ABOUT

The AMPO MPO Leadership Roundtable is an exclusive, member-only forum designed specifically for MPO Executive Directors, Transportation Directors, and MPO Directors to connect, collaborate, and share insights in a trusted, peer-driven environment. This group serves as a safe space for candid conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by MPO leaders, fostering open dialogue and collective problem-solving.

Through regular virtual sessions, Executive Directors engage in meaningful discussions on pressing topics such as:

• Staffing, Retention, and Succession Planning – Strategies to build resilient teams and prepare for seamless leadership transitions.

• Strategic Planning – Crafting visionary roadmaps that align with regional goals and federal priorities.

• Educating Your Board – Best practices for keeping board members informed, engaged, and aligned with MPO initiatives.

• Contracting and Consultants – Navigating procurement, managing vendor relationships, and optimizing project outcomes.

• Data and Software Acquisition – Sharing insights on cost-effective tools and technologies to enhance planning and analysis.

• Organizational Culture and Staff Development – Building strong, inclusive workplace cultures that empower teams and drive mission success.

Laura is Deputy Executive Director for Strategic Advancement. She previously led CMAP’s policy and intergovernmental affairs work as the deputy of the regional policy and implementation team.

Laura has been with the agency since 2020 and a partner to CMAP for longer in her former role as a consultant. Laura brings decades of leadership experience in planning, policy, engagement, intergovernmental affairs and more.

Michael is Executive Director of MPO for the Omaha-Council Bluffs region. As Executive Director, Michael oversees agency operations and MAPA’s roles as Council of Governments (COG), Economic Development District (EDD), and MPO. Mike led the development of MAPA’s 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan, a regional effort undertaken in partnership with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s ConnectGO initiative. Mike received his Bachelor’s of Science in Community & Regional Planning from Iowa State University in Ames, IA, and his Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He lives in Omaha with his wife, Lauren, and four children.

Michelle has been the Executive Director of the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG) since February 2021. BFCOG serves as the MPO/TMA for the Tri-City Metropolitan Area, the Regional Transportation Planning Organization under the Washington State DOT, and the Economic Development District under the Economic Development Administration for Benton and Franklin Counties. BFCOG’s MPO represents a population of roughly 320,000 comprised of two counties, seven cities, three port districts, and one transit agency. BFCOG has ten full-time staff, including 5 dedicated to MPO, 2 dedicated to economic development, and three operations positions.

Valerie serves as the Executive Director at the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA), leading the agency’s efforts to plan, prioritize, and fund transportation projects that advance safe, efficient, and connected facilities for users of all ages and abilities. Before her current role, Valerie served as the TPA’s Deputy Director of Multimodal Development. Valerie is a Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2016 Alumni and has served in various leadership roles. Before the TPA, Valerie worked on environmental planning and active transportation initiatives. Valerie is fluent in English/Spanish and has over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and project management.

Staff Contact

Caitlin Cook, Senior Director of Planning & Research | ccook@ampo.org

Meetings & Webinars

Registration for meetings is required and by invite-only. If you are a member and would like to receive updates on upcoming meetings please fill out our contact form and specify you’d like to be added to this group.