MoDOT Leaders Shine at Operations Academy

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Each year, MoDOT selects a small group of candidates to participate in the Operations Academy. This year, Traffic Systems Supervisor at Gateway Guide, Tawanda Bryant and Traffic Systems Supervisor at KC Scout in the Kansas City District, Kelly Alvarez, were nominated for this exciting opportunity.

The Operations Academy is a professional development program focused on Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO). Throughout the virtual portion and in-person portion of this academy, individuals learned about topics such as performance management, systems engineering fundamentals, managing disruptions and corridor operations, capability maturity models, and workforce leadership development.

Not only is it a huge accomplishment to be nominated for this program, but it is an even bigger accomplishment to be selected for the final presentations.

“Out of 45 submissions, only six were selected for group presentations – including mine, which focused on the 2024 cyberattack on KC Scout.” Alvarez said. “I collaborated with a team to expand the topic into a broader discussion on transportation system disruptions and mitigation strategies. We explored how events like cyberattacks, hurricanes, power failures, and network outages can impact TMCs and transportation hubs, and how agencies can build resilience.”

Being selected for this program and its final presentations is a testament to their expertise and leadership in advancing transportation operations across the region.



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