Don't miss our future updates! Get subscribed today!

Speakers

Summit Hosts

Victor Vandergriff

Executive Director, Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition

Victor Vandergriff

Executive Director, Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition

Victor Vandergriff has been serving as the Executive Director of the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition (“TRTC”) since the summer of 2020. TRTC’s membership and focus is on the western half of the DFW metroplex. The membership of TRTC is a combination of public sector cities, counties and transportation authorities and private sector business interests. The members share a common goal of advancing infrastructure opportunities that have the promise of growing the regional economy through increasing mobility by advancing greater access, future technology and the resulting economic development.

Vandergriff was an active member of the Texas Transportation Commission from 2013 into 2018. He was appointed commissioner by Gov. Rick Perry on March 26, 2013, and took his seat on the commission on April 30, 2013.

From 2009 to 2013, Vandergriff served as the chairman of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Board. He was also a board member for the North Texas Tollway Authority from 2007 to 2013 and served as chairman from 2010 to 2011.

Vandergriff formerly served as Vice President of V.T., Inc. and Automotive Investment Group, the largest private retail automotive group in the United States until the groups were purchased by Berkshire Hathaway in 2015. He was involved as an owner, dealer and executive manager in the automobile industry for more than 25 years. Vandergriff and his family owned and operated automobile dealerships for more than 80 years in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Vandergriff is an attorney and private businessman specializing in business development and transportation solutions.

Vandergriff attended the University of Southern California, where he received a degree from the School of Public Administration in Public Affairs. He received his law degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Matt Krause

Commissioner Precinct 3, Tarrant County

Matt Krause

Commissioner Precinct 3, Tarrant County

Commissioner Matt Krause was born in Tyler, Texas, where his father served as pastor at Green Acres Baptist Church. Raised in a family devoted to service, Matt’s mother was an educator at Castle Hills First Baptist School, where Matt graduated. He and his wife, Jennie, are the proud parents of five children and reside in Keller. They actively contribute to their community as members of the First Baptist Church of Keller, where they are involved in teaching the youth group and the 10th-grade Sunday School class.

Matt was part of the inaugural class at Liberty University School of Law, earning magna cum laude honors and graduating third in his class. In law school, he was a national moot court team member and served as an editor of the Liberty University Law Review. After being admitted to the Texas Bar in 2007, Matt worked for a national nonprofit constitutional litigation firm, focusing on defending pro-life causes, religious liberty and constitutional rights. His efforts garnered national attention, including a landmark case defending a high school student’s free speech right against an overreaching administration, and a successful case protecting free speech and religious exercise against unconstitutional federal policies.

In 2012, Matt was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. As a State Representative, Matt served the Fort Worth-Arlington area for nearly a decade. In the Legislature, Matt has held various leadership roles, including chairman of the Tourism Caucus, the Prayer Caucus and Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas Freedom Caucus. He was appointed chairman of the Texas House Committee on General Investigating during the 87th Legislative Session. Among his many initiatives, Matt championed policies to protect vulnerable, medically fragile children, working to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and improve their care and support.

Matt believes that Texas embodies the values, principles and traditions that make America exceptional and sees our state as a model for others. Now, as County Commissioner for Precinct 3 in Tarrant County, Matt continues his work to strengthen Texas families, support public safety and infrastructure and safeguard fundamental rights.

