Click the track below for the session overviews.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Transportation
Wednesday, April 23, 1:30PM – 2:30PM
PROWAG Updates—Final Rule!
Session Overview:
Join us in a presentation of policy revisions, clarifications, and additions to the US Access Board’s Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) final rule published in August 2023! Improve your understanding of ADA triggers, and review best practices for field inspection!
Session Objectives:
• Review design criteria updates related to the PROWAG Final Rule.
• Develop a clear understanding of design decisions that trigger ADA Curb Ramp updates and retrofits within a design corridor.
• Review construction inspection best practices for final inspection and acceptance of ADA Curb Ramps in field inspection.
Seth Walker
SCR Local Programs Engineer
WSDOT SCR Local Programs
Speaker Bio:
Seth is the newest Local Programs Engineer for WSDOT, covering the South Central Region. He comes to the position with 17 years of combined WSDOT and Local Agency experience.
Maggie Slife
ADA Engineer
WSDOT Local Programs
Speaker Bio:
Maggie comes to WSDOT with over 5 years of experience in ADA curb ramp and highway design. As a member of the Local Programs team, she focuses on providing engineering support to local agencies for all things PROWAG.
Wednesday, April 23, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Essentials for Reviewing Roundabouts
Session Overview:
Roundabouts enhance safety and operations, but distinguishing well-designed from poorly-design ones can be challenging. Review guidance is often too high-level to effectively teach the application of performance-based metrics. Please join us as we discuss key principles of roundabout design, best practices for design validation, and tips for spotting geometric concerns.
Session Objectives:
• Apply the key principles of roundabout design.
• Differentiate between code-based and performance-based design.
• Review roundabout geometry to validate performance metrics.
Katie Handel, PE
Roundabout Subject Matter Expert
Jacobs
Speaker Bio:
Katie Handel is a roundabout geometric specialist who has dedicated her career to the design and planning of over 115 roundabouts across the US. She is passionate about engineer education and the implementation of roundabouts. Katie serves on TRB’s Standing Committee on Roundabouts and Other Intersection Design and Control Strategies.
Shannon Lambert, PE
Roundabout Subject Matter Expert
Jacobs
Speaker Bio:
Shannon Lambert has dedicated her career to transportation safety, specializing in roundabouts. As a subject matter expert, she shares her design and review knowledge with clients and colleagues. Shannon is also passionate about community outreach and education, helping communities understand the purpose of roundabouts and how to use them.
Funding
Wednesday, April 23, 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Funding Washington’s Transportation Future
Session Overview:
This session will focus on how Road Usage Charging (RUC) can be implemented, the impacts it could have on drivers, and why Washington State is considering implementing it, noting legislation is being considered during the 2025 State legislature.
Session Objectives:
• Identify the sources and factors contributing to growing transportation funding challenges.
• Discuss statewide research and findings on the viability, implications, and opportunities created by a transition from the gas tax to a Road Usage Charge (RUC).
• Review 2025 legislation and proposed plan to move Washington from the gas tax to a RUC by 2035.
Reema Griffith
Executive Director
Washington State Transportation Commission
Speaker Bio:
Reema has served as the Executive Director of the WSTC since 2005. Under her leadership, the WSTC serves as the State Tolling Authority for toll roads and the state ferry system, authors the state’s 20-year transportation policy plan, conducts statewide public outreach and education on transportation, conducts special studies under the direction of the Legislature, etc. Reema is also a national leader and expert on road usage charging policy and finance, serving on various advisory boards and participating in academic studies, as well as appearing before Congress on the topic in 2023.
Wednesday, April 23, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Looking at Federal Discretionary Grants
Session Overview:
Federal discretionary grants are often the key to funding a legacy project. However, these grants (think RAISE, INFRA, CRISI, Bridge Investment, PROTECT, SS4A, etc.) may not be the best or realistic solution for what your community is trying to fund. This session will discuss the challenges and lessons learned from RAISE recipients and other grants.
Session Objectives:
• Identifying when RAISE or other discretionary grants are a good fit for your community.
• Preparing for a successful RAISE grant and other grant funding.
• Delivering a discretionary grant project successfully.
Jay Drye
Director
WSDOT- Local Programs
Speaker Bio:
Jay is the Director of Local Programs for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). In his role he is responsible for the federal-aid oversight program for local agencies in Washington, technical and educational support programs, along with multiple grant and funding programs. Jay has been with the WSDOT for over 32 years and in his current role at Local Programs for over three years.
Ashley Probart
Executive Director
Transportation Improvement Board
Speaker Bio:
Ashley has thirty years of experience working with state and local governments on the funding and delivery of transportation projects. Ashley began his career at WSDOT in the 1990s, was legislative staff for the house and senate transportation committees and spent a decade representing the Association of Washington Cities on transportation issues, construction law and infrastructure funding. Ashley has been the TIB Executive Director for the past seven years and served four years as the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board Director.
Jake Lewing
City Engineer
City of Wenatchee
Speaker Bio:
Jake has been with the City of Wenatchee for 6 years, spending the previous 12 years as a consultant working primarily on transportation projects. He is currently serving as Project Manager for Component 3 (Confluence Parkway South) of Completing the Apple Capital Loop Project, which received a $92M INFRA Grant in 2021. Confluence Parkway South is being delivered utilizing Progressive Design-Build delivery.
Marketing
Wednesday, April 23, 1:30PM – 2:30PM
No Time Wasted: Effective Pre-RFP Meetings
Session Overview:
Discover how to maximize productivity and extract critical insights during pre-RFP client-consultant meetings. This session will empower attendees with strategies to ensure every meeting is efficient and valuable, making the pre-RFP phase a key driver of project success.
Session Objectives:
• Identify techniques to optimize pre-RFP client-consultant meetings for maximal value.
• Evaluate methods for extracting actionable insights during pre-RFP discussions.
• Develop strategies to ensure productive and time-efficient client consultations.
Joey Aitken
Supervising Project Manager, Capital Projects
Seattle Department of Transportation
Speaker Bio:
Joey is a Supervising Project Manager with the Seattle Department of Transportation’s Capital Project’s Project Management Services group, where he manages a team of project managers working on capital projects, guiding them on best practices with a commitment to building project and team success. He also manages the full life cycle of assigned portfolio, including scope, schedule, and budget for multiple concurrent and complex SDOT projects. Joey also brings a background in consulting, providing him with valuable insights on the procurement process from both sides of the table.
Ken Gill
City Engineer
City of Bonney Lake
Speaker Bio:
Ken is the City Engineer for the City of Bonney Lake, where he often reviews statements of qualifications and proposals, conducts consultant interviews, and meets with consultants about upcoming projects. His extensive experience provides valuable insights into the pre-RFP discussion process from a client’s perspective. Ken’s expertise will provide valuable insights into how consultants can effectively learn and understand client needs and expectations early in the process.
