As the first woman and planner to serve as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and now as General Manager and CEO of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Leslie Richards has over 20 years of leadership experience working on the planning and delivery of transportation projects, including overseeing one of the largest and most innovative transportation agencies in the U.S. She is recognized for her ability to find common ground among bi-partisan boards, as well as her commitment to engage local communities before the implementation of transportation projects to incorporate quality of life issues in all decisions. Her experience gives her a unique perspective on understanding operational, financial and stakeholder issues of transportation planning. In this seminar-style course, Leslie Richards will explore the planning, development and delivery of multimodal projects and policies at the state and regional level, including national influences and an awareness of the many actors and processes involved. Topics to be discussed include: funding and implementation processes through the levels of government (municipal, county, region, state, national); challenges and opportunities working with different sectors, politics, and contexts; current issues and emerging technologies; and best practices for individuals pursuing careers in planning or public administration. Presentations and lectures will be supplemented by guest presentations from transportation leaders, policymakers, and planning consultants offering local, regional, and state perspectives. Students will have the opportunity to learn directly from leaders in the field and develop the skills and knowledge to work effectively with federal, state, and local entities.
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