January February 2018

The Signal | January/February 2018 15 ATSSA News Leading the way to the top ATSSA President and CEO, Roger Wentz, marks 20 years of service to roadway safety industry and ATSSA A lot can happen in a span of 20 years— especially when it comes to the roadway safety industry. In about two decades, industry professionals have seen change- able message signs switch from running off gasoline to solar power, the incorpo- ration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in roadway work zones, and the introduction of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs). The last 20 years have not only seen waves of technological advancements in roadway products and devices, but also, there have been yearly surges of public awareness efforts for roadway and work zone safety, as well as collab- orative strides taken by government and industry-related entities. True, 2017 served as a great scenic view point on how far the industry has come, and howheavily involved and supportive ATSSA has been to lead it there, but it also marked the anniversary of ATSSA’s President and CEO, Roger Wentz. He came into the industry as somewhat of a novice, but a novice who was willing to listen and learn. Today, he stands at the helm of an association known as the leader in roadway safety. “When I first came to ATSSA, I thought the job was going to be simple. Signs and markings, how easy is that? Then I went to my first convention in 1998 and asked product manufacturers on the exhibit floor how their products worked,” Wentz said. “I realized that this was a much more complex industry than you would think just by looking at the devices.” A year prior to his first lesson in the industry, Wentz had only just started working at ATSSA in October, 1997. One of his first actions was to develop and implement the framework and vision that would set ATSSA and the industry on the track to where they are today. Wentz introduced ATSSA to knowledge- based governance, budgeting, and fore- casting. He led the effort to change ATSSA’s logo and tag line to Safer Roads Save Lives, and, working with the Board of Directors, identified the association’s new mission: “To Advance Roadway Safety.” According to ATSSA’s Vice President of Member Services, Donna Clark, who provided remarks at a ceremonyhonoring Wentz in November, those initial accom- plishments were just that—initial. Clark spoke to members of the Board of Directors and ATSSA staff about addi- tional highlights of Wentz’s leadership including his work to evolve ATSSA’s government relations efforts. “ATSSA is now a trusted and respected organization on Capitol Hill. Elected officials, andmembers of their staff, seek us out for input and advise on a number of roadway safety issues,” Clark said. Additionally, Wentz grew ATSSA’s Legislative Briefing & Fly-In, which now routinely sees more than 100 members in Washington, D.C. each year. Wentz also launched a state government rela- tions program to assist members in advocacy efforts in their home states. ATSSA’s chapter network has expanded across the U.S., with 26 chapters covering 42 states and Washington D.C. In public awareness efforts, Wentz spear- headed National Work Zone Awareness ATSSA is nowa trusted and respected organization on Capitol Hill. Elected officials, andmembers of their staff, seek us out for input and advise on a number of roadway safety issues ATSSA President and CEO, Roger Wentz, and association staff members gathered at a ceremony to honor Wentz’s 20 years at ATSSA.