ATSSA Signal March/April 2020

The Signal | March/April 2020 5 ATSSA President & CEO Roger Wentz delivered his farewell address during the 50th Annual Convention & Traffic Expo in New Orleans in January. He officially retires at the end of March, after more than twodecades at thehelmof theAmer - ican Traffic Safety Services Association. Before his departure, Wentz reflected on his career, sharing his proudest achieve - ments, biggest challenges, and themost notable changes. Three accomplishments about which you are most proud Inmy22-plusyearsatATSSA, ourmembers have done somuch to improve roadway safety working through our committees and chapters that it’s difficult to narrow it to three. I startedat ATSSAonOctober 2, 1997, and in early 1998 the board engaged Tecker International to facilitate development of a new strategic plan. The board consid - ered whether ATSSA’s core purpose— its very reason for being—was to make money for its members or to promote safer roads. Their conclusion, based on the belief that “you do well by doing good,” was that the Association existed “To Advance Roadway Safety.” The resulting sense of purpose made it easy to come to work every day. And, it positioned ATSSA as the focal point of roadway safety infrastructure, especially with the creation of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). First, credit shouldbe given to theVirginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for sponsoring the first National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). ATSSA News Longtime President & CEO Roger Wentz provides perspective on ATSSA career Roger Wentz addresses the crowd gathered for the Opening General Session in New Orleans, his last conven - tion as president and CEO. Roger Wentz opens the Circle of Innovation event in New Orleans in January.