Candidate for President
Michael Sanderson, PE, PTOE
Principal, Sanderson Stewart, Billings, Montana

For the past 2 years, I have been privileged to serve as an officer of the Western District. Over this time, I have gained valuable insight into the operations of the District. I’ve worked with the other officers, international directors and the District’s dedicated committee chairs to serve the members of ITE and to help achieve our common goals. Now I’m honored to be nominated as President and would appreciate your vote.

Prior to my service at the District level, I have served ITE in many past roles and each has added to the perspective I bring to my role as a District leader.  From the Montana Chapter, to the Intermountain Section, to Local Arrangements Committee Chairman for the 2005 District 6 Annual Meeting and Professional Advisor for the Montana State University student chapter, I have gained valuable insights to the issues of the Institute.

When I originally campaigned for District office, I campaigned on the following themes, and they still resonate today:

• Serve our current members first.  Carefully considering the value of the services we provide is paramount in the current economy as our members scrutinize the use of their discretionary dollars.
• Support the student initiatives endowment.  Students are the future of our profession and the Institute and should remain one of our highest priorities.
• Increase membership.  As many organizations look for ways to cut spending, we will need to develop new and creative ways to attract members.
• Elevate the public image of transportation professionals.  Starting as early as elementary school, we must work to create a positive “brand” for our profession so the public recognizes our significant contributions to their quality of life.
• Maintain ITE’s family-friendly meetings and reduce registration fees.  Our family-friendly meetings distinguish ITE from other organizations. As a board we must work hard to keep registration fees and hotel costs affordable.