Wednesday, April 23, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Turning the Table: Questions for Interview Panelists
Session Overview:
It’s time to turn the table and ask agency selection panelists what they want to hear in project interviews. Join us for a panel discussion with a cross section of county and city staff ready to offer their perspectives on what makes for a winning interview presentation. Bring your questions!
Session Objectives:
• Identify best practices to plan, prepare, and execute successful shortlist interviews.
• Discuss what resonates with agency selection panelists at shortlist interviews.
• Define the expectations that agency staff have for consultants presenting at shortlist interviews.
Melissa Richey
Principal Marketing Strategist
Middle of Six
Speaker Bio:
Melissa Richey joined Middle of Six, an A/E/C marketing consultancy, in 2020 after spending 17 years in marketing and business development at a multi-disciplinary engineering firm. She has advised over 45 A/E/C firms on scores of proposals and interviews, and she looks forward to discussing winning strategies with the APWA community. Melissa shares her expertise on The Shortlist, an award-winning podcast about all things AEC marketing, and she was recognized as Best Business Coach in 2024 by South Sound Magazine.
Kristina B. Nelson, PE
Senior Program Manager – Engineering
Kitsap County Dept of Public Works
Speaker Bio:
Tina has 30+ years in the public works project arena, delivering projects as an owner, as well as a consultant. She has procured for numerous consulting contracts over the years via the RFP/RFQ process, including interviews for engineering and construction management services. Being fair and clear from both sides, is essential, as a delivery team is created.
Letticia M. Neal, PE
Transportation Improvement Section Manager
Pierce County
Speaker Bio:
Letticia Neal is the County Engineer for Pierce County and oversees a team of over 160 dedicated individuals who are responsible for planning, designing, constructing, and setting the standards for the County’s roads, ferries, bridges, and traffic control devices. Letticia brings more than 25 years of experience in transportation engineering, project management, and government administration to the department. Prior to Pierce County, Letticia spent 8 years as the Public Works Director/City Engineer for the City of Milton which included serving as the general manager for the City’s water and electric utilities.
Building Seattle
Wednesday, April 23, 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Rebuilding the Seattle Waterfront
Session Overview:
Journey through years of reconstructing Seattle’s Waterfront Program. Evaluate contracting strategies needed to manage multiple public and private construction projects occurring simultaneously. Relive the major delays and the trials and tribulations that can befall a 4-year long construction program and how to adapt and resolve issues. Review lessons learned and helpful tips in preparing contracts with multiple adjacent projects.
Session Objectives:
• Evaluate risks during design.
• Identify adjacent public and private construction project and necessary Contract language.
• Review lesson learned.
Brian Kittleson
Construction Manager
HNTB
Speaker Bio:
Brian Kittleson is a Construction Engineer for the City of Seattle’s Waterfront Program. Brian is an Honors graduate of Oregon State University in Construction Engineer Management and spent his first 20 years working for, Kiewit, Granite, and Gary Merlino Construction where he was the Project Manager for the Third Runway at SeaTac Airport. For the past 15 years Brian has been the Resident Engineer on the Mercer Corridor, Sound Transit East Link, and for the past 3 years rebuilding the Seattle Waterfront.
Jessica Murphy
Program Construction Manager
Office of the Waterfront
Speaker Bio:
Jessica Murphy is the Construction Program Manager for the City of Seattle’s Office overseeing construction of the $800M Waterfront Seattle Program. Jessica is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Washington, with degrees from the University of Michigan and Williams College. Having started at the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) in 2005, Jessica has previous experience as a Project Manager for the Capital Projects and Roadway Structures Division of SDOT and previously managed SDOT’s paving program, the First Hill Street Car Project, and the Elliott Bay Seawall Project.
Wednesday, April 23, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel – Digital Twin
Session Overview:
Supporting Sound Transit’s ownership transfer of the 1.3-mile Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, DEA developed a unique program integrating traditional right of way survey, Revit 3D BIM modeling, 3D laser scanning, and 360° photo mapping allowing 3D easement checking against as-builts, and BIM usage by asset managers, designers, and maintenance personnel.
Session Objectives:
• Using laser scanning and control to develop high accuracy deliverables and 3D modeling large complex facilities that include the use of autorecognition tools to increase modeling efficiency.
• How to develop and use 360-photo maps for large multilevel facilities.
• How the owner of the facility can leverage BIM to maximize their investment in this operational dataset.
Brandon Harr
Geomatics Specialist
David Evans and Associates, Inc.
Speaker Bio:
Brandon has 18 years of experience performing laser scanning and 3D modeling surveys. With a 3D arts background, he assembles highly accurate and realistic 3D models and remains steadfast in his passion for 3D modeling as he continues to refine his BIM expertise and stay current with the latest technological advancements. Brandon has completed numerous successful static/terrestrial LiDAR scanning projects working on both the field and office side of data acquisition and processing.
Justin Lopez
Manager, Design Technology
Sound Transit
Speaker Bio:
Justin is a technology advocate that thrives on creating collaborative team environments and exploring how BIM can truly be leveraged as a life cycle technology for large organizations. Over the last 20 years, Justin has implemented 3D and BIM workflows on private and public mega projects as a BIM designer/modeler, manager, and strategic consultant. As Design Technology Manager in Sound Transit’s Portfolio Services Office, Justin plays a key role in the establishment of BIM requirements and standards for the Agency’s $53.8 Billion-dollar light rail expansion projects.
Sustainability
Wednesday, April 23, 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Examples of Resiliency in Public Works
Session Overview:
Resiliency and sustainability are two sides of the same coin. If sustainability addresses benefits and impacts of infrastructure on people and the environment, resiliency considers potential impacts to infrastructure from the surrounding community and environment. Examples include design for maintenance variability, utility outages, natural disaster, and sea level rise.
Session Objectives:
• Define resiliency in public works project design and construction.
• Discuss how resiliency and sustainability are related and how resiliency can be achieved without sacrificing sustainability.
• Review examples of resiliency in public works project design and construction.
Jesse Williams, PE
Water Resources Engineer
Jacobs Engineering Group
Speaker Bio:
Jesse is a water resources engineer, project manager, and group leader focused on building and leading teams for public infrastructure projects and programs.
Eric Schey, PE
Senior Sustainability Engineer
King County Wastewater Treatment Division
Speaker Bio:
Eric is the newest member of King County’s Resource Recovery Sustainability Program. Previously a senior engineer with King County Wastewater Treatment Division, Eric has led the design of many large infrastructure projects including conveyance and lift station improvements and multiple components of the West Point Treatment Station capital upgrades.
