Young Leaders to Follow
Recognizing the Next Generation of ITE Leaders
ITE Young Leaders to Follow recognizes emerging transportation professionals who are already making an impact through their careers, volunteer leadership, and involvement in ITE.
Each year, ITE shines a spotlight on approximately 20 young members and introduces their accomplishments and leadership to the broader ITE community.
2027 applications begin in November 2026.
Who Are ITE's Young Leaders to Follow?
These are younger ITE members who are beginning to make a meaningful impact within the transportation profession and across ITE at the Chapter, Section, District, or International level.
The program helps elevate members who may not yet be visible at the highest levels of the organization while recognizing the leadership, service, and professional accomplishments they are already demonstrating.
District Rising Stars are automatically included if they have not previously been recognized as an ITE Young Leader to Follow. Additional selections help recognize a broader group of active young volunteers and emerging leaders.
Program at a Glance
35 or Younger
Eligible candidates are younger ITE members actively involved in the organization.
About 20 Honorees
ITE expects to recognize approximately 20 emerging leaders each year.
Multiple Ways to Apply
Candidates may be identified through self-nomination, peer nomination, or employer nomination.
Who Can Be Recognized?
Eligible candidates include ITE members who:
- Are age 35 or younger under the applicable program-year eligibility requirement.
- Are actively involved in ITE at the Chapter, Section, District, or International level.
- Are beginning to demonstrate meaningful leadership and professional accomplishments.
How Candidates Are Nominated
The program is designed to encourage a broad and diverse pool of candidates. Nominations may come from:
- Self-nomination
- Peers and fellow ITE members
- Employers
- District Rising Star recognition
What Young Leaders Receive
Selection as an ITE Young Leader to Follow provides opportunities for broader recognition throughout ITE and the transportation profession.
- Recognition in ITE Journal
- Official recognition certificate
- Recognition on the ITE website
- Communication with the recipient's employer and home Section
- Recognition at the ITE Annual Meeting
- Discounted Annual Meeting registration
- Invitation to Leadership Receptions during the Annual Meeting
- Potential additional recognition through the recipient's home District
Younger Member of the Year: The ITE Younger Member of the Year Award is selected from the overall pool of ITE Young Leaders to Follow.
Annual Selection Timeline
November
Program announced and application/nomination period begins.
April 1
Application and nomination deadline.
April 15
Selection committee completes evaluation and selection.
May-June
ITE Young Leaders to Follow are announced and recognized.
2027 Class: The next application cycle is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Meet Past Young Leaders to Follow
Explore previous classes and meet the transportation professionals recognized through the program.
Selection Committee
The Selection Committee is chaired by the International Vice President. Committee members include the Council Leadership Team Chair, Chair of LeadershipITE, Chair of the Younger Member Committee, and Chair of the Member Engagement Committee.
Questions About Young Leaders to Follow?
Contact Colleen Agan at cagan@ite.org .