Illinois Tollway Plays Key Leadership Role in Global Tolling Industry
The Illinois Tollway is taking a greater leadership role in the worldwide tolling industry while developing the next generation of leaders.
Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse shared her insights on the tolling industry with a group of nearly 40 emerging toll industry professionals as part of the annual IBTTA Leadership Academy. This year’s theme was, “Building Your Future Together.”
“The IBTTA Leadership Academy provides a great opportunity for industry leaders to help senior-level managers hone their leadership skills, gain more knowledge about the industry and expand their network of industry peers,” said Rouse. “The Illinois Tollway has a deeply talented bench and I’m excited to have this opportunity to help develop our next generation of leadership.”
Rouse was part of an Executive Workshop panel discussion and roundtable with chief executive officers from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Richmond Transportation Authority and Elizabeth River Crossings in Virginia. Each executive went around to smaller groups of participants to discuss the challenges and priorities for toll agency leadership.
The IBTTA Leadership Academy Class of 2024 includes Illinois Tollway General Manager of Contract Management Gilletta Stewart, who has been with the agency since 2005. She came highly recommended by Tollway leadership for the opportunity to develop her leadership skills and style through the course.
Stewart, who has been in Business Systems her entire career with the Tollway, said she found the program to be a transformative growth experience that has given her a fresh perspective and renewed curiosity on ways to innovate and expand on Tollway projects.
She also was inspired to learn how the Illinois Tollway is well-admired and respected among its peers.
“Other toll agencies look to us as a leader in the industry,” said Stewart. “Hearing it from other agencies made me proud to be with the Illinois Tollway.”
The IBTTA Leadership Academy is a rigorous week-long executive development program tailored specifically for senior-level managers in public- and private-sector organizations that serve the toll industry. Nearly 475 toll industry professionals have graduated from the program since it started in 2008.