Wednesday, April 23, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Human Infrastructure Timelines and Sustainability Lessons
Session Overview:
Humans have frequently collided with nature. Our future depends on leveraging infrastructure investment to persevere alongside the natural environment. Sustainable infrastructure requires not only improved environmental performance but also improved urban space for humans. In the Puget Sound this includes rethinking salmon recovery efforts for truly sustainable municipal infrastructure.
Session Objectives:
• Review the history of human infrastructure and examples of climate change confronting an unsustainable urban landscape.
• Discuss local examples of unsustainable infrastructure and identify lessons learned from unsuccessful efforts to improve environmental performance.
• Develop opportunities for increased sustainability through improved collaboration in municipal infrastructure.
Jesse Williams, PE
Water Resources Engineer
Jacobs Engineering Group
Speaker Bio:
Jesse is a water resources engineer, project manager, and group leader focused on building and leading teams for public infrastructure projects and programs.
Wednesday, April 23, 4:45PM – 5:45PM
Making Connections That Matter: Networking Strategies
Session Overview:
Networking is more than exchanging business cards; it’s about creating meaningful connections. This interactive session focuses on practical approaches to building and sustaining a professional network that supports your career goals.
Session Objectives:
• Apply effective techniques to initiate and maintain professional relationships.
• Identify opportunities to network in both formal and informal settings.
• Strengthen professional influence through strategic connections.
Paula Welly
Business Development Manager
PACE Engineers
Nolan Sijer
Civil Engineer
Jacobs
Speaker Bio:
Nolan is a licensed civil engineer with experience supporting various agencies around the Puget Sound and across Washington state. His project experience spans from local street improvements, large multi-modal corridor upgrades, and major programs targeted at improving transit through our communities. Outside of Jacobs, he actively attends and is the Co-chair of APWA Emerging Professionals Committee.
Leadership
Wednesday, April 23, 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Career Growth: Balancing Work and Personal Priorities
Session Overview:
Discover strategies for advancing your career while balancing personal priorities across different stages of life. This inclusive session offers practical insights into managing work-life balance, from getting a new puppy to caring for aging parents. Attendees will gain valuable tips to effectively prioritize both professional growth and personal responsibilities.
Session Objectives:
• Identify inclusive strategies for managing career advancement and personal priorities effectively.
• Evaluate practical approaches for balancing work responsibilities with life events, such as caring for family members or managing new personal commitments.
• Develop actionable plans to support team members of all ages and genders in achieving work-life harmony.
Molly Toy
Roadway Professional
Kimley-Horn
Speaker Bio:
Molly is a project manager with 16 years of experience managing projects focused on roadway design, utility design and coordination, and construction engineering. She has partnered with municipal clients and state agencies to coordinate complex projects involving multidisciplinary teams, navigating intricate regulatory requirements and diverse stakeholder opinions. Known for her ability to maintain career growth while balancing family responsibilities, Molly exemplifies dedication and excellence in both her professional and personal life.
Will McGoey, PE, PMP
Transit Project Manager
Kimley-Horn
Speaker Bio:
With over a decade of experience, Will has managed complex infrastructure projects, including multimillion-dollar transportation hubs and large-scale transit systems. Balancing his career and raising a child with his spouse, he offers unique insights into effective work-life balance. His expertise brings valuable perspectives on managing professional and family commitments.
Wednesday, April 23, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
How to Retain and Grow Your Workforce
Session Overview:
Having engaged employees is critical to effective and efficient delivery of public works services to your community. This session will explore the extent of employee disengagement in Washington and what you can do to correct this in your department, leading to ideas on how to retain and grow your workforce.
Session Objectives:
• Evaluate employee engagement data from hundreds of employees surveyed in Washington and Oregon.
• Identify factors leading to employee turnover and disengagement and discuss strategies to increase employee engagement.
• Develop ideas on the latest methods in how to retain and grow your employees.
Toby Rickman, PE, PTOE, PWLF
Administrator
Northwest Public Works Institute
Speaker Bio:
Toby completed a 39-year career as a leader at WSDOT and as the Deputy Director of Pierce County Public Works. He served on the APWA Washington Chapter Board of Directors, as an officer, and as the 2014 President as well as a national committee chair. Toby was honored by being selected as a APWA Top Ten Public Works Leader in 2022.
Donald J. Huling, PE
Principal Geotechnical Engineer
HWA Geosciences Inc.
Lauren Behm, MPA
Senior Marketing Manager for Landau Associates, WA Chapter Alternate Delegate to APWA National
Landau Associates
Speaker Bio:
Lauren has nearly 20 years of experience in the public works industry with both the public and private sectors. Lauren has been active in APWA since 2006 and most recently served as the 2024 Past President on the Washington Chapter Board. Lauren’s passion in APWA is to grow the next generation of public works professionals by working with students to educate them about the career opportunities in public works and encourage them to get involved with APWA.
Jay Burney, ICMA-CM
City Manager
City of Olympia
Speaker Bio:
Jay Burney is the City Manager for the City of Olympia, a position he has held since May of 2020. In this role he oversees 600+ employees across seven Departments, including Police and Fire, with a total Operating budget of $180 million. Prior to that he served for 10 years as the Assistant City Manager, where he served as the City’s Risk Manager, Chief Labor Negotiator, and Legislative Liaison, among other duties. He has been with Olympia for 25 years, beginning his career in Public Works as a Project Manager, delivering some of the biggest projects in the City’s History, to include the 4th Avenue Bridge Replacement, and New City Hall. He also served three years as the Deputy Director of Public Works. In 2010 he served as the President of the Washington State Chapter of the American Public Works Association, serving on the APWA Board from 2007-2012. In 2021 he was appointed by Governor Inslee to serve on the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Plan 2 Retirement Board. He also currently serves on the Legislative Priorities Committee for the Association of Washington Cities. Mr. Burney holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Distribution from Central Washington University, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Norwich University. He holds a Credentialed Manager Certification (ICMA-CM) from the International City/County Managers Association.
Nicole Brockwell, PE
Project Engineer
City of Wenatchee
Speaker Bio:
Nicole is a Project Engineer with the City of Wenatchee, where she oversees a wide range of Capital Improvement Projects, from ADA and sidewalk upgrades to complex corridor enhancements and pedestrian bridge construction. With experience across both public and private sectors, Nicole has lead cross-functional teams on a variety of transportation and infrastructure initiatives, while securing grant funding and cultivating strong stakeholder partnerships. As an active member of the APWA WA Chapter Division 1 Spec Committee and a current participant in the APWA Emerging Leaders Academy, Nicole is passionate about workforce development and contributing to the advancement of local agency standards.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Transportation
Thursday, April 24, 9:00AM – 10:00AM
Driving Down Vehicle Miles Traveled in Washington
Session Overview:
New legislation requires the state’s largest and fastest growing communities to establish goals to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). We will review the new requirements, along with guidance, resources, and tools that are available to help local governments. We’ll discuss setting a VMT target, policy considerations, and strategies to reduce VMT.
