Kick-off Webinar: A Global Leadership Conversation on Road Safety

Gloria M. Shepherd serves as the Executive Director of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), where she leads the delivery of national highway programs focused on safe, efficient mobility. She oversees more than $350 billion in federal highway funding distributed to state DOTs, MPOs, local governments, tribes, territories, and federal land agencies. Shepherd brings over 25 years of leadership experience at FHWA, with a proven track record of building national partnerships, advancing innovation, and mentoring future transportation leaders. Before her current role, she served as FHWA’s Associate Administrator for Planning, Environment, and Realty, and before that, as Director of the Office of Planning. Before joining FHWA, Shepherd held executive roles at the Maryland State Highway Administration and the New York Department of Transportation. She holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Albany Law School, a Master of Law from Georgetown University, and a Doctor of Arts from the University at Albany (SUNY). A member of the New York State Bar, she enjoys hiking and running in her free time.

Francis (Fran) O’Connor was confirmed as the 20th Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation in June 2024, bringing more than 40 years of public and private sector experience. He began his career as a toll collector at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, later advancing to lead E-ZPass implementation and serve in senior roles at firms like AtkinsRéalis and ACS. As Commissioner, he is focused on reversing roadway fatalities and leading a statewide safety awareness campaign. O’Connor also chairs several key transportation agencies in New Jersey and serves on the boards of IBTTA, AASHTO, NASTO, and TETC.

Pamela Boratyn was appointed Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) by Governor Mike DeWine on October 1, 2024, bringing more than 35 years of public service experience. She previously served as ODOT’s Assistant Director of Business and Human Resources and its first woman Chief of Staff, overseeing seven divisions. A licensed attorney with degrees from Miami University and Capital University Law School, she spent 16 years representing ODOT as an Assistant Attorney General. Boratyn has held senior roles across state and local government, with expertise in transportation law, labor relations, and government operations.

Deputy Secretary of Transportation Samantha Biddle has served the transportation industry for more than 17 years in both the public and private sectors. Her extensive experience includes eight years in the private sector as a transportation planner before joining the State Highway Administration for six years in various planning, strategic and leadership roles. Prior to being named Deputy Secretary by Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, Samantha spent the past three years in executive positions within The Secretary’s Office. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware and is an American Institute Certified Planner (AICP).

Emanuela Stocchi is President of PIARC – World Road Association and Director of International Affairs for AISCAT, the Italian Association of Toll Highway Concessionaires. She has deep expertise in EU legislation and transportation policy, built over years of work in Brussels with ASECAP and extensive involvement in international organizations. Stocchi also chairs the ASECAP Permanent Committee on Road Safety, Environment, and Sustainability, and serves as French-speaking Secretary of PIARC’s Terminology Committee. A past president of IBTTA, she has served the association in multiple leadership roles, including on the Board of Directors.

Christophe Boutin is Managing Director of ASFA, the French highway association representing 24 concessionaires and operating companies. He began his career with the Boston Consulting Group before entering the highway sector in 2004, holding leadership roles at SAPN and Sanef. Since joining ASFA in 2011, he has led efforts in industry advocacy, labor relations, and tolling interoperability, and became Managing Director in 2017. Boutin serves on the IBTTA Board of Directors, is a former President of ASECAP, and chairs the EETS Facilitation Platform under the European Commission.

Tanguy Bertolus holds an engineering degree from the Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile and a Master's in business administration. He spent over a decade in the airport sector, including roles at Aéroports de Paris and as Technical Director of VINCI Airports, where he supported global concession growth. From 2017 to 2024, he served as CEO of Aéroports de Lyon. In 2024, he transitioned to highway concessions as Technical and Operations Director of VINCI Highways, overseeing operations across 14 countries.

James Hofmann is the Executive Director/CEO of NTTA, leading the implementation of board policies and staff operations. He rejoined NTTA in 2013 after earlier roles from 2000 to 2007, including director of IT and business solutions, where he led an award-winning GIS project. He also spent time in the private sector working on tolling ventures involving public-private partnerships and major technology initiatives. Hofmann is the 2025 IBTTA president and a longtime leader in advancing national toll interoperability.

Ferzan Ahmed has served as the Executive Director of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission since February 2019. Ahmed is a registered Professional Engineer and a former Chair of the Ohio Board of Registration for Engineers and Surveyors. In 2025, he served as Chair of the Global Road Safety Committee for IBTTA. Active in his community, he also serves as a City Council member and a Planning and Zoning Commissioner for the City of Powell, and Chair of the Delaware County Transit Board. A native of Pakistan, he moved to the US in 1985 as a college student, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Kansas State University.

Bill M. Halkias is CEO of New Attica Tollway Concession Co., with over 40 years of international transport experience, including a decade in the U.S. He has held leadership roles throughout Greece’s tolling sector since 1996 and served as CEO of Attica Tollway Operations Authority from 1999 to 2022. Halkias is the Immediate Past President of IBTTA, where he led the launch of the Global Road Safety initiative “Be Safe Together” during his 2024 presidency. He has also served as President of IRF, ASECAP, HELLASTRON (Hellenic Association of Toll Road Network), and HITE.