Keynote Conversation

Chris Cassidy

NASA Astronaut, Navy SEAL

Chris Cassidy

NASA Astronaut, Navy SEAL

Captain Christopher J. Cassidy, USN (Ret.) is a decorated Navy SEAL, accomplished NASA astronaut, and national civic leader whose career spans elite military operations, pioneering space exploration, and institution-building of lasting signi􀇞cance. Cassidy served 11 years in the SEAL Teams before his selection as a NASA astronaut in 2004. A combat-proven leader, he graduated as Honor Man of BUD/S Class 192 and earned two Bronze Stars—including one with Combat “V”—as well as a Presidential Unit Citation for commanding a high-pro􀇞le mission along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border in the a􀇣ermath of 9/11. His military decorations also include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit, recognizing exceptional leadership at the highest levels of joint and naval service. Over three spaceflights, Cassidy spent 377 days in orbit and completed 10 spacewalks, flying aboard both the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the Russian Soyuz. He launched for his 􀇞nal six-month mission in 2020 at the onset of the global pandemic. From 2015 to 2017, he served as NASA’s 14th Chief Astronaut, overseeing astronaut training, crew assignments, and operations during a period of major organizational change. Cassidy is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and earned a master’s degree in ocean engineering from MIT in 2000. He also holds honorary doctorates from Husson University (2015) and the University of Maine at Augusta (2021). In 2021, Cassidy became President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, where he led the successful effort to build the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, and launch a national leadership institute and monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. His leadership united bipartisan support and secured the funding to bring the vision to life. Cassidy’s contributions have been recognized with some of the nation’s highest honors, including NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal (twice), the Great American Patriot Award, and the Living Legends of Aviation Award, and selection as a Distinguished Graduate Awardee of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Summit Guests

Our Guests

Victor Vandergriff

Executive Director, Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition

Victor Vandergriff

Executive Director, Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition

Victor Vandergriff has been serving as the Executive Director of the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition (“TRTC”) since the summer of 2020. TRTC’s membership and focus is on the western half of the DFW metroplex. The membership of TRTC is combination of public sector cities, counties and transportation authorities and private sector business interests. The members share a common goal of advancing infrastructure opportunities that have the promise of growing the regional economy through increasing mobility by advancing greater access, future technology and the resulting economic development.

Vandergriff was an active member of the Texas Transportation Commission from 2013 into 2018. He was appointed commissioner by Gov. Rick Perry on March 26, 2013, and took his seat on the commission on April 30, 2013.

From 2009 to 2013, Vandergriff served as the chairman of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Board. He was also a board member for the North Texas Tollway Authority from 2007 to 2013 and served as chairman from 2010 to 2011. Vandergriff formerly served as Vice President of V.T., Inc. and Automotive Investment Group, the largest private retail automotive group in the United States until the groups were purchased by Berkshire Hathaway in 2015. He was involved as an owner, dealer and executive manager in the automobile industry for more than 25 years. Vandergriff and his family owned and operated automobile dealerships for more than 80 years in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Vandergriff is an attorney and private businessman specializing in business development and transportation solutions.

Vandergriff attended the University of Southern California, where he received a degree from the School of Public Administration in Public Affairs. He received his law degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Matt Krause

Commissioner Precinct 3, Tarrant County

Matt Krause

Commissioner Precinct 3, Tarrant County

Commissioner Matt Krause was born in Tyler, Texas, where his father served as pastor at Green Acres Baptist Church. Raised in a family devoted to service, Matt’s mother was an educator at Castle Hills First Baptist School, where Matt graduated. He and his wife, Jennie, are the proud parents of five children and reside in Keller. They actively contribute to their community as members of the First Baptist Church of Keller, where they are involved in teaching the youth group and the 10th-grade Sunday School class.

Matt was part of the inaugural class at Liberty University School of Law, earning Magna Cum Laude honors and graduating third in his class. In law school, he was a national moot court team member and served as an editor of the law review. After being admitted to the Texas Bar in 2007, Matt worked for a national non-profit constitutional litigation firm, focusing on defending pro-life causes, religious liberty, and constitutional rights. His efforts garnered national attention, including a landmark case defending a high school student’s free speech right against an overreaching administration, and a successful case protecting free speech and religious exercise against unconstitutional federal policies.

In 2012, Matt was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. As a State Representative, Matt served the Fort Worth-Arlington area for nearly a decade. In the Legislature, Matt has held various leadership roles, including Chairman of the Tourism Caucus, the Prayer Caucus, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas Freedom Caucus. He was appointed Chairman of the Texas House Committee on General Investigating during the 87th Legislative Session. Among his many initiatives, Matt championed policies to protect vulnerable, medically fragile children, working to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and improve their care and support.