Session Objectives:
• Review new state requirements.
• Discuss VMT target setting.
• Identify resources for agencies.
Marissa Milam
Senior Transportation Planner
Fehr & Peers
Speaker Bio:
Marissa is a Senior Transportation Planner who is passionate about technical analysis and using data to solve complex issues and deliver meaningful project recommendations. Marissa specializes in climate planning, travel demand forecasting, traffic operations, data analysis, and transit planning. She is involved in multiple Fehr & Peers’ internal research groups, including Data Science, Forecasting, Climate, and Transportation Economics.
Thursday, April 24, 10:45AM – 11:45AM
Connected & Comfortable: The 2024 AASHTO Bike Guide
Session Overview:
The 2024 AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities signals a pivotal shift in bikeway design, emphasizing connected, comfortable, and safe facilities for all ages and abilities. Backed by modern research and Safe System principles, it offers flexible, context-sensitive solutions for creating effective bicycle networks that integrate with existing infrastructure.
Session Objectives:
• Identify key updates in the 2024 AASHTO Bike Guide, including Safe System principles and the design range concept.
• Evaluate the importance of connected and comfortable bicycle networks in promoting safety and encouraging bicycling activity.
• Apply flexible design approaches to address varying contexts and integrate bikeway facilities with existing roadways.
Dustin DeKoekkoek
Seattle Office Director
Toole Design
Speaker Bio:
Dustin DeKoekkoek is the Seattle Office Director for Toole Design, where he leads a team of planners, engineers, urban designers, and landscape architects focused on creating safe, inclusive, and sustainable transportation solutions. With a background in civil engineering, he brings a practical, implementation-focused approach to active transportation projects. Toole Design is the lead author of the 2024 AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities.
Dylan Passmore, MScPl, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer
Toole Design
Speaker Bio:
Dylan has extensive experience leading transportation projects across North and South America. He focuses on the engagement, analysis, design, and implementation of complex multimodal corridor projects, particularly related to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. His hands-on work as Engineer of Record for several programs and signature corridor projects at the City of Vancouver, BC gives him an eye for detail and deep expertise in navigating complex tradeoffs.
Tyler Wong, PE
Senior Multimodal Engineer
Seattle Department of Transportation
Speaker Bio:
Tyler Wong is a Senior Multimodal Engineer with the Seattle Department of Transportation’s Capital Projects Division. His work includes pedestrian and bicycle, last mile to transit, and roadway redesign projects. He uses his experience as a bicycle and transit commuter to inform the projects he designs.
Thursday, April 24, 1:45PM – 2:45PM
Traffic Engineering and the Law
Session Overview:
Introduction to civil litigation and negligence cases brought against public entities related to traffic engineering – design, maintenance, and operations. Presentation can include an introduction to causes of action for negligence in our civil litigation system, how engineering issues are addressed in civil litigation, and case discussions.
Session Objectives:
• Develop a better understanding of the legal process in which traffic engineering decisions may be the subject of litigation.
• Identify ways in which traffic engineering decision making can be defensible in civil litigation.
• Review ways in which civil engineering decisions have been litigated in the past and lessons learned from the same.
Amanda B. Kuehn
Attorney
Law, Lyman, Daniel, Kamerrer & Bogdanovich, P.S.
Speaker Bio:
I am an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Washington since 2010. In the last ten years, I have focused my practice mainly on road design and maintenance cases involving traffic engineering. I have handled multiple different types of cases involving traffic engineering issues, multiple modalities, in and for multiple jurisdictions with various injuries.
Thursday, April 24, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
To Charge or Not: Agency Owned EV Charging
Session Overview:
How can cities, counties, and regional agencies plan for and install public EV chargers while ensuring equity? How can cities help advance the electrification of the transportation system? A panel will answer these and other transportation electrification questions.
Session Objectives:
• Discuss agency owned EV chargers.
• Identify equity considerations.
• Review lessons learned from panelists.
Aaron Gooze
Principal
Fehr & Peers
Speaker Bio:
Aaron is a Principal with 15 years of experience in the transportation industry. He serves as Fehr & Peers’ zero-emissions transportation expert in the Pacific Northwest and has led studies focused on electric fleet conversions, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) modeling, ridership forecasting, and electric supply equipment prioritization. He has supported local and regional agencies such as Seattle Department of Transportation, Sound Transit, Port of Seattle, and King County Metro to support their efforts in operating a more efficient and more environmental transportation system.
Water / Regulatory
Thursday, April 24, 9:00AM – 10:00AM
6PPD-Quinone: Response to an Emerging Contaminant
Session Overview:
Untreated stormwater presents a potential adverse effect to listed endangered species due to the toxic effects of 6PPD-Quinone, which is significantly impacting projects through the Endangered Species Act (ESA) permitting process. Learn how local jurisdictions can address the issue as the science on this new pollutant is evolving.
Session Objectives:
• Discuss what 6PPD-Q is and why it is a problem.
• Identify how environmental regulations are shifting in the Pacific Northwest to address 6PPD-Q, how local jurisdictions are working through these complexities, and how to utilize the new Programmatic Biological Opinion (due to be completed in Spring 2025) to streamline ESA permitting.
• Define what stormwater managers can do to address the issue as the science on this new pollutant is evolving.
Jana Crawford
Stormwater Retrofits Project Manager
Jacobs
Speaker Bio:
Melanie Vance has over 20 years of experience at both the local and state level with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance on transportation projects. She started her career at Spokane County Engineering and Roads, then worked in the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Eastern Region office. She currently manages the Environmental Program for WSDOT Local Programs, and assists local agencies with NEPA on their federally-funded transportation projects.
Melanie Vance
Environmental Manager
WSDOT Local Programs
Thursday, April 24, 10:45AM – 11:45AM
Beyond Capital Plans: Shaping Water Infrastructure
Session Overview:
Our utilities are far behind the pace of innovation: aging infrastructure, variable water availability, rising environmental and financial costs, and increased rate-payer activism. I will describe how utilities can establish their vision, mission, and goals to, as outward facing agents, shape the future of our water resources.
Session Objectives:
• Identify key challenges utilities face in adapting to modern demands, including aging infrastructure and the pace of innovation.
• Discuss strategies for establishing utility visions, missions, and goals that prioritize leadership and innovation over compliance-focused capital planning.
• Evaluate approaches for transforming utilities into proactive agents shaping the future of water resources and infrastructure.
