The Sectional

Michael Paylor takes safety personally, not just because he’s a father of three, or Montgomery County’s Chief of Traffic Engineering and Operations, but because he wants to do what’s right on the network. Sarah and Eric already knew Michael but they learned how his current role provides him the opportunity to interact with the public, collaborate with SHA, and coordinate with the County’s council government. All transportation practitioners can appreciate Michael’s diverse toolbox to promote safety, whether that be automated enforcement, signalization based on engineering judgement, or data based public outreach. Oh, and might Michael have a future career in politics or music…? Date of Recording: Wednesday, March 4, 2026https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-l-paylor-p-e-ptoe-2539018/

Although Xavier Harmony has now moved outside of the region and the US entirely, he provided a variety of local transit insights. Sarah and Eric enjoyed discussing everything from ridership to policy decisions, focusing on how transit impacts our communities and the transportation options available. We enjoyed Xavier’s unique perspective because of his diverse career path and the comparisons he can draw between Australia and the US. We admire Xavier as a professional and a father for sharing his passion with his daughter. Xavier was previously employed by NVTC but now works for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads in Brisbane. He’s no longer local but even across the world, the transportation community remains tight knit.Date of Recording: Monday, March 6, 2025https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavierharmony/

Mike Sakata, President & CEO of Maryland Transportation Builders & Materials Association (MTBMA), wears many hats within the industry. Thanks to his roles and diverse background, he has become laser focused on promoting a safe transportation system that will progress our communities forward. Sarah and Eric have dedicated their careers towards this same goal, nevertheless, it was enlightening to converse with Mike about his unique perspective. Mike participates in the legal, business, and communicative processes involved in advocating for more infrastructure and preparing the industry for challenges ahead. He provided us a motivating message to advocate for infrastructure that works for all users without compromising safety.  Date of Recording: Monday, September 16, 2024https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesakata/ 

Safety is a multi-discipline endeavor. Jessica Cicchino, Senior VP of Research from the IIHS-HLDI, was our guide through the many ways that her organization brings together professionals from a variety of specialties and backgrounds to perform valuable research on the motor vehicles that traverse our roadways and the human behaviors that influence vehicle operation. The IIHS stays on top of the latest technology trends to provide consumers with information for an informed purchase. Sarah and Eric cherished the opportunity to speak with and relate to Jessica and her organization’s work because in one way or another we are all working to improve safety for our communities.  Date of Recording: Monday, May 20, 2024 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-cicchino-a3b3005/

Mobile ID, Customer Connect System, CAV testing, and a pilot testing out Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) technology are just some ways Chrissy Nizer and her team are modernizing the Maryland DOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). But these systems don’t run on their own, customer service is at the core of everything the MVA does. Needless to say, we were humbled with the opportunity to speak with Administrator Nizer and hear about how the MVA puts people first in new, safe, and innovative ways.On November 17th, 2023, Governor Moore's Work Zone Safety Work Group announced its final set of recommendations. View the complete recommendations here​.​Date of Recording: day, November 28, 2023 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-nizer-3b84a845/

After a long day of work, nothing sounds better than going to school. Wait, huh? At least that’s what seemed to be Norie Calvert’s perspective throughout her career as she hustled to achieve her accomplishments. She did so by working hard to move up the career ladder, continuously striving for more knowledge and new opportunities. Norie, WMATA’s Director of Contract Support and Marketing Outreach, impressed Eric and Sarah as they discussed her upbringing, work ethic, and determination to continuously step into new crucial roles. She shared the latest in procurement methodologies and her tips for consultants who are submitting proposals.Date of Recording: Thursday, October 26, 2023https://www.linkedin.com/in/norie-calvert-51660489/

What do DC; Corvallis, OR; and Tehran, Iran all have in common? Our latest guest, Sahar Nabaee, has walked and rode through their streets looking for ways to improve safety and quality of life! It’s more than just a catchphrase, Sahar dives into the specifics of Vision Zero with Sarah and Eric. We discuss how her work at DDOT is overcoming common challenges to create a network that is more welcoming to a wider variety of modes and users. As Traffic Safety Manager, she leads a team that is committed to delivering quick build solutions so that DC residents and visitors can appreciate the benefits of a well-rounded and safer transportation network. Date of Recording: Monday, September 25, 2023 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-nabaee-p-e-37900632/

There’s no better place to talk about MTA’s Red Line, Resilience 2050, the state of good repair, and urban planning than right here in the heart of Downtown Baltimore. Sponsors, members, and friends of WDCSITE joined us at the Hotel Revival for a rooftop live session of The Sectional. Brian O’Malley, President and CEO of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance (CMTA), intrigued us with the past, present, and future of Central Maryland’s transportation system. Sarah and Eric engage with Brian and his stories that have us meander around topics such as Light Rail and the Orioles, the irony of a Bus Rapid Transit ribbon cutting, and the Highway to Nowhere.Date of Recording: Thursday, September 7, 2023https://www.cmtalliance.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-o-malley-b3886219/

Although the phrase was coined following her transition from a private to public employer, we feel like we’ve experienced our own Carole Effect after chatting with Carole Delion about Connected and Automated Vehicles! We learned and were inspired by her insight as Deputy Director of MDOT SHA’s Office of Transportation Mobility & Operations. Carole’s unique background, career mantras, and passion for her work have driven her to be a leader in our region for this emerging technology. We discuss future scenarios as well as technology you can find right here on our own streets today. This episode is as much about CAVs as it is an encouragement to take on new opportunities life throws at us. Date of Recording: Monday, March 20, 2023https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdelion/

Operations, Planning, Engineering – all vital yet typical transportation professional disciplines. But what about Reporting? Jordan Pascale, reporter for WAMU Radio, provides us a perspective we often don’t hear in a professional setting. Jordan chats with Sarah and Eric about the myriad of topics he covers on a day-to-day basis. Jordan’s passion for all things transportation is evident as we touch on some of his favorite bike lanes, the implications of free Metrobus fares in DC, the chaotic curbside, the push towards vision zero, and more. Date of Recording: Monday, February 6, 2023 https://wamu.org/person/jordan-pascale/https://twitter.com/JWPascalehttps://dcist.com/person/jordan-pascale/