Matt believes that Texas embodies the values, principles, and traditions that make America exceptional and sees our state as a model for others. Now, as County Commissioner for Precinct 3 in Tarrant County, Matt continues his work to strengthen Texas families, support public safety and infrastructure, and safeguard fundamental rights.

Caroline Mays

Director of Planning and Modal Programs, TxDOT

Caroline Mays

Director of Planning and Modal Programs, TxDOT

Caroline Mays, AICP, is the Director of Planning and Modal Programs at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), where she oversees the Aviation, Maritime, Public Transportation, Rail, and Transportation Planning and Programming divisions.

A nationally recognized leader in multimodal transportation, she brings extensive expertise in planning, policy, and program development. Since joining TxDOT in 2012, Caroline has served in several leadership roles, including Statewide Freight Coordinator and Director of Freight, Trade and Connectivity. She played a pivotal role in launching TxDOT’s multimodal freight planning program and led the development of the state’s first Freight Mobility Plan and the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan.

Before TxDOT, Caroline worked at the Atlanta Regional Commission, where she created the freight planning program and developed an award-winning Freight Mobility Plan. She also previously served as a transit planner in Rockland County, New York.

Caroline is deeply engaged in national transportation research and policy. She is the current chair of AASHTO’s Special Committee on Freight and represents the U.S. on the World Road Association’s Freight Committee. She has chaired multiple National Cooperative Research Program panels and serves on various Transportation Research Board committees, including Agriculture and Food Transportation and Intermodal Freight.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Waterloo and a master’s degree in planning from the University of Toronto. Caroline is a member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners.

David Salazar

Fort Worth District Engineer, TxDOT

David Salazar

Fort Worth District Engineer, TxDOT

David M. Salazar Jr., P.E., serves as District Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation’s Fort Worth District, which includes nine counties across North Central Texas. With over 30 years of experience in both public and private sectors, he brings deep expertise in transportation engineering, project delivery, and infrastructure leadership.

Salazar began his career with Kiewit Construction in 1992 before joining TxDOT in 1995 as an engineering assistant. After a brief return to the private sector, he rejoined TxDOT in 2004 in the San Angelo District. He later served as Area Engineer in Carrizo Springs and was appointed Director of Maintenance for the Laredo District in 2011, where he helped manage the challenges of the Eagle Ford Shale boom through major pavement preservation and reconstruction efforts.

In 2017, Salazar became the Laredo District Engineer, overseeing a record \$1.62 billion 10-year Unified Transportation Program. He was appointed Fort Worth District Engineer in October 2022 and now manages more than \$3.7 billion in active construction, including signature projects such as the I-30/SH 360 Interchange, I-820 East Loop, and the Southeast Connector.

Salazar also serves on the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Regional Transportation Council, contributing to strategic planning across the growing Metroplex region. His leadership continues to shape the future of mobility and infrastructure across Tarrant County and beyond.

Lauren Prieur

Director of Transportation and Public Works, City of Fort Worth

Lauren Prieur

Director of Transportation and Public Works, City of Fort Worth

Lauren Prieur has been with the City of Fort Worth since 2018. Prior to being named director, she served as the interim director and as the assistant director of capital delivery.

She is a registered professional engineer, with more than 15 years of experience in infrastructure development, capital project delivery, transportation and public works-related projects with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Kelly Porter

Assistant Director of Regional Transportation Planning & Innovation

Kelly Porter

Assistant Director of Regional Transportation Planning & Innovation

Kelly is Assistant Director for the City of Fort Worth Transportation and Public Works Department, over the Regional Transportation and Innovation Division. His group is responsible for regional coordination, long-range planning, and project development. Before returning home to Fort Worth, Kelly worked for the previous ten years at the Metropolitan Planning Organizations in Houston and Austin. He is a Certified Planner with over 13 years’ experience with a master’s degree in city and Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. He brings a strong, successful track record in regional transportation planning across all modes of transportation, and experience working with external partners and the private sector in developing transportation solutions. He is also active with the American Planning Association, serving as Texas Chapter President.

