders, curate technical content, and serve a large geography. As many sections rebuild and reset from the pandemic, we will continue to refine and expand the District's Section 101 program, and encourage cross pollination between sections. Very few challenges are truly unique; by sharing ideas, approaches and resources, we will turn trials into triumphs as One ITE.
Delivering Membership Value
ITE must stay relevant and maintain its status as the organization of choice for all transportation professionals by providing high quality, timely technical content and networking opportunities. The District needs to deliver on and increase the value proposition of membership with discounted or exclusive access to programming, publications, events, and meetings. We should also increase outreach efforts (including partnerships with other organizations), especially to planners and public agencies, to promote ITE as the organization of choice for all transportation professionals.
Student and YP Initiatives
Students and young professionals are the future of this industry and organization. I am very proud of the innovations that have come out of the Western District, such as the Student Leadership Summit (SLS) and Student Endowment Fund (SEF), which have served as models for other Districts. Our investment in student and career guidance initiatives fills a critical mentoring and training gap, and feeds a pipeline for ITE's next generation of leaders. I will look for additional opportunities for young members to volunteer and serve in leadership roles at the local and district levels.