The Applied Research & Training Committee brings together MPO professionals from across the country to guide AMPO’s work in education, research, and practice development. The committee focuses on helping MPOs strengthen their day-to-day work by shaping training programs, advising on applied research, and sharing practical tools and lessons learned across regions. Its role is to ensure that AMPO’s resources are grounded in real-world MPO experience and responsive to the challenges agencies face on the ground.
Formerly known as the Technical Committee, the committee updated its name to better reflect how its work has evolved over time. Today, it serves as AMPO’s hub for learning and innovation, supporting MPOs with accessible training, relevant research, and peer-driven guidance. While AMPO’s Policy Committee advances national priorities, the Applied Research & Training Committee helps MPOs put those priorities into action through knowledge, tools, and shared practice.
CORE FUNCTIONS
The ART Committee’s work centers on equipping MPOs with practical tools, timely insights, and collaborative opportunities that strengthen the technical foundation of the metropolitan planning process.
Education & Training Leadership
The committee shapes AMPO’s national training portfolio, including MPO Institute courses, workshops, and conference programming. Members review and rank proposals for the AMPO Annual Conference and Planning Tools & Training Symposium to ensure sessions are practical, engaging, and grounded in real MPO experience.
Applied Research & State of the Practice
The committee serves as an advisory partner to the AMPO Research Foundation, helping guide research projects and practice-focused resources. This includes reviewing draft MPO Institute materials and shaping State of the Practice reports that track trends, spotlight innovation, and share lessons learned across MPOs nationwide. Its goal is to turn research into guidance MPO staff can actually use.
Practice Implementation & Peer Guidance
The committee helps MPOs stay ahead of change by reviewing emerging planning tools, design concepts, and new technologies. Through structured peer feedback and professional insight, it supports agencies as they adapt to new requirements and evolving industry practices.
Rapid Regulatory & Implementation Feedback
Through AMPO’s Rapid Responder structure, the committee provides timely, actionable input on draft rules, regulatory updates, and implementation questions. This ensures MPO perspectives inform AMPO’s comments and communications and that federal requirements reflect the realities MPOs face on the ground.
Community of Learning & Collaboration
The committee strengthens AMPO’s network by working with partner organizations such as ITS America, AASHTO, WTS, COMPTO, NARC, NADO, NACo, and NLC. This collaboration connects technical insight with policy discussions, expands access to training opportunities, and reduces duplication by sharing knowledge across organizations.
Leadership Team
Sarah Caper
Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization Executive Planner
2026 – 2028 Vice Chair
Committee Members
Maggie Bergeron
MPO Administrator, Victoria MPO
2026-2028 Emerging Professional
Bert Granberg
Director of Analytics, WFRC
2026-2028 Third Term
Brian Elgort
Project Implementation Coordinator, CRTPO
2024-2026 Emerging Professional
Kendra Coufal
Senior Planner, Killeen-Temple MPO
2026-2028 Emerging Professional
Dean Williams
Senior Transportation Planner, Southern Maine PDC
2024-2026 First Term
Brian Ruscher
Deputy Director of Multi-modal, Palm Beach TPA
2026-2028 Emerging Professional
Richard Crowther Jr
GIS and Technology Coordinator, Naugatuck Valley COG
2026-2028 First Term
Jim Snell
Executive Director, MITCRPC
2026-2028 Third Term
Bethany Brandt-Sargent
Transportation Planning Analyst, Metropolitan Council
2026-2028 First Term
Lethal Coe
Principal Planner, Whatcom COG
2026-2028 Second Term
Mark Garrity
Executive Director, Oahu MPO
2026-2028 Second Term
Alvan-Bidal Sanchez
Program Manager, DRCOG
2026-2028 First Term
Melissa Kraemer Badtke
Executive Director, ECWRPC
2025-2027 First Term
Kyle Shipley
Principal Analyst, SACOG
2026-2028 First Term
Michael Howell
MPO Director, Tyler Area MPO
2025-2027 First Term
Mike Kozlosky
Executive Director, Wilmington MPO
2024-2026 First Term
Nick Blackstone
Regional Mobility Manager, RAPC
2025-2027 Emerging Professional
Stuart Kearns
Assistant Director, Lexington Area MPO
2026-2028 First Term
Tim Verbeke
Director of Planning, Region 1 Planning Council
2026-2028 First Term
Ryan Collins
Short-Range Planning Manager, CAMPO TX
2026-2028 Third Term
Sooraz Patro
Director of Transportation, CRPC
2026-2028 First Term
Taylor Laurent
Manager of Transportation Planning, Metroplan Orlando
2024-2026 First Term
Ted Leybold
Transportation Planning Manager, Oregon Metro
2026-2028 Third Term
Toni Tisdale
Principal Planner, COMPASS
2024-2026 First Term
Zach Kaufman
Senior Transportation Planner, Baltimore MPO
2025-2027 First Term
Saleem A. Salameh
Deputy Director, KYOVA
2026-2028 Ex-Officio
STAFF CONTACT
Caitlin Cook, ccook@ampo.org
