Episode Title:
"Balancing Priorities - Perspectives on Leadership, Working Across Sectors, and the Future of Transportation"

Episode Summary:
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Jennifer Toth, Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), as she shares her unique 360-degree perspective on transportation infrastructure. With experience spanning the private sector, local government, and state leadership, Jennifer offers valuable insights into how transportation decisions are made, funded, and delivered.

In this episode, we explore Jennifer's career journey from aspiring ballerina to transportation leader, discuss the challenges of sustainable infrastructure funding, and learn about innovative approaches to collaboration between state and local agencies. Jennifer also shares her thoughts on emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, workforce development challenges, and the importance of safety in transportation systems.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
0:23 - Jennifer's Background & Career Overview
2:51 - Early Career: From Ballet to Engineering
4:37 - First Role at ADOT & Mentorship
5:43 - Master's Thesis on Constructability
6:21 - Transition to Private Sector Experience
7:02 - Katrina Relief Effort & Lessons Learned
8:36 - Defining Moment: Sedona Route 179 Project
10:03 - Balancing Internal Promotions vs. External Hires
11:57 - Return to Public Sector & Policy Work
14:19 - Transition to Maricopa County DOT
15:40 - Learning Collaboration at Local Level
18:55 - Misconceptions About State DOTs
20:30 - Project Development Process Challenges
20:49 - Advice for Sector Transitions
23:22 - Role as ADOT Director & Defining Success
25:00 - Safety Campaign: "No Such Thing as Accidents"
26:33 - Balancing Urban, Suburban & Rural Priorities
27:59 - Next Move Arizona Listening Tour
28:31 - Building Organizational Culture at ADOT
29:54 - Partnerships & Collaboration
30:46 - Transportation Funding Challenges
31:30 - Gas Tax & Purchasing Power Issues
32:19 - Electric Vehicles & Funding Impact
34:00 - Educating Public on Funding Sources
36:10 - Innovative Funding Solutions & P3s
38:04 - Federal Grants vs. Formula Funding
39:15 - Arizona's SMART Fund Program
40:31 - Future of Transportation: Autonomous Vehicles & AI
42:30 - Workforce Development Concerns
44:30 - Cross-Training & Industry Collaboration
45:39 - No Silver Bullet for Transportation Challenges
46:10 - Leadership Habits: Planning & Reflection
47:38 - Book Recommendations: Patrick Lencioni
48:13 - Most Underrated: Maintenance & Operations
49:14 - Advice for Next Generation
50:32 - Final Safety Message
51:05 - Closing Remarks

Resources Mentioned: Arizona Highways Magazine - https://www.arizonahighways.com/

Next Move Arizona (outreach coming March-April) https://azdot.gov/

Books: "The Advantage" and "The Team Player" by Patrick Lencioni

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The Public Works Podcast: Jennifer Toth Episode