Professional and Career Development

Leadership ITE

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LeadershipITE

Leadership Development Built for Transportation Professionals

LeadershipITE helps transportation professionals strengthen the communication, collaboration, leadership, and relationship-building skills needed to lead within their organizations, communities, and ITE.

Since 2014, the program has brought together emerging leaders from across the transportation profession for an intensive combination of workshops, networking, team projects, and leadership development.

Shelley Row

Led by Shelley Row, P.E., CSP

2027 will be Shelley's last class.

2027 Program at a Glance

September 15

Application Deadline
September 15, 2026

$3,500

Program Tuition
Funding due November 16, 2026

Hybrid

Interactive Format
In-person and virtual programming

2 Meetings

In Person
Washington, DC and Calgary

Important Travel Requirement for the 2027 Class

The 2027 program includes an in-person opening program in Washington, DC and a final program and graduation held in conjunction with the ITE Annual Meeting in Calgary in July. Applicants should confirm before applying that they are able to participate in both meetings and have the travel documents required for international travel.

Why LeadershipITE?

Technical expertise is essential, but leadership increasingly requires more. Transportation professionals must communicate effectively, understand different perspectives, build strong relationships, advocate for ideas, and lead through change.

LeadershipITE is designed specifically for the transportation profession. The program combines leadership instruction with interactive exercises, peer learning, networking, real-world team projects, and engagement with ITE leaders and alumni.

The program is led by Shelley Row, P.E., CSP , a professional leadership consultant, registered professional engineer, and former USDOT executive.

Read: The Value of LeadershipITE for Employee Retention

The Program Experience

  • In-person workshops and networking
  • Nine interactive four-hour virtual workshops
  • Experiential leadership exercises
  • Small-team projects addressing real transportation challenges
  • Networking with classmates, alumni, and ITE leadership
  • Graduation at the ITE Annual Meeting and Exhibition

How the 2027 Program Works

01

Begin Together

The class begins with an in-person program in Washington, DC, combining leadership development, interactive workshops, and opportunities to build relationships with classmates.

02

Learn and Collaborate

Participants continue throughout the year with nine interactive virtual workshops, assignments, networking opportunities, and small-team projects focused on real-world issues.

03

Graduate in Calgary

The program concludes with an in-person program and graduation held in conjunction with the ITE Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Calgary.

What You'll Gain

  • Greater self-awareness and confidence in your strengths and leadership style
  • Stronger communication skills for working with individuals, teams, and stakeholders
  • Greater adaptability when working with different personalities and perspectives
  • Professional relationships and networks across the transportation profession
  • More confidence as an advocate and leader within ITE, your workplace, and your community
  • A lasting alumni network of transportation professionals and leaders

See LeadershipITE in Action

LeadershipITE 2025 Promo

Learn More About LeadershipITE

Applying for the 2027 Class

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be an active ITE Member or Fellow in good standing.
  • Demonstrate contributions to ITE through volunteer activities.
  • Be willing to work with their employer, District, and Section to obtain financial support for the registration fee.

Application Packet

Applications for the 2027 class are due September 15, 2026.

A completed application packet includes:

  • Completed application form
  • Responses to short essay questions
  • Support letter from a non-employer
  • Support letter from a current employer
  • Optional additional support letter from an ITE member or industry professional

Tuition

$3,500

Tuition includes virtual workshops, course materials, and registration for the ITE Annual Meeting and Exhibition held during the program year.

Payment deadline: November 16, 2026

Employer Support

Need help explaining the value of the program or requesting financial support from your organization?

Download the Sample Employer Support Letter

PDH Credits

TPCB allows a limited number of PDHs from non-engineering-related topics. For PTOE, PTP, and RSP2 certifications, 12-15 PDHs are allowed; for RSP1, 6 PDHs are allowed.

Explore LeadershipITE Alumni

Questions About LeadershipITE?

Contact ITE staff liaison Kathi Driggs at kdriggs@ite.org or email leadership@ite.org.