DIRECTORS AND ADVISORS

Board of Directors

The International Board of Directors is based in Washington, DC and elected each November to provide guidance and leadership for the international organization as a whole.

For more information on each Board of Director role description, please click he r e.

YPT 2023-2024

**CHRISTOPHER LAU** // AECOM
**CONTACT** // CHAIR@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**YPT HOUSTON**
Christopher Lau, P.E., M.B.A. is currently a Transit Civil Engineer with AECOM in Houston, Texas. He has experience in local roadways, interchanges, highways, and bus rapid transit design, working on numerous transportation PS&E and Schematic projects for multiple clients around Texas, including TxDOT, the City of Houston, and Houston METRO. Outside of work, Christopher has been involved with YPT since 2016, and has undertaken various leadership positions in YPT Houston, YPT International, and the ASCE Houston Branch. Christopher grew up in Houston, Texas and earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2016. He also earned his MBA in 2022 from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. Since joining YPT, Christopher has been proactive in his goal to promote the connecting and networking of young transportation professionals globally.
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of YPT International
Day-to-day implementation of the policy and guidelines of the Board of Directors
Preside over Board meetings and create/appoint members to Committees

Develop and oversee strategic initiatives and partnerships
CHAIR
CHRISTOPHER LAU

**AISULU SALIYEVA** // AECOM
**CONTACT** // DEPUTY@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**YPT HOUSTON**
Aisulu Saliyeva, P.E. is a Structural Engineer at AECOM Houston, Texas office. She specializes in design and analysis of bridges and other highway structures. She got her bachelor’s degree from University of Houston in Civil Engineering and her master’s degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a focus in Structures. Aisulu has numerous memberships and has been actively involved in local and international professional organizations.
Aisulu is originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan and speaks four languages. In her free time, she enjoys books, cinematography, architecture, and art in all its forms. She’s determined to work towards achieving YPT 2023 goals and facilitating opportunities for development of professionals in transportation.
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Assist the Chair in administering the international board and with any miscellaneous needs
Set up monthly board meetings
Administer the subsequent year’s election process
Stand in for the Chair when necessary
DEPUTY CHAIR
AISULU SALIYEVA

**ISABELLA STEINER** // WSP
**CONTACT** // FINANCE@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**YPT NEW YORK CITY**
Isabella Steiner, EIT, is a Site/Highway Engineer within the Transportation and Infrastructure team at WSP in Newark, NJ. Isabella is involved in the design of various civil roadway, rail, and site projects. Her tasks include geometric highway design, roadside design, preparation of contract plans and documents, & construction cost estimates for highway projects for local and state agencies. She has developed data analysis and organization software tools for the team and project members to evaluate alternative construction analysis. Isabella is a Local Lead of the WSP Developing Professionals Network (DPN).
Before joining her team, she interned at Faithful+Gould Project Management for Formula 1 in Singapore and WSP in Boston, MA. Isabella is interested in the intersection of planning, design, construction, and operation of the built environment. She is passionate about transit and moving society and transportation infrastructure towards a renewable and sustainable future.
Isabella is originally from Venezuela but moved to the States to obtain a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston. During her time in college, Isabella was closely involved with her school’s ASCE student chapter and helped organize volunteering activities. Outside of work, Isabella enjoys scuba diving, skiing, playing volleyball, and hiking. She loves hosting dinners, traveling, and exploring new neighborhoods in her free time.
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Collect individual dues payments and redistribute to chapters
Record and maintain accurate financial records
Pay organization bills in a timely fashion
Manage organization payment systems
Seek opportunities to best utilize existing financial resources and expand revenue streams
Develop annual budget and provide monthly updates to the international board
FINANCE
ISABELLA STEINER

**CHRIS FRALINGER** // GANNETT FLEMING
**CONTACT // FINANCE@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG**
**YPT PHILADELPHIA**
Chris Fralinger is a Tolling Specialist within the Roadway Group at Gannett Fleming Inc. After graduating from Villanova University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chris joined his firm as a Transportation Operations Specialist. In 2021, he switched into his current role as a Tolling Specialist. Based out of the Philadelphia, PA Office, Chris is responsible for the planning and the designing of electronic tolling projects and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). His duties involve assisting in the consulting services to deliver a toll collection system that meets the requirements and satisfaction of the client. Additional responsibilities include the technology research, plan preparation, and cost estimation to prepare and develop project deliverables. Outside of work Chris enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, exercising, and trying new restaurants. RESPONSIBILITIES Collect individual dues payments and redistribute to chapters Record and maintain accurate financial records Pay organization bills in a timely fashion Manage organization payment systems Seek opportunities to best utilize existing financial resources and expand revenue streams Develop annual budget and provide monthly updates to the international board
FINANCE
CHRISTOPHER FRALINGER

**ERIC MAGAZU** // FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
> **CONTACT** // ADMIN@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Record minutes for all monthly board meetings

