VTCA Spring Transportation Conference
Hilton Norfolk – The Main
March 25–27, 2026
Program Subject to Change
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
9:00 a.m.
VTCA Spring Conference Golf Tournament
Riverfront Golf Club
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contractor Leadership Committee
Engineering Consultant Leadership Committee
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Alternative Project Delivery Committee
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Registration Open
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Kickoff Reception
Main Ballroom (4th Floor)
Thursday, March 26, 2026
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Registration Open
8:30 a.m.
Opening and Keynote Session
Granby Ballroom (3rd Floor)
- Welcome and Opening Comments – Nate Orders, VTCA President
- Keynote Presented by Marsh McLennan, Introduction by Scott Rooney – Becoming Awesome, Building a Champion Mindset – Cam Awesome
9:30 a.m.
Networking Break
Main Ballroom (4th Floor)
10:00 a.m.
Plenary Session
Granby Ballroom (3rd Floor)
- Tony Fassino, Group President at Caterpillar, Inc. 2025–2026 Chair American Road and Transportation Builders Association
- Mariia Zimmerman – Director, Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- DJ Stadtler - Executive Director, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
- Stephen Brich, PE – Virginia Commissioner of Highways
Noon
Lunch, Networking and Trade Show
Main Ballroom (4th Floor)
1:30 p.m.
Plenary Session
Granby Ballroom (3rd Floor) – Host: TBD
- VDOT Environmental Performance Program Award – Presented by the Commissioner of Highways, Stephen Brich, PE
- Innovation, Integration, and Cultural Shifts in Construction – Panel Moderator: Mike Van Sickel, Iron Sheep Dog; Panel: Robert Poutier, VDOT; Paul Cousins, Chaney Enterprises; Greg Dangler, Bulk Source; Rob Cary, Deloitte; Andrew Patron, HELPS.
- Virginia Department of Highways - Bart Thrasher, PE – Chief Engineer
3:00 p.m.
Break, Networking and Trade Show
Main Ballroom (4th Floor)
3:30 p.m. – Concurrent Sessions
Breakout Session A1 – VDOT Program Delivery
Granby Ballroom – Host: Tom Fulton, SKANSKA
- VDOT Structure and Bridge Program – Adam Matteo, PE, State Structure Bridge Engineer, VDOT
- VDOT Alternative Project Delivery Program – Jeff Roby, PE, State Alternative Project Delivery Engineer, VDOT
- VDOT Cost Estimation Office – Harold Caples, PE, State Cost Estimation Engineer, VDOT
- VDOT Construction Program – Joint Panel Discussion – Kerry Bates, Jessica Colbert, Contractor Leadership Committee Chair, Allan Myers; Panel: VDOT staff and Contractor Representatives TBD
Breakout Session A2 – Momentum
Host: Randy Wirt, ECS
- ORD 2025 Migration and ProjectWise Security Audits – Brian McPeters, PE, Kimley-Horn
- Update from PSPO: Workload, Conflict of Interest, Contract Mgt. System, Quality Management in EOI’s, etc. – Jena Richmond, VDOT PSPO
- A Forum on Plan Quality – Emmett Heltzel, PE, VDOT Location & Design Engineer; Todd Springer, VDOT Structure & Bridge
Breakout Session A3 – Fusion
- VDOT E-Ticketing Status – Jeff Jaekel, VDOT eConstruction Initiatives Engineer/Construction Division
- Waters of the U.S. & Federal Update – Emily Coyner, NSSGA
- Construction Economic Outlook – Scott Seaborn, Luck Stone
Breakout Session A4 – Field Facts, Fast Tracks - 15 Minute Expert Briefs
Paul Fram Lecture Hall
Join our Associate members for a high-energy series of 15-minute briefings designed to keep you ahead of the curve on the latest technical, policy, and operational trends. From AI-driven equipment and software licensing changes to essential field maintenance, this session delivers a diverse “greatest hit” of industry expertise in one fast-moving 90-minute session.
- ‘Hey Cat...how do I?’ (The Introduction of Cat AI Assistant) - Jason Threewitts, Carter Machinery
- Prequalification: The Road to a Better Project – Scott Rooney, Marsh
- Navigating VDOT Bentley Licensing Changes – Cuan Tobin, CAD Journey
- Pumps and Pumping – Craig Rautiola, East Rock Solutions
- Don't Leave the Rubber (on the side of) the Road - Driving Your Tire Costs Down with Basic Maintenance – Trey Primm, McCarthy Tires
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception
Main Ballroom (4th Floor)
Friday, March 27, 2026
7:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Registration Open
8:30 a.m. – Concurrent Sessions
Breakout Session B1 – Momentum
- VDOT Environmental Compliance Program – NEPA Changes and Policy Updates - Chris Swanson, Environmental Division Director, VDOT
- VDOT Civil Rights Program – DBE Recertification and SWAM Updates – Queen Crittendon, Civil Rights Division Administrator, VDOT
Breakout Session B2 – Granby Ballroom
Host: Jazalyn Dukes, Jacobs
- Virginia MUTCD/WAPM – Robert Cochrane, VDOT Traffic Operations
- CEI Program Update: New manual & Team Selection Procedures – Karen Kee, Sherry Eagle and Andrea Young, VDOT Construction
- Innovations in Bridge Engineering and Construction - Adam Matteo, VDOT S&B
Breakout Session B3 – Fusion
- Aggregate Program Update – Aggregate Subcommittee Chairs: Mark Vigil, Luck Stone (Environmental); Wes Kite, Luck Companies (Marketing); Dan Babish, Luck Stone (Operations); Andrew Wren, Vulcan Materials (Safety); Adam Beissner, Luck Stone (Technical)
- Overview of TMDL Prioritization and Development in Virginia - Justin Williams & Anne Schlegel, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- Engaging with TMDLs and the Impact on Aggregate Operations – John Brooks, GES
10:00 a.m.
Networking Break and Trade Show
Main Ballroom (4th Floor)
10:15 a.m.
Closing Plenary
Granby Ballroom (3rd Floor)
- Virginia's Transportation Future - Focus and Funding
- Chris Saxman, Executive Director, Virginia FREE
- Virginia Delegate David Reid, 28th District, County of Loudoun
- Nick Donohue – Virginia Secretary of Transportation
11:30 a.m.
Closing Remarks