Peter Mulvaney, Director
Utility Management Consulting
Consor
Speaker Bio:
Pete has more than 25 years’ experience providing and leading creative solutions to infrastructure challenges across the globe. He has a broad view of infrastructure gained from experiences that range from policy development to budgetary experience to on the ground experiences in the design/construction of water and sewer programs. He recently concluded several years leading a Chicago-based water main program that planned, designed, and constructed almost 100 miles of water main per year.
Thursday, April 24, 1:45PM – 2:45PM
Ubiquitous PFAS: Pierce County & Washington Experiences
Session Overview:
While some utilities may not yet know they have a problem, PFAS in drinking water is a rapidly growing challenge. This presentation discusses utility case-studies in Pierce County and Washington State highlighting the difficult issues from source detection to response alternatives to treatment efficacy and unexpected surprises associated with PFAS.
Session Objectives:
• Prepare public works engineers, planners and managers for the challenge of PFAS in drinking water.
• Demonstrate effective response strategies and difficult trade-offs through real world examples.
• Identify opportunities and resources for utilities facing the challenge of PFAS monitoring and compliance.
Chris McMeen
Senior Project Manager
Confluence Engineering
Speaker Bio:
Chris has over 36 years of experience as a water quality & treatment engineer, regulator, and utility manager and executive. After retiring from Tacoma Water in 2020, he has been supporting Utilities as they contend with a range of water quality challenges, including monitoring for, understanding technical and regulatory implications, and responding to PFAS. Chris is a licensed engineer and certified distribution and treatment operator.
Alex Mofidi
Senior Project Manager
Confluence Engineering
Speaker Bio:
Alex has 32 years of experience in water planning and process engineering for treatment and distribution systems. He has been the technical/engineering lead and project manager for projects in the US, Canada, China, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, including PFAS related work in Australia and Washington State. Alex is a licensed engineer and certified treatment operator.
Thursday, April 24, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Leveling up your Multimodal LOS Game
Session Overview:
Vehicle level of service (LOS) standards are well understood by agencies, but new state laws require LOS standards for all modes of travel as part of comprehensive plan updates. We will share best practices from communities across Washington and discuss development of multimodal level of service (MMLOS) policies that work for your community.
Session Objectives:
• Define multimodal levels of service.
• Discuss the connection between MMLOS and concurrency.
• Review policy examples.
Steven Goodsell
Transportation Engineer/Planner, EIT
Fehr & Peers
Speaker Bio:
Steven is a transportation planner and engineer with experience working on a variety of transportation projects in the Puget Sound region. He has worked on a handful of Comprehensive Plans and Complete Streets designs that included MMLOS analysis. Steven enjoys using technical analysis to support planning efforts that improve safety and quality of life for all users.
Daniel Dye
Associate Transportation Engineer, PE
Fehr & Peers
Speaker Bio:
Daniel is an associate transportation engineer with experience in a variety of transportation projects throughout Washington. His recent experience includes working with communities to update their transportation elements, planning for transportation investments with WSDOT, updating or implementing transportation impact fee programs, assisting jurisdictions with peer review of development traffic studies, and managing on-call services for agency clients.
Division 1 and Technology
Thursday, April 24, 9:00AM – 10:00AM
Generative AI: Harmful Bot or Helpful Tool
Session Overview:
APWA Emerging Leaders Academy graduates Elena, Jason, and Ryan will discuss integrating Generative AI into Public Works; exploring current applications, lessons learned and provide a framework for Public Works leaders looking to guide their organizations into the future.
Session Objectives:
• Explain what Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is.
• Determine whether to implement Generative AI in their agency.
• Implement Generative AI successfully in their organization.
Ryan Harmon
Engineering Services Manager
City of Wenatchee
Speaker Bio:
Ryan has been working on development of capital projects for the City of Wenatchee for the past 7 years, first as a Project Engineer and currently as Engineering Services Manager. Along with Elena and Jason, Ryan is a graduate of the APWA Emerging Leaders Class XVII in which they participated in a year-long leadership academy sponsored by the American Public Works Association.
Jason Dahlstrom
Operations & Maintenance Manager
Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District
Speaker Bio:
Jason has spent 17 years working in Operations & Maintenance at LWWSD, doing both fieldwork and the administration. Jason began his career as a Utility Worker, transitioned to be a Maintenance Worker Lead and has served as Operation & Maintenance Manager for the last two years.
Elena Fernandez
Environmental Coordinator
Thurston County Public Works
Speaker Bio:
Elena is a Sr. Environmental Coordinator at Thurston County Public Works and a member of the APWA Emerging Leaders’ Academy XVII. With over 10 years of experience as an environmental professional, Elena combines scientific research and environmental impact analysis to deliver projects while balancing environmental commitments. She is passionate about advancing best practices to drive impactful change and meet project objectives while encouraging environmental stewardship.
Thursday, April 24, 10:45AM – 11:45AM
Hard Hats & Smart Apps – Tech Tools Shaping Construction
Session Overview:
Panel discussion on new technology for Construction Management including on-line CM Software as a Service (SaaS); ProCorps, Headlight, VPO, AutoDesk Build, Virtual PM. Discuss real-time construction monitoring.
Session Objectives:
• Understand shrinking workforce, smaller budgets, pressure for shortened schedules, increased media attention on public works projects, and other CM delivery gaps.
• Learn what new technologies can help CM fill gaps.
• Understand pros & cons of AI in CM. Understand how online, real time monitoring; robotics; AI; and SaaS CM Apps can help CM.
Brianna Navarro
Construction Manager at KPFF
APWA WA Chapter CM Committee Chair
Speaker Bio:
Brianna is great, she enjoys her work and inspires others to as well!
Doug Smith, PE
Mechanical Engineer
MENG Analysis and APWA WA Chapter Technology Committee
Speaker Bio:
Doug is licensed professional engineer and proponent of technology to improve quality of life, protect the environment and conserve tax dollars. Doug has been an active member of the WA State APWA Chapter Technology Committee for five years, and is currently serving as Technology Committee Co-chair.
Paul Wilhem
City of Everett, CAD & UAS Program Manager; Public Works Engineering Department
APWA WA Chapter Technology Committee, Co-chair
Thursday, April 24, 1:45PM – 2:45PM
Public Works Sales Tax Secrets Revealed
Session Overview:
Washington state sales tax rules for public works projects are important to understand when preparing your public works projects. This session will cover key points for developing your project estimates, including the general rule of including sales tax in bid prices, exemptions for certain road and transportation projects, and the differing responsibilities of contractors versus agencies. It will address special rules for specific project types, common pitfalls to avoid, and various examples. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A session to address attendees’ specific concerns.
Session Objectives:
• Define the difference between Tax Rule 170 and Tax Rule 171.
