One of the USA’s leading suppliers of all forms of ITS (intelligent transportation systems) equipment, Econolite, has announced that it has appointed the highly respected transport industry veteran Kirk Steudle as its new senior vice president.
In his new role, Steudle (below right) will lead the company’s Transportation Systems Group, as well as its connected and automated vehicle technology advisory services subsidiary CAVita. Steudle joins Econolite following decades with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Most recently, he served as director of the agency for the past 13 years. He has developed unique partnerships to achieve unparalleled results in delivering complex projects and programs, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge, public-private partnerships (P3s) for freeway reconstructions and lighting systems, and the largest most progressive testing environment for connected and highly automated vehicles.
He served on and chaired numerous boards of local and national transportation organizations and academic institutions. Steudle is a nationally recognized authority on the development of CAV systems and is a registered professional engineer.
“Kirk Steudle is an industry icon with 30 years of industry experience, much of it in application of technologies in transportation. He not only led one of the most progressive State DOTs in the USA, but has also impacted and shaped the industry through his leadership positions at TRB, AASHTO, ITS America, and other trade organizations,” said Econolite’s president and COO, Abbas Mohaddes.
“His leadership and proven track record for delivering notable results for some of the most influential transportation programs is unmatched, and we are very pleased to have him join the team and play a significant role in our growth and expansion plan in products and services.”
Steudle commented, “My perspective on the future of transportation aligns perfectly with Econolite’s vision of integrating technology today to create smarter connected communities and connected and automated mobility for the future. I look forward to working with Econolite, its partners and transportation agencies, in forging new relationships and in applying new technologies that will help move people and goods in a safe and efficient transportation system.”
Econolite also announced that it has appointed Douglas Wiersig to the new position of vice president where he will focus on business development and program advisory activities, primarily in the State of Texas, as part of the company’s expansion strategy. Wiersig brings more than 30 years of transportation and infrastructure engineering and management to Econolite. He recently served as the director of transportation and public works for the City of Fort Worth, Texas for eight years and has held executive positions managing the transportation and infrastructure programs in both private and public organizations in Texas, as well as serving as director for the Cobb County Department of Transportation in Georgia.
Mohaddes said, “We are delighted to welcome Doug to the leadership team. His addition comes at a pivotal time for Econolite as we focus on expanding and growing our business. His extensive and proven industry experience is well matched by his public agency service and understanding of the user community.”
