Topic: We started a new section during a Global Pandemic…And Crushed It!

Speaker: Haley R. Slifko, PE Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Region 2 Project Development

This presentation will cover how our section, ASHE Tennessee Valley, was started. It will include how ASHE National, ASHE Middle Tennessee, and ASHE Georgia guided us on how to get started, the interest meetings held, and the support from TDOT leadership. The presentation will then cover how we started recruiting officers, getting members, chartering, and moving forward, all during the COVID-19 pandemic. To close the presentation, we will discuss some of our lessons learned and what we have found to be the best practices for running our TN Valley Section.

Topic: How to Collaborate and Support a Thriving ASHE Section

ASHE Phoenix Sonoran Section
James Barr
Susie Chen-Mason
Jessica Fly, P.E., P.M.P.
Jovan Ilijevski, P.E.
Suzanne Lansford, P.E.

How does your section measure success? Is it membership numbers, fundraising, programs, networking, education, or all of the above? ASHE Phoenix Sonoran section board members will host a panel discussion on how we collaborate to support our thriving section by:
 Sharing roles and maintaining continuity.
 Managing the balance of public/private and design/construction for programs and board member succession.
 Diversifying programs and membership to include aviation, transit, and multimodal organizations.
 Planning events that support transportation businesses.
 Student involvement and scholarship awards.

Topic: Unlocking the Secrets to Sustaining Growth: How to Keep Your ASHE Section Thriving!

ASHE Georgia Section

As ASHE’s largest section, it is imperative to maintain the momentum and keep members engaged and committed to the organization. One of the key strategies for achieving this is through member retention, which involves creating an environment that fosters growth, networking, and professional development. Annual events such as golf tournaments, bowling nights, poker tournaments, holiday socials, and monthly luncheons are not only fun and engaging but also provide opportunities for members to connect with one another and develop lasting relationships. It is crucial to ensure that these events are well-organized, marketed effectively, and offer a variety of sponsorship options to maximize participation. Communication is also vital, with regular newsletters, social media posts, and other channels being utilized to keep members informed and engaged. ASHE’s largest section must also focus on providing professional development opportunities, which are relevant and valuable to members, to encourage continued participation. With a concerted effort towards member retention, engagement, and professional development, ASHE’s largest section can continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the industry.