Keep accurate records of the organization
Manage the organization’s Teams channels and Zoom account for virtual meetings
Oversee international awards and other major activities
Keep accurate records of the organization
Collect and monitor metrics for all activities, events, and programming
ADMINISTRATION
ERIC MAGAZU

**BYRON FLORES** // MENARD
> **CONTACT** // ADMIN@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Record minutes for all monthly board meetings

Keep accurate records of the organization
Manage the organization’s Teams channels and Zoom account for virtual meetings
Oversee international awards and other major activities
Keep accurate records of the organization
Collect and monitor metrics for all activities, events, and programming
ADMINISTRATION
BYRON FLORES

**THOMAS DAVIDENKO** // AMTRAK
**CONTACT** // PROGRAMS@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**YPT WASHINGTON DC**
Thomas is a Government Affairs Specialist at Amtrak, where he strives to communicate Amtrak’s projects, priorities, and history to federal lawmakers, external groups, and the public. In addition to coming up with unique ways to talk about Amtrak’s major fleet, infrastructure, and workforce investments, he also manages Amtrak’s involvement in YPT International.
Prior to his current role, Thomas was a Policy Analyst for Cardinal Infrastructure, where he helped clients advance major transit projects as well as initiatives related to workforce development, no-emission equipment, and transit-oriented development. Additionally, he has interned at Amtrak, in the House of Representatives, and Philadelphia’s City Council.
Thomas holds a BS in Business, Language, & Culture Studies with a Russian specialization and studied at the International University in Moscow for a semester. He is based in Philadelphia but can be found working up and down the Northeast Corridor. His experience as an everyday transit-user in high school and college, motivated him to pursue a career in transportation with the goal of improving access to low-emission mass transportation for all communities. When he’s not on a train, he enjoys exploring new cities, trivia, and playing guitar.
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Plan/oversee events in conjunction with major conferences
Support chapter programming, especially when major conferences are held near chapters
Coordinate events with the Director of Finance and the Director of Membership
PROGRAMS
THOMAS DAVIDENKO

**ALINA GAVRILOV** // CITY OF COLUMBUS
**CONTACT** // MEMBERSHIP@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**YPT INTERNATIONAL**
Alina Gavrilov (she/her) is a bridge engineer and project manager for the City of Columbus, OH Department of Public Service and the Professional Advancement Instructor for Station1, a nonprofit higher education institution focused on socially-directed science and technology. She received her bachelor’s degree in humanitarian engineering and mathematics from Baylor University, when she moved to Columbus, OH for her current job with the City. She has since been exploring the vibrant local foodie scene and diving into opportunities to explore her professional interests in resilient infrastructure, equitable engineering design, public policy, and transportation planning. Alina is a 2023 NLC Institute Fellow in the Columbus chapter of New Leaders Council, a nonprofit building an ecosystem of cross-sectional progressive leaders, and she is involved in multiple professional engineering societies. Alina enjoys mentoring high school students through the college admissions process, and you can find her attending a local poetry night, avidly listening to podcasts, running, thrifting, and having a long talk with a friend. She is excited to contribute to building a vibrant network of YPT members who can help each other advance in their fields and pave the way for incoming transportation professionals who are underrepresented in the industry.
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Monitor YPT membership numbers
Grant administrative access to the Contact Relationship Management System (CivicCRM)
Setup new chapters in database
Remove duplicate membership from the membership database
Assist chapters in using CiviCRM
MEMBERSHIP
ALINA GAVRILOV

**KELVIN RUSSELL** // PORT AUTHORITY OF NY/NJ
**CONTACT** // CHAPTERS@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**YPT NEW YORK CITY**
Kelvin M. Russell is a Leadership Fellow at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a two-year rotational program where he rotates between various departments gaining valuable leadership skills, agency knowledge, and builds relationships with fellow colleagues and agency professionals. His first rotation was in the PATH Director’s Office, assisting the Chief of Staff. He is now rotating in the Port Department where he will be working on ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and cargo movement throughout through the Port of NY & NJ. Prior to his role as a Fellow, Kelvin was an intern in the Aviation Department at the Port Authority for two years and also interned at JetBlue Airways.
As a native of New Jersey and holding a passion for transportation since an infant, Kelvin is proud to live his dream of making a difference in the transportation industry and pursue a lifelong career in transportation. Kelvin has a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University. While pursuing his Master’s degree he was also founder and President of BEAT or Bloustein Enthusiasts and Advocates for Transportation, a new student organization advocating for transportation policy. In his free time, when he’s not reading up on the latest transportation news or building his library of transport history books he can be found traveling and learning about different cities .
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Foster growth and operations in Regional Boards
Support local chapter leadership
Work with prospective new local chapters
Making processes easier for local chapters
Serve as a liaison between chapter leadership and International Directors
CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT
KELVIN RUSSELL

