You mentioned that you
are focusing your efforts
on three specific areas:
workforce development,
reauthorization of
funding legislation and
communicating the value of
transportation. Why is each
one a priority?
In regards to workforce
development, our workforce skills
are going to have to evolve to meet
future needs, so we must focus
on finding ways to prepare our
workforce for the growing digital/
technological world. As for the
reauthorization of the federal
transportation bill, there is a definite
need for a national transportation
system. We need it to be competitive
on the national stage and have a
world-class transportation system
that’s appropriately funded. As I’ve
previously mentioned, AASHTO
sets the vision for the nation’s
transportation system and serves
as the voice for the transportation
industry when working with the
White House and Congress. Finally,
the goal of communicating the value
of transportation speaks for itself.
Our responsibility is discovering
even better ways to do so.
What advice do you have
for other Departments of
Transportation to improve
their partnership with IRWA
and work towards achieving
a common goal?
Partnerships will be fundamental in
reaching our transportation goals to
improve people’s quality of life. We
are in this together. We are living
in a world of rapid change, and
with the growth in technology and
population, the future belongs to
those that adhere to their values and
maintain partnerships.
What do you want IRWA
members to know about
you?
I appreciate IRWA's focus to help
right of way professionals continue
to grow. Acquisition of private
property is often considered the
“scariest” power that a public
agency has, so having better-trained
professionals can help ensure a
better outcome.
Ideally, where would you
like to see yourself in 10
years?
I hope that I will still have the
opportunity to be involved in
transportation and the opportunity
to make a difference in people's lives.
What advice do you have
for any newcomers to the
industry?
I encourage the upcoming
generation of transportation officials
to get involved in professional
associations such as AASHTO and
IRWA. They will help you develop
relationships that will inspire you to
improve yourself, your career and
those around you.
In a recent video to your
employees, you mentioned
that you aren’t going
anywhere anytime soon.
What would you have liked
to tell yourself 10 years ago?
Time is short and moves very fast, so
you need to make a difference today.
You can’t wait until tomorrow. Have
big dreams and work hard towards
your goals.
What do you envision for the
future of AASHTO after your
Presidency is complete?
AASHTO is much bigger than just
one individual. I hope that I will play
some small part to make a difference,
but AASHTO will continue to be the
trusted transportation expert that will
help guide and support its members,
as well as the transportation of the
future. J
Carlos with IRWA's International Secretary, James A. Olschewski, SR/WA. Carlos serves as UDOT's Executive
Director, while James serves as UDOT's Right of Way Design Program Manager.