Martin Phillips

Assistant Director, Transportation Management Division – City of Fort Worth

Martin Phillips

Assistant Director, Transportation Management Division – City of Fort Worth

Martin Phillips serves as the Assistant Director over the Transportation Management Division for the City of Fort Worth. In this role, he leads a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services aimed at enhancing mobility, safety, and infrastructure efficiency throughout the city.

Martin oversees several key initiatives including the Safe Routes to School program and Smart City Transportation strategies. He is also responsible for Traffic Services, which encompasses the installation, operation, and maintenance of all traffic control devices such as traffic signals, streetlights, signs and markings, and school flashers.

Under his leadership, the Transportation Management Division operates the City’s Traffic Management Center and directs the activities of Traffic Engineering. This includes conducting traffic engineering studies, implementing neighborhood traffic calming programs, and overseeing Parking and Curb Management—which involves management of the on-street meter program, and the operation of 24 garages and surface parking lots among several other programs.

With over 21 years of dedicated service to the City of Fort Worth, Martin brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Derek Hull

Planning Manager

Derek Hull

Planning Manager

Derek R. Hull is an experienced urban planning, economic and community development professional, whose impact in these fields include planning advocacy from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, CA. A former Congressional Intern for Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Derek uses his legislative experience to create public policies that will greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals who are often underrepresented in planning, economic development, and transportation disciplines.

Derek has served as a skillful public servant for over 25 years, across many regions in the United States, including Detroit, MI, Los Angeles County, San Diego, CA, Atlanta, GA, Dallas- Fort Worth, TX, and South Fulton, GA. No matter the jurisdiction, Derek always leaves an indelible imprint of his commitment to improve communities for which he has worked.

Whether he’s leading a city delegation on a Trade Mission to China, writing policies and conducting community engagement activities for Adjacent Development near Transit Corridors, overseeing land entitlements for wineries or negotiating complex commercial real estate deals on behalf of municipalities, Derek always put forth the energy and devotion to complete the tasks. Derek is currently serving as Planning Manager for the City of Fort Worth.

Derek is a Past Chair of Planning and the Black Community Division (PBCD) of the American Planning Association (APA) and the former Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for APA California Chapter. He is an active member of APA, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC), and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His contributions to the Planning industry are noted at the national, state and local levels, having received multiple awards for his work in the field.

Derek is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Hampton University in Hampton, VA. He earned additional degrees from the University of the District of Columbia and Wayne State University, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning.

Dillion Maroney

Executive Administrator, Tarrant County

Dillion Maroney

Executive Administrator, Tarrant County

Dillon Maroney serves as the Executive Administrator of Operations for Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez, where he plays a key role in overseeing critical initiatives that impact the county’s infrastructure, public safety, and governance. A dedicated public servant and lifelong resident of Tarrant County, Dillon brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement, leadership, and operational management to his role.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Dillon earned his bachelor's degree from Texas Wesleyan University and later obtained a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. His commitment to public service began during his 12-year tenure with the Fort Worth Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer, instructor, and detective. His experience in law enforcement continues to shape his approach to problem-solving, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Dillon values collaboration and believes that strong partnerships between public organizations and private entities are essential to achieving meaningful progress for the residents of Tarrant County. He works closely with community leaders, businesses, and government agencies to develop innovative solutions that enhance quality of life, improve infrastructure, and strengthen public safety.

Beyond his professional work, Dillon is a devoted husband to his wife, Erica, and a proud father to their son, Declan. He enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, kayaking, playing golf, and following motorsports. His passion for service, leadership, and community makes him a vital asset to Tarrant County and a trusted advocate for its residents.