• Identify limits of Tax Rules 170 and 171 with project examples.
• Prepare construction estimates consistent with Tax Rules 170 and 171.
Dan Ireland, PE
Principal
SCJ Alliance
Thursday, April 24, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Tale of Two Contractors
Session Overview:
A case study on what to do and what not to do when providing notice to an owner where the contractor protests a change to work. This session can provide insight to some potential pitfalls to help the owner and contractor navigate the process.
Session Objectives:
• Identify types of Notices.
• Define what constitutes a proper Notice.
• Discuss timely and untimely Responses.
Steve Nichols
Construction Manager
Kitsap County Public Works
Speaker Bio:
Steve manages the construction group at Kitsap County Public Works. He has over 45 years of experience in large heavy civil construction having work at both private and public agencies.
Paki D. Perala, PE
Senior Project Manager – Construction
HNTB
Speaker Bio:
As a Senior Project Manager for HNTB, Paki has 35 plus years working with and for WSDOT, large and small municipalities Statewide, government agencies, contractors and consultant engineers. His experience includes small to large multi phased projects encompassing scoping, design development, program, project and construction management of all levels. Projects have involved multiple delivery methods.
Chris Pirnke
Attorney
Inslee Best
Speaker Bio:
Chris, a shareholder, joined Inslee Best in 2012. His practice involves working with the firm’s multiple practice groups, with a focus on construction, municipal, and real estate areas.
Emerging Professionals
Thursday, April 24, 9:00AM – 10:00AM
Breaking Silos for Stronger Public Works Solutions
Session Overview:
Collaboration is key to success in public works. This interactive presentation explores how engineers, public works teams, and community stakeholders can work together to achieve shared goals.
Session Objectives:
• Identify strategies to foster collaboration between diverse teams and sectors.
• Build inclusive decision-making processes that align stakeholder priorities.
• Develop communication frameworks that support successful cross-sector partnerships.
Christina Villeneuve (moderator)
Director of Business Development & Marketing, Geologist
GRI
Speaker Bio:
Christina Villeneuve, RG, is the Business Development Director for GRI, has over 10 years of experience, and on the firm’s leadership team. Through her career, she has participated in public works projects and collaborated on multi-discipline teams for transportation and water infrastructure improvement projects.
Jeff Brauns
Public Works Director
City of Newcastle
Speaker Bio:
Jeff is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer with over thirty-years of public works experience in the public and private sectors. Currently the Public Works Director for the City of Newcastle, he leads a small department of 12 dedicated professionals. Jeff is a WSU grad and is this year’s Chapter President.
John McKenzie
Project Manager
Jacobs
Speaker Bio:
John is a Senior Project Manager and Client Account Manager with over thirty-years of experience working with municipalities in the Puget Sound. He has a wealth of experience working with small cities to large transit agencies and is recognized as a national Bus Rapid Transit design leader. His expertise supports agencies to plan capital investments, develop funding strategies, and deliver complex design and construction projects.
Adib Altallal
Utilities Engineer
City of Tukwila
Speaker Bio:
Adib oversees Tukwila’s water and sewer capital improvement projects and have been with the City for more than 5 years. He specializes in public infrastructure management, contractor coordination, and asset resilience strategies. His role includes managing project teams and consultants, addressing unexpected challenges, and advancing sustainable solutions for urban utility systems.
Kevin Kibet
Transit Capital Project Manager
King County Metro
Speaker Bio:
With diverse direct experience in IT, Energy and Transportation, Kevin believes with the right team, we can solve whatever challenge we are represented.
Tricia Juhnke
Public Works Director
City of Shoreline
Speaker Bio:
Tricia has over 30 years of experience in public works with a deep commitment to public service including 18 years with the City of Shoreline. She has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, a Masters in Public Administration and is a Professional Engineer in Washington.
Thursday, April 24, 10:45AM – 11:45AM
Business Development, Prepositioning, and Active Listening
Session Overview:
This session explores active listening, emotional intelligence, and strategic prepositioning as essential tools for business development. Panelists will share practical tips for fostering trust, building stakeholder relationships, and positioning teams for future opportunities.
Session Objectives:
• Use active listening to identify client needs and align with business development goals.
• Apply emotional intelligence to strengthen stakeholder trust and engagement.
• Develop strategies to position teams effectively for upcoming projects and opportunities.
Chad Booth (moderator)
Water Resources Project Engineer
David Evans and Associates, Inc.
Speaker Bio:
Chad Booth is a water resources project engineer that has enjoyed surveying, designing, and inspecting public works projects for 10 years. He currently focuses on hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of bridge replacement and fish passage barrier removal projects in the Pacific Northwest as well as mentoring the water resources group at DEA.
Darrell Smith
Civil Engineering Director
PACE Engineers, Inc.
Speaker Bio:
With 28 years of experience in the civil engineering industry, Darrell manages regionally significant civil engineering site development and transportation projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. He has designed award-winning park-and-rides, innovative Bus Rapid Transit stations, highway interchanges, roundabouts, and parks. He is active in the industry where he is a Past President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (Kitsap Branch) and is an active APWA member.
Ryan Harmon
Engineering Services Manager
City of Wenatchee
Speaker Bio:
Ryan is a civil engineer with 10 years of design and construction management experience as part of both the private and public sector. In his current role as Engineering Services Manager at the City of Wenatchee, he oversees capital project development for over $150 Million in budgeted projects. Ryan is a graduate of the APWA Emerging Leaders Academy Class XVII in which he participated in a year-long leadership academy sponsored by the American Public Works Association.
Alexis Simon
Business Development Specialist
Crawford & Associates, Inc.
Speaker Bio:
Alexis Simon is the current Business Development Specialist at Crawford & Associates, Inc. With a background in construction management and project management, she excels at understanding client needs and positioning teams for success. In her current role at Crawford & Associates, Alexis works closely with clients and stakeholders to listen, learn, and develop strategies that deliver real value. She’s passionate about collaboration and making sure the right solutions are in place to meet everyone’s goals.
Derica Escamilla
Business Development Manager
Kleinfelder
Speaker Bio:
Derica is a passionate advocate of her local community and currently the Business Development Manager for Kleinfelder’s Seattle location. She transitioned over into Client Development from 15 years in the AEC industry delivering high quality technical deliverables and top of the line customer service to her vast network of public and private clients in the field of Industrial Hygiene and Hazardous/Regulated Building Materials Services.
Thursday, April 24, 1:45PM – 2:45PM
Claiming Your Path
Session Overview:
Emerging professionals often wonder how to take the next step in their careers. This session offers actionable guidance on identifying opportunities, positioning yourself for growth, and navigating succession planning from the ground up.
