Speaker Gallery
Keynote Speakers
Emcee
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Michelle Roman
Past Mayor
City of Kingsburg
Randell Iwasaki
President & CEO
Iwasaki Consulting Services, Inc.
Jennifer Hamilton
Consulting Technical Director
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership
Panel Board
Future Transportation Outlook: Funding and Projects
Moderator
Lynne Ashbeck
City Council Member
City of Clovis
Terry Ogle
Executive Director
Measure C/Fresno County Transportation Authority
Samir Sheikh
Executive Director
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
Lori Wilson
Assemblywoman
California State Assembly
Simran Jhutti
Principal Planner
Fresno Council of Governments
Michael Navarro
District 6 Director
California Department of Transportation
Jim Costa
Congressman
California's 21st Congressional District
Session 1A
Hydrogen in California: Progress and Possibilities
Join industry leaders from H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies, Port of Oakland, SoCalGas, and the City of Fresno Department of Transportation (FAX) as they discuss the latest developments in California’s hydrogen landscape. This