Dee Long

Mobility Coordinator, Tarrant County

Dee Long

Mobility Coordinator, Tarrant County

Dee Long serves as the Mobility Coordinator for the Tarrant County Transportation Services Department, where she plays a key role in facilitating the $400 million 2021 Transportation Bond Program. This initiative involves strategic partnerships with local governmental agencies across Tarrant County to enhance mobility and address connectivity challenges throughout the region. Prior to her current role, Dee worked in Community Outreach for former Tarrant County Precinct 3 Commissioner Gary Fickes. In that position, she gained valuable insight into transportation, economic development, and senior initiatives fostering relationships and collaborations with both public and private stakeholders.

With over 29 years of service to Tarrant County, Dee dedicated more than two decades to the District Attorney’s Office as a Civil Litigation Paralegal. Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of local government policies and the ability to work effectively with and on behalf of elected officials.

Dee holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Texas and an Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies from Tarrant County College.

Joseph Jackson

County Engineer, Tarrant County

Joseph Jackson

County Engineer, Tarrant County

Joseph Jackson is a seasoned engineer with over a decade of experience in transportation-related projects. A proud graduate of Tarleton State University, where he earned degrees in both Environmental Engineering and Hydrology in 2014, Joseph honed his skills as the Assistant County Engineer for Ellis County before transitioning to Tarrant County, where he currently serves as County Engineer. He is a devoted family man, happily married to his wife, whom he met at Tarleton State, and the proud father of two children, Sam (7) and Rylea (4). He is a true blend of engineer, rancher, and musician, bringing a unique and well-rounded perspective to all that he does.

Manny Ramirez

Commissioner, Precinct 4, Tarrant County

Manny Ramirez

Commissioner, Precinct 4, Tarrant County

Tan Parker is a businessman, who grew up in North Texas working in his family’s restaurants while volunteering in his community. He married his college sweetheart, Beth, and they moved to Flower Mound, raising their daughters, Lauren and Ashley. While family comes first, Tan considers working for the betterment of Texas the highest honor of his professional life. Previously serving in the Texas House, Tan held leading committee roles on policy matters vital to our state. His leadership was instrumental in the unanimous election by his colleagues as chair of the House Republican Caucus during the 84th and 85th legislative sessions. Tan’s legislative success touches a broad range of issues facing Texans and serves as a reflection of open dialogue with his constituency. His legislative accomplishments represent his extensive work fostering Texas’ economic vitality and protecting our most vulnerable. Tan graduated from the University of Dallas and earned a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics before building a distinguished private sector career in technology and private equity. He also created the book, Making Government Work. The bedrock of his service is exemplified through passionate advocacy for community and fighting for common-sense, conservative policies that strengthen Texas’ prosperity.

Tan Parker

Senator, District 12

Tan Parker

Senator, District 12

Commissioner Manny Ramirez is a native Texan and a lifelong resident of northwest Tarrant County.

For over 15 years, Commissioner Ramirez served as a Fort Worth police officer, detective and sergeant. He was president of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, an elected position which represented more than 1,700 police officers on the local, state and national levels. In 2020, Commissioner Ramirez was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Board of Directors for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). He is currently a Board Member on the Regional Transportation Council, a division of the North Central Texas Council of Governments responsible for planning and disseminating federal, state and local transportation funds.

Commissioner Ramirez is married to his high school sweetheart, Fabiola. They have three beautiful daughters, Sofia, Mia and Penelope. Manny earned a master’s degree in business administration from Texas Christian University and is also a proud alumnus of Tarleton State University.

Dillon Maroney

Executive Administrator, Tarrant County

Dillon Maroney

Executive Administrator, Tarrant County

Dillon Maroney serves as the Director of Transportation for Tarrant County, where he leads countywide efforts to strengthen mobility, enhance infrastructure, and support long-term regional growth. A lifelong Fort Worth resident, Dillon brings a strong background in leadership, operations, and public service to his role. Dillon previously served as the Executive Administrator of Operations for Tarrant County Precinct 4. In that role, he helped drive key initiatives in infrastructure, public safety, and community-focused service delivery. Now, as Director of Transportation, he builds on that foundation by expanding effective collaborative strategies into coordinated, countywide solutions. A police veteran, Dillon draws on 12 years of service with the Fort Worth Police Department to inform his approach to strategic planning, problem-solving, and community partnerships. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. In his current position, he collaborates closely with local leaders, businesses, and government partners to improve mobility and enhance quality of life for residents across Tarrant County. Outside the office, Dillon is a dedicated husband to his wife, Erica, and a proud father to their son, Declan. He enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, kayaking, golfing, and following motorsports. His commitment to service and community continues to guide his work throughout the county.

