Linda Bailey Stepping Down As NACTO Executive Director; Succeeded By Deputy Director Corinne Kisner
The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) today announced that Executive Director Linda Bailey is stepping down after six years of growth and accomplishment with the organization. Linda will be succeeded by NACTO Deputy Director Corinne Kisner, effective February 1, 2019. Linda’s leadership transformed NACTO from a small association with three staff members to a global team of 23 staff, providing national policy leadership and producing innovative street design standards that are being implemented in hundreds of cities around the world.
“I am deeply grateful to the entire NACTO community, from our member cities and transit agencies to our engaged board, for the opportunity to serve them over the past six years,” said Linda Bailey, who is leaving to pursue a new transportation opportunity, to be announced this week. “We have accomplished so much change in so little time. Cities are building streets that are safer, more vibrant and more inviting, transit improvements are rolling out, and we’re tackling decades-old inequities in our transportation systems. As our momentum continues to accelerate, I’m excited to see what the organization accomplishes in its next chapter.”
In the last six years, NACTO added numerous new design standards to its library, including the Urban Street Design Guide and the Global Street Design Guide, plus strategies for emergent transportation topics ranging from the design and implementation of bike share to stormwater management.
“Over these six years, Linda built not just an association, but a movement for safe, sustainable streets and cities,” said Janette Sadik-Khan, NACTO Chair. “With national guidance that puts people first on our streets and by broadening NACTO’s reach beyond North America, Linda has transformed NACTO into the voice on urban transportation innovation.”
“Linda shaped NACTO into a prominent and impactful voice for cities,” said Seleta Reynolds, NACTO President. “Her legacy is a solid foundation purpose-built to confront the next set of challenges facing cities, and to build equitable streets and places.”
Incoming Executive Director Corinne Kisner brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments from her six years at the organization, most recently as Deputy Director. Corinne led the development of the NACTO Designing Cities conference, which under her leadership has grown from a niche gathering to what is today one of the premier city transportation conferences in North America. With a background in urban planning and transportation policy, she served as lead editor for many of NACTO’s foundational design guides, including the Transit Street Design Guide. Most recently, Corinne launched Leadership NACTO, which is cultivating the next generation of city transportation leaders.
“Linda’s leadership has been an incredible asset to NACTO and I can’t think of a better mentor and friend to have partnered with over the past six years,” said Corinne Kisner. “Together, cities hold enormous collective power. We must use that strength—in both transportation policy and street design—to meaningfully address climate change, traffic fatalities, and systemic racism and inequality. I am honored to lead NACTO as we work to build a sustainable, just future.”
“Corinne has been a driving force behind many of NACTO’s signature accomplishments and helped stage-manage the organization’s growth from a start-up to an innovation leader,” said Janette Sadik-Khan. “Her energy and vision will sustain and propel NACTO to even greater achievements.”
“Leaders activate cities. As the architect of Leadership NACTO, Corinne has strengthened the pipeline for the next generation of commissioners. As Deputy Director, she has mastered smaller details and big vision,” said Seleta Reynolds. “Corinne at the helm enables NACTO to keep our projects on track and our focus squarely on the ambitious work ahead.”
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About the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)
NACTO is an association of 76 major North American cities and transit agencies formed to exchange transportation ideas, insights, and practices and cooperatively approach national transportation issues. The organization’s mission is to build cities as places for people, with safe, sustainable, accessible, and equitable transportation choices that support a strong economy and vibrant quality of life.
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