Session Objectives:
• Assess personal career goals and align them with organizational opportunities.
• Build a personal development plan to position yourself for leadership roles.
• Leverage mentorship and professional development resources to accelerate career progression.
Christian Nicols (moderator)
Sr Project Engineer
PACE Engineers
Speaker Bio:
With over 11 years of experience, Christian has designed water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure; roadways; grading; technical writing; cost estimation, and project permitting. His most significant professional achievement has been developing a well-rounded knowledge and set of skills to work on numerous types of projects. Christian started PACE’s Emerging Leaders Group to create a community among PACE staff with less than 10-15 years of experience with the goal of this community is to encourage and assist one another in growing their careers.
Scott Larsen
Structural Engineering Manager
PACE Engineers
Speaker Bio:
Scott has over 35 years of experience as a Registered Professional Engineer in 14 states and is the Structural Engineering Manager at PACE Engineers. He has expertise in mega-program delivery, structural engineering, and team leadership from managing complex capital projects exceeding $1 billion across five continents. Scott is also actively involved in his community through coaching youth sports and participating in local events.
Stephanie Sullivan
Sr. Stormwater Program Manager
City of Sammamish
Speaker Bio:
Stephanie Sullivan, P.E. is the Senior Stormwater Program Manager at the City of Sammamish, WA. She leads a diverse team of administrators, engineers, and inspectors to accomplish capital improvement projects, stormwater planning and code development, NPDES permit compliance, and inspection and maintenance programs. She is active in APWA as a former member of the APWA Emerging Leaders Academy Class XIV, past conference presenter sharing lessons learned on culvert replacement for fish passage and is an active participant of the APWA WA Membership Committee.
Ashley Doty
Project Manager
3J Consulting
Speaker Bio:
Ashley is a project manager with over 11 years of experience providing civil engineering services for a variety of clients. Her portfolio includes transportation, civic, K-12, parks and recreation, commercial, residential, and solar projects. Since joining 3J Consulting as a civil designer in 2015, Ashley has progressively grown her career. She became a part of 3J’s leadership team in 2018 and was promoted to project manager in 2021. She is instrumental in maintaining client relationships and delivering quality projects, as well as mentoring younger staff and helping them develop their careers.
Data T’sas
Vice President, Strategic Growth Director
WSP
Speaker Bio:
Dara t’Sas is an experienced marketing leader in the AEC industry, known for her creative and strategic foresight as a Director of Strategic Growth at WSP. In this role, she partners with business leaders to strengthen client relationships and drive measurable, sustainable growth. Guiding a dynamic 20-person marketing team, Dara fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity to drive impactful results. She is a champion of professional development and dedicated to empowering emerging talent within the AEC community to help shape future leaders and unlock their potential.
Thursday, April 24, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Public Works 101: The Face of Public Works, How Engagement Shapes Communities
Session Overview:
Public works employees are often the most visible representatives of local government, playing a vital role in engaging with the community. This panel focuses on how they effectively communicate with the public, highlighting the differences in engagement strategies between construction and maintenance activities. Learn how public works employees bridge the gap between technical work and community needs to build trust and understanding.
Session Objectives:
• Identify the unique roles public works employees play in representing their organizations to the public.
• Explore engagement strategies tailored to the differing demands of construction and maintenance projects.
• Enhance skills to address public concerns with empathy and professionalism during project interactions.
Ellen Tiedemann (moderator)
Project Manager
Crawford and Associates
Speaker Bio:
Ellen Tiedemann, PE is a part owner and project manager at Crawford and Associates. She provides geotechnical consulting and project management on bridge, pavement, pipeline, and water/wastewater facility infrastructure projects. Within APWA, Ellen is currently serving on the Washington MPAC and Emerging Professional committees, the PWX Review committee, and previously participated in the Emerging Leader Academy.
Theresa Smith, PE
Engineering Roads Design Manager
Kitsap County
Speaker Bio:
Theresa is the Engineering Roads Capital Improvements Design Manager for Kitsap County Public Works. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington and is a Registered Professional Engineer. Theresa has over 27 years of engineering experience specializing in transportation for both the private sector and public agencies, specifically at Seattle Department of Transportation and currently at Kitsap County Public Works. Theresa’s projects address corridor and intersection safety, non-motorized (bicycle and pedestrian) connections, culvert replacements, and pavement preservation.
Elizabeth Guevara
Public Engagement and Strategic Communications Professional
Jacobs
Speaker Bio:
Elizabeth is a skilled communications professional with 10 years of experience in public engagement, project management and strategic communications. At WSDOT, she led media relations and public outreach for traffic operations and maintenance. Building on her experience managing community engagement for major infrastructure projects at Sound Transit, she now applies her expertise as as a public engagement and strategic communications consultant at Jacobs, delivering tailored and impactful solutions for diverse clients.
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Thursday, April 24, 9:00AM – 10:00AM
History of the Lake Washington Ship Canal
Session Overview:
This presentation will discuss the history of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and the Ballard Locks. It will include why and how they were constructed, how various water levels were dropped to their present levels, and the impacts of those changes. It will look at the history of some of the cities along Lake Washington including Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Attendees will learn the fascinating history of this engineering marvel.
Session Objectives:
• Define environmental and societal impacts of the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
• Review how the Ship Canal was constructed, and Lake Washington was lowered.
• Discuss how engineering transforms communities for better and worse.
Susann Babaei
Project Manager
SCJ Alliance
Speaker Bio:
Susann Babaei is a Project Manager at SCJ Alliance. She has more than a decade of experience as a transportation engineer working on projects ranging in scope and location from pedestrian crossings for municipalities to large interstate redesigns in Washington and Virginia. Now a proud Pacific Northwesterner, Susann has a passion for researching the history of her region.
Sherry Edquid
Project Manager
City of Tukwila – Public Works
Speaker Bio:
Sherry Edquid has more than a decade of proven project management experience specializing in infrastructure projects ranging from transportation, fish passage, stormwater, and flood facilities. Her core work entails working for local and state government in delivering projects that make meaningful positive contributions to the community and the environment. She currently works for the City of Tukwila where she is focused on improving levees to provide 500-year flood protection along the Green River.
John Carpita
Retired
Speaker Bio:
John Carpita retired in 2017 after serving as Public Works Consultant at MRSC and APWA Chapter Liaison since 1996. Before that he served as City Engineer and Senior Project Manager at the City of Issaquah for 10 years.
Thursday, April 24, 10:45AM – 11:45AM
Understanding Trenchless Installation Methods for Municipal Applications
Session Overview:
This presentation will discuss the various trenchless installation methods for municipal applications, their uses and limitations. This presentation will help local agencies and consultants understand when to consider trenchless installation methods, the associated risks and how length, pipe diameter and subsurface conditions impact what method to use on infrastructure projects.