Caroline Mays

Director of Planning and Modal Programs, TxDOT

Caroline Mays

Director of Planning and Modal Programs, TxDOT

Caroline Mays, AICP, is the director of planning and modal programs at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), where she oversees the aviation, maritime, public transportation, rail and transportation planning and programming divisions. A nationally recognized leader in multimodal transportation, she brings extensive expertise in planning, policy and program development.

Since joining TxDOT in 2012, Caroline has served in several leadership roles, including statewide freight coordinator and director of freight, trade and connectivity. She played a pivotal role in launching TxDOT’s multimodal freight planning program and led the development of the state’s first freight mobility plan and the Texas-Mexico border transportation master plan.

Before TxDOT, Caroline worked at the Atlanta Regional Commission, where she created the freight planning program and developed an award-winning freight mobility plan. She also previously served as a transit planner in Rockland County, New York.

Caroline is deeply engaged in national transportation research and policy. She is the current chair of AASHTO’s special committee on freight and represents the U.S. on the World Road Association’s freight committee. She has chaired multiple National Cooperative Research Program panels and serves on various transportation research board committees, including agriculture and food transportation and intermodal freight.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Waterloo and a master’s degree in planning from the University of Toronto. Caroline is a member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners.

David Salazar

Fort Worth District Engineer, TxDOT

David Salazar

Fort Worth District Engineer, TxDOT

David M. Salazar Jr., P.E., serves as district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation’s Fort Worth District, which includes nine counties across North Central Texas. With over 30 years of experience in both public and private sectors, he brings deep expertise in transportation engineering, project delivery and infrastructure leadership.

Salazar began his career with Kiewit Construction in 1992 before joining TxDOT in 1995 as an engineering assistant. After a brief return to the private sector, he rejoined TxDOT in 2004 in the San Angelo District. He later served as area engineer in Carrizo Springs and was appointed director of maintenance for the Laredo District in 2011, where he helped manage the challenges of the Eagle Ford Shale boom through major pavement preservation and reconstruction efforts.

In 2017, Salazar became the Laredo district engineer, overseeing a record $1.62 billion 10-year Unified Transportation Program. He was appointed Fort Worth district engineer in October 2022 and now manages more than $3.7 billion in active construction, including signature projects such as the I-30/SH 360 Interchange, I-820 East Loop and the Southeast Connector.

Salazar also serves on the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Regional Transportation Council, contributing to strategic planning across the growing metroplex region. His leadership continues to shape the future of mobility and infrastructure across Tarrant County and beyond.

Ernest Huffman

Program Manager, Aviation Planning and Education, North Central Texas Council of Governments

Ernest Huffman

Program Manager, Aviation Planning and Education, North Central Texas Council of Governments

Dave Martin

Project Manager, Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies

Dave Martin

Project Manager, Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies

Since joining the institute in September 2025, Dave has focused on the establishment and operational oversight of the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT). This Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiative is managed by ARI on behalf of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). Prior to his current role, Dave cultivated extensive expertise through various leadership and project management positions within the manufacturing and technology sectors. His diverse professional background also includes owning and operating two small businesses, alongside significant service in the military and non-profit sectors. Dave holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Arts in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. He maintains several professional credentials, including a Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate. Beyond his work integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into the National Airspace System (NAS), Dave is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fly fishing in local waterways. He is also a dedicated husband and father of three, always planning the next “DADventure” for his children.

Wahed Abdullah

Innovation Project Manager, DFW Airport

Wahed Abdullah

Innovation Project Manager, DFW Airport