**CARTER MCCOY** // CARDINAL INFRASTRUCTURE
**CONTACT** // SPONSORSHIP@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**YPT DC**
I am a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota. With a degree in political science (what does that even mean these days), I bounced around several jobs ranging from the corporate affairs office of a privately-held travel company to the constituent services department of the Minnesota State House of Representatives. Passionate about transportation and urban development with a background in commerce and energy policy at the state level, I joined Cardinal Infrastructure as an Associate in February 2022. At Cardinal, I work with congressional staff and other federal stakeholders to advocate for sensible policies that improve the country’s transportation network. My favorite part of the job is representing local transit agencies and seeing the impacts made on their local communities when a project is completed. The highlight thus far is a BRT route in Spokane, Washington that began service in July 2023. I do not have a 5 or 10 year plan, but my goal is to stay in the transportation field and continue working with decision-makers to ensure that multimodal programs are adequately funded and regulations are properly administered. I am excited to work with everyone at YPT to bring awareness to the many opportunities for people of all skills, ages, and interests to engage with the transportation sector. Cheers to less studies and more construction in the coming years. In my time away from work, I enjoy playing basketball, golf, and lacrosse, hiking and sailing (really anything to spend time outside), cooking for my friends, having fires on the patio, doing crossword puzzles, and dreaming of building a sauna in my future backyard
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Solicit and maintain international sponsors
Administer and keep up-to-date sponsorship levels
Provide accurate sponsorship information to the Director of Finance for budget planning
SPONSORSHIP
CARTER MCCOY

**AMANDA MINUTELLO** // AECOM
**CONTACT** // INFO@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**YPTPHOENIX**
Amanda Minutello is a Traffic Engineer in the Phoenix, Arizona office with 3 years of experience. She was born and raised on Long Island, New York, but found her new home in Phoenix after attending Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Civil Engineering. At AECOM, her work focuses on traffic analysis and modeling, ranging from projects with light rail, traffic impact reports, safety studies, and corridor optimization. Amanda is the Phoenix office Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Champion, and is involved with GP2W. In her free time, you can find her going to early-morning CrossFit classes, baking a new recipe, or relaxing on the couch with some popcorn and reality tv! .
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Development and distribution of YPT International communications and newsletters
Website design, management and coordination for all international chapters
Social media updates and management
Graphic Design and Video Editing
Development of Annual Report
COMMUNICATIONS
AMANDA MINUTELLO

**JD HUMPHREY** // AECOM
**CONTACT** // INFO@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG
**YPT WASHINGTON DC**
JD Humphrey is a Business Analyst at Amtrak. In his current role he works with key Amtrak functional areas and state partners to create strategies for sustainable growth of intercity passenger rail across the country. Prior to Amtrak he worked in Boston Consulting Group’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications vertical, and as a page at NBCUniversal. He holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and grew up in the Raleigh, North Carolina area before moving to Washington, D.C. In his free time he enjoys going for long runs along the Potomac, watching UNC basketball, and traveling to new places.
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
Development and distribution of YPT International communications and newsletters
Website design, management and coordination for all international chapters
Social media updates and management
Graphic Design and Video Editing
Development of Annual Report
COMMUNICATIONS
JD HUMPHREY

Board of Advisors 2023-2025

YPT’s Board of Advisors are preeminent public and private sector leaders in transportation with a wide range of exemplary experience in the field. We are grateful for their participation and willingness to assist the development of a new generation of transportation professionals.

Nathaniel Ford – CEO, Jacksonville Transportation Authority | Jacksonville, FL

Joung H. Lee – Deputy Director – Chief Policy Officer, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials | Washington D.C.

Andy Palanisamy – Director & Head of Practice – Smart Cities, Parsons Corporation | Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Chris Pangilinan – Vice President, Paratransit, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority | New York, NY

Robert Puentes – President & Chief Executive Officer, Eno Center for Transportation | Washington D.C.

Christof Spieler – Vice President, Director of Planning, Huitt-Zollars | Houston, TX

Audrey Wennink – Director of Transportation, Metropolitan Planning Council | Chicago, IL

Kimberly Williams – Chief Innovation Officer, Houston METRO | Houston, TX

Sam Zimbabwe – Practice Builder, Kimley-Horn | Seattle, WA

Allie Isbell – Assistant Director, Transportation, Houston-Galveston Area Council | Houston, TX

Sally Librera – Senior Vice President, Transit Market Sector Leader, AECOM | New York, NY

Kimberly Feldbauer – Director of Strategic Transformation, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Washington D.C.

Norman Forde – Vice President | Market Leader – Facilities and Fleet | Mott MacDonald | Nokomis, FL

Molly King – Executive Vice President, Project Connect Integration, CAPMetro | Austin, TX

Shailen Bhatt – Federal Highway Administrator, Federal Highway Administration | Washington D.C.

Lori Labrum – West Transit Market/Bus Rapid Transit Leader, TranSystems | South Jordan, UT

Carita Ducre – Vice President of Workforce Development & Educational Services, American Public Transportation Association | Washington D.C.

Sofia Berger – Senior Vice President, Transportation National Business Line Leader, WSP | New York, NY

Deanna Leggett – Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer, Dallas Area Rapid Transit | Dallas, TX

Jim Mathews – President & Chief Executive Officer, Railroad Passengers Association | Washington D.C.