Session Objectives:
• Identify and summarize typical trenchless installation methods for municipal applications.
• Review of design and construction of each trenchless methodology.
• Discuss the uses and limitations of each trenchless method.
Brian Ranney, CEG
Associate Engineering Geologist/Trenchless Designer
GeoEngineers, Inc.
Speaker Bio:
Brian has over 26 years of experience in the geotechnical and engineering geology industry with 20 of those years focused on trenchless design and construction. Brian has been the lead designer on over 200 trenchless installations for water, sewer, storm sewer, oil and natural gas pipelines. Brian has also observed the construction of over 100,000 feet of HDD installed pipeline giving him a broad perspective of HDD construction techniques, issues that arise during construction and the solutions implemented to solve those issues.
Thursday, April 24, 1:45PM – 2:45PM
Disaster Declarations: Reduce the Communication Chaos & Paperwork Scramble
Session Overview:
Windstorms, flooding, cold snaps… Washington is no stranger to disasters where public works professionals are the first responders on scene, undertaking activities that might be eligible for disaster reimbursement! Learn about Presidential Disaster Declarations, state and local emergency proclamations, and making damage assessments a breeze!
Session Objectives:
• Identify the difference between Presidential declarations and state/local disaster proclamations, the post disaster process and associated sources of disaster assistance.
• Review the process for damage assessments to declarations, timelines and activities or costs that are potentially eligible for reimbursement.
• Discuss and develop local processes to meet standards for documentation of damages that are eligible for a preliminary damage assessment process and how to manage expectation and communicate needs to local leadership.
Alysha Kaplan
President
WSEMA
Speaker Bio:
Alysha Kaplan is the 2024-2025 WSEMA President and the King County Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director since 2019. Kaplan came to KCOEM after 13 years at the State of Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) as the Operations Unit Manager, and prior to EMD served for five years in the U.S. Coast Guard doing search and rescue, drug interdiction, and law enforcement, earning an honorable discharge. Her educational background includes bachelor’s degrees in communication theory and Spanish from Pacific Lutheran University.
Kyle Bustad
President Elect
WSEMA
Speaker Bio:
Kyle Bustad is the 2024-2025 WSEMA President-Elect and the Manager of Thurston County Emergency Management. Bustad previously held the roles of Safety and Emergency Management Superintendent at the State Capitol Campus, managed the Operations Division at Pierce County Emergency Management, and worked as a strategic planner at the State of Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD). He also served in the United States Navy as a Cryptologic Technician and Defense Courier and holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Thursday, April 24, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Cybersecurity Considerations for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems
Session Overview:
At a global level, cyber-attacks have increased in frequency and severity. Here in Washington, we’ve witnessed the impacts across industry, K-12, and our critical infrastructure systems. As the threat of cyber incidents increases, so must the security of our vulnerable networks and operational technology.
Session Objectives:
• Identify common cyber threats and how they gain access to critical infrastructure networks and operational technology.
• Review existing state and federal resources to harden infrastructure systems against cyber threats.
• Prepare for cyber threats through vulnerability assessments, risk mitigation work, emergency response plans, training and exercises.
Tristan Allen
Infrastructure and Industry Section Manager
Washington Emergency Management Division
Speaker Bio:
Tristan works at the intersection of emergency management and critical infrastructure security, managing programs that work to improve the security of the businesses and infrastructure that provide the foundation for our day to day lives. During state emergencies, Tristan works in the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate resources and priorities to restore infrastructure, recover businesses, and improve the state’s ability to navigate natural and human caused disasters.
Kimberly Moore
Engineering and Technical Services Section Manager
Washington Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water
Speaker Bio:
Kim Moore is the Manager of Engineering and Technical Services and Emergency Response Planner for the Office of Drinking Water at the Washington State Department of Health. She leads formulation and development of statewide emergency response plans in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to advocate for the needs of the water sector and promote the resiliency of public water systems. Previously she has worked in drinking water and on-site sewage programs at local health departments.
Erin Laska
IT Security Audit Manager
Washington State Auditor’s Office
Speaker Bio:
Erin Laska is the IT Security Audit Manager at the Office of the Washington State Auditor. Erin has worked the last nine years overseeing performance audits focused on improving IT security at state and local governments.
Erin has 25 years of performance audit experience. Before joining the State Auditor’s Office Erin spent seven years working on performance audits with the New Hampshire State Legislative Audit Division and two years completing performance audits with the federal government of Canada, including an information technology security audit for Environment Canada. She is a graduate of the University of Victoria with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s in Public Administration. She is also a Certified Internal Auditor.
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Thursday, April 24, 9:00AM – 10:00AM
Feeling the Heat: Integrated Planning to Reduce Stream Temperatures
Session Overview:
The Northwest has embraced watershed planning for over twenty years as a useful way to prepare for and implement strategies to improve the health of waterways while effectively managing limited budgets and staff resources. Now, with climate change and urban growth, understanding and predicting the thermal load of in streams is crucial for the health of native species and waterways.
Session Objectives:
• Develop a water resource management vision and mission.
• Identify measurable outcomes for each plan element.
• Discuss risks early on.
John Phillips
Director of Integrated Watershed Management
Parametrix
Speaker Bio:
John is the Parametrix Director of Integrated Watershed Management an approach to natural resources and infrastructure development in watershed planning, management, restoration, and climate change adaptation. Prior to Parametrix John worked for King County managing major capital improvement programs for wastewater and climate adaptation. His climate work has been referenced in both the IPCC and National Climate Assessment reports.
Thursday, April 24, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
What Happens When Your Assumptions Are Wrong?
Session Overview:
Accurate design criteria are key to a successful project. Small communities tend to have more limited budgets, which lead to more assumptions and risks. This presentation will discuss how a community dealt with mistaken assumptions, made corrections, and saved their project.
Session Objectives:
• Identify the difficulties small communities face with constructing infrastructure.
• Discuss methods to confirm design criteria accuracy.
• Review the benefits of correct design criteria to the example community project.
Curtis Butterfield, PE
Project Manager
Keller Associates Inc.
Speaker Bio:
Curtis Butterfield is a professional engineer licensed in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, with over 15 years of field experience as a contractor, including military projects in Iraq and Afghanistan. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from Boise State University, specializing in hydraulics and water/wastewater treatment. Since 2018, Curtis has been with Keller Associates Inc., managing, planning, designing, and constructing water and wastewater systems for municipalities.
Eric Roundy, P.E., BCEE
Senior Process Engineer
Keller Associates, Inc.
Speaker Bio:
Eric has 20 years of experience designing and evaluating wastewater treatment systems. He has a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He is a licensed professional engineer in five states, including Washington.
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