May 23, 2008

Contact: Amy Hewes
College of Engineering
805-756-6402
ahewes@calpoly.edu

CENG Alum Elected Chairman of the Intelligent Transportation Society Board of Directors

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America announced that its Board of Directors elected Cal Poly civil engineering alumnus Randell Iwasaki as Chairman.

Currently serving as chief deputy director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Iwasaki is considered one of the nation's leading authorities on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). His election marks the first time an official from any state department of transportation has achieved ITS chair. Iwasaki has served as Vice Chairman of ITS America's Board of Directors since June 2007. 

"Improving transportation infrastructure is more than just building new roads," Iwasaki said. "ITS technologies can assist in saving motorists travel time, decreasing air pollution and improving roadway safety."

Iwasaki has a distinguished record with Caltrans, serving more than 20 years in a number of high profile engineering and management positions. From December 2004 until December 2005, he managed Caltrans' $8.6 billion Toll Bridge Seismic Retrofit Program. In 2005, the College of Engineering named the Federal Highway Administration Advanced Transportation trailer the Randell H. Iwasaki ITS Lab in recognition of Iwasaki's help in acquiring the facility as a permanent classroom on campus.

Iwasaki earned his bachelor's degree from Cal Poly in 1982 and a holds a master's degree in Engineering from California State University, Fresno.

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America is the leading advocate for technologies that improve the safety, security and efficiency of the nation's surface transportation system. Members include private corporations, public agencies, and academic institutions involved in the research, development and design of Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies enhance safety, increase mobility and sustain the environment.

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