Laurie Matkowski, PMP

I have over 25 years of experience in the transportation industry. While pursuing my degree at Clemson University, I participated in a cooperative education program with the Virginia Department of Transportation for four semesters as a computer programmer and civil engineering design tech.

After graduation, I worked as a traffic engineer consultant, but most of my career has been with Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, a large bi-state metropolitan planning organization based in Philadelphia. I planned for current and future transportation, working closely with state DOTs, transit authorities, bridge commissions, first responders, and regional, county, city, and municipal officials. Obtaining experience with state, federal, and consulting agencies was a goal I had for my career so that I could understand various aspects of any project. Also, while there, I was awarded WTS Philadelphia’s Woman of the Year 2014.

After nearly 20 years in the public sector, it was time to get back to consulting. I contacted several firms I had worked with over the years to find the best fit. Gannett Fleming quickly rose to the top for many reasons.

The culture would match me, and there would be opportunities for me to grow and provide leadership. Connected Women was starting, and I was excited to get involved. The opportunity for me to grow the CAV business service from the beginning was a challenge I was up for. Plus, Eric Rensel wouldn’t take no for an answer! He’s been a great inspiration for me from day one.

I lead AMG under our Roadway Corporate Business Group and direct our CAV service offerings. I also lead the Planning Practice Leadership Team, participate on the Connected Women steering committee and mentoring program subcommittee, coordinate WTS engagements throughout the company, and was recently named an equity partner!

AMG provides diverse integrative transportation and planning solutions for public and private clients ranging from CAV strategic policy guidance to intelligent transportation systems master planning, traffic incident management, grant writing, and land use planning.

I graduated from Gannett Fleming’s project management and project principal training programs. I took advantage of our project management professional (PMP) exam preparation to pass the course. My path has been non-linear, and I’m comfortable with change in my roles, the industry, and Gannett Fleming. I ask for more responsibilities year after year, and I grow in ways I would have never mapped out from day one.

I am proud to say I am one of the primary contributors to the Federal Highway Administration project “Roadway Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Integration: Concept of Operations for Transportation Agencies.” This document outlines the national framework for agencies to plan for likely connected vehicle uses and how they can be safely, equitably, and efficiently integrated with our diverse transportation system and for vulnerable road users.

I enjoyed facilitating stakeholder meetings with state transportation departments’ executive leadership teams and vehicle manufacturers to gain various perspectives on ADS integration’s physical, digital, and operational aspects. Currently, I am working with the same project team members as a follow-up to develop a national framework for roadway digital infrastructure.

I work on many other projects that are just as exciting, but I highlight these because they impact our work at Gannett Fleming and anyone using the nation’s transportation network!

What jumps out first for me is that CAVs are a part of the future of transportation. By planning for them and their impact on our current infrastructure, we can be better prepared for the future. By providing subject matter expertise, management, and oversight with various projects, I know my work at Gannett Fleming makes a difference with our clients and creates a better future.

As project teams, we should strive to be representative of the clients and communities we serve. This is not a new concept! Diversity around the table means different perspectives are inherently taken into consideration.

I take every opportunity to volunteer at all levels of education to speak about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with a focus on women in the engineering field.

I meditate daily, and most days, I also practice yoga and go to the gym. I enjoy gardening when the seasons allow and love working on puzzles (350 pieces and below, please!), golf, and traveling (especially to the Caribbean).

I have two daughters, ages 16 and 13. My older daughter is studying ballet in New York City this summer, and my younger daughter is a rock climber and dancer. We enjoy experiencing the arts together—museums, Broadway shows, ballets, and concerts—Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and SZA! I’m most proud they live as their authentic selves.

I was a symphony composer and pianist in high school and considered going to college to study music, but I chose engineering instead!

Spending time with my daughters and friends, listening to music or a podcast, working on a puzzle, or cuddling up with our beloved calico polydactyl shelter cat.