Mike Heiligenstein, Executive Director of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, has been elected President of the International Bridge Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them. The election took place at the IBTTA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Mike comes to the presidency of IBTTA at a critical time for road infrastructure in the U.S. and around the world,” said Patrick D. Jones, IBTTA Executive Director. “As governments seek new revenues to support their critical yet aging, transportation links, tolling represents a proven method to fund vital road infrastructure without raising taxes. Mike’s experience and proven record in state and local government along with his innovative thinking make him an outstanding choice to lead IBTTA in 2014.” Heiligenstein will serve as the President of IBTTA for one year. He previously served as the First Vice President of the association.
“Being chosen for this position by my colleagues is not only an honor but an acknowledgment of what the Mobility Authority has accomplished in the ten years since it was created,” said Heiligenstein. “Central Texas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and that brings great challenges for mobility. Our organization is moving forward to deliver a regional transportation system of expressways that is seamless, enjoyable, safe, green, and reliable.”
Heiligenstein and the Mobility Authority will host the IBTTA 82nd Annual Meeting and Exposition in Austin in September 2014. The event is expected to attract nearly 1,000 IBTTA members worldwide and will afford a prime opportunity to showcase Austin and the innovative approach the Mobility Authority is taking to address local transportation challenges. The IBTTA Annual Meeting provides a venue for transportation thought leaders to share their knowledge in a mix of general sessions and breakout panels on subjects such as funding and contracting, technology, emergency planning, and the best mix of transportation modes for different community types and sizes.
“We will be able to highlight what the Mobility Authority and our region has done to help make getting around our communities easier as our population increases daily,” Heiligenstein said. “With a fantastic mix of education, technology, the great outdoors and entertainment, Austin continues to attract residents and businesses from around the world.”
Heiligenstein has been with the Mobility Authority since its inception and oversaw the development of its initial project, the 183A toll road in Williamson County, which is one of the first projects in the country to transition to all-electronic, cashless toll collection. Before taking the helm at the Mobility Authority, Heiligenstein served the citizens of Williamson County for 23 years as a public official. In addition to being president-elect of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, Heiligenstein serves on the advisory board of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, as well as on several other committees and working groups dealing with transportation issues.
