WTS is an international organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women. With over 6,500 members, including both women and men, WTS is turning the glass ceiling into a career portal through its professional programs, networking opportunities, and unparalleled access to industry and government leaders.

The WTS SW Idaho Chapter met on February 21st to celebrate those who’ve made valuable contributions to the transportation industry. 

Employer of the Year, Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) 

LHTAC was recognized by the SW Idaho chapter for supporting the goal, mission and purpose of WTS. LHTAC is a government agency that serves all cities, counties and highway districts in the State of Idaho. In the 25 years since LHTAC was established they have prioritized promoting opportunities for women within the organization and continuing education to encourage growth. LHTAC’s current staff is 50% female and LHTAC management is also 50% female. To achieve this mark, LHTAC not only looked at ways to promote female success, but also how to adapt to the current female workforce. LHTAC recruits and promotes women internally at rates exceeding industry averages. LHTAC is successful at exceeding their goals because women are valued and supported in the workplace. LHTAC continues to attract and retain talented women and we are proud to present LHTAC with the Employer of the Year Award.

Member of the Year, Stacey Spencer, Executive Officer, ACHD

Stacey Spencer is currently the Secretary of the Board for ACHD and Executive Officer to the Director. Since 2013, she has brilliantly chaired multiple civic, charitable, Veteran, and government committees while at ACHD, consistently culminating in stellar results across the board. Moreover, her flawless and selfless support, leadership, and guidance for the Director, ACHD’s Executive Team, and their 360 team members continues to be the lynchpin for the District’s day to day operations

Prior to joining ACHD, Stacey was the Senior Director of Business Operations for the Portland Trail Blazers, where she spent 13 years as an integral leader in the organization. At the end of her tenure, she was one of the highest-ranking women executives in the NBA. Due to her efforts and energy, the team set NBA records for revenue growth and fan experience from 2007-2009.

Currently, she is the Membership Chair for the SW Idaho WTS chapter and works to gain membership into this wonderful organization. Stacey graduated from the University of Oregon and lives in Boise with her husband, Brad Stith, son Brady and step-daughter AJ. Their family is an avid supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Ada County, Make-A-Wish Idaho, the Idaho Guard and Reserve Family Support Fund, Mountain Home Air Force Base’s Operation Warmheart, the University of Idaho and Vandal Scholarship Fund, and the University of Oregon. She enjoys golf and spending time with her family.

Secretary Ray LaHood Award (Man of the Year Award), Jeff Miles Administrator, LHTAC

Jeff began working in highway construction for ITD in 1978 while working around his college class schedule. After graduating from Idaho State University with an engineering degree he continued his career with the Department working in many disciplines, Districts and Sections. During the 33 years he was with the Department he also worked as a manager in District 3 and Headquarters. In 2011 he joined LHTAC as the Deputy Administrator later becoming the Administrator.

Jeff has played an important role in the advancement of both women and minorities throughout his career. He constantly encourages women to grow and take on new challenges and leads his staff by allowing them the opportunity to be promoted within.

Innovative Transportation Solutions Award, Megan Kautz Resident Engineer, LHTAC

Megan has been with the LHTAC for five years working within the construction section. Her duties include advocating for local highway jurisdictions through roadway and bridge construction contract administration. During her career in transportation, she has worked in materials testing, investigation, phase report generation, construction inspection and administration, highway project design, traffic analysis, and other varied aspects of the transportation discipline.

The project for which Megan is being recognized is the $3.5 million Pine Road Bridge project. The project scope originally included construction of a three-span concrete girder bridge but was redesigned to a 185’ clear span steel bridge. The project was redesigned to accommodate a very short and federally mandated in-water work window and to avoid a large obstruction found below the riverbed which prevented construction of the bridge piers. The project was redesigned over the 2017-2018 winter in just short five months in order for it to be constructed in two construction seasons as originally bid. The project team was even able to coordinate and incorporate Federal agency requirements and permitting to deliver the project on schedule. This project required the negotiation and justification for over $2 million in new and changed bid items as part of a change order that replaced the entire plan set and special provisions.

Woman of the Year, Susan Kiebert, Local Communication Coordinator, LHTAC

Susan Kiebert has 38 years of experience in the field of community organization, public relations and public policy development. She currently serves as Local Communication Coordinator for LHTAC. Prior to that she served as ITD District 1 Mobility Manager in the area of Public Transportation for Community Transportation Association of Idaho, a sub recipient of ITD for these services. She was employed by AECOM as the Public Involvement Specialist for the US 95 Sand Creek Byway project office, the first full time Public Involvement Office funded by ITD. Susan served as an intern in the Office of the Majority Leader of the US Senate, staffed interim committees of the Idaho Legislature and co-authored legislation in the areas of Public Transportation and others. She has chaired numerous state and community policy-making Boards, and has served as a certified mediator and facilitator for the State of Idaho as well as managed a private, non-profit human service agency for 18 years.

Susan has supported and mentored women at every step within their careers. Her circle of influence would be nearly impossible to measure as so many people have been positively affected by her and have gone on to have successful careers across the state and the country. Susan has never seen a limit when it comes to women or minorities and what they are able to achieve and has served as a voice for all.

Partner of the Year, HDR

HDR has been a long-term supporter of the WTS SW Idaho Chapter through board positions, committee involvement, sponsorship, and representing the chapter at WTS international and regional events. In 2018, HDR employees held board positions for Past President and Social Media Chair. Additionally, HDR representatives served on the Transportation YOU/Scholarship Committee and Awards Committee. We are proud to serve as a Trailblazer Partner for WTS International as well as a 2018 Strategic Partner for the SW Idaho Chapter. We were honored to host the WTS International Board and Foundation Board in our office when they held their meetings in Boise in September of 2018. At most WTS SW Idaho events, you will find several HDR attendees. HDR recognizes the value of WTS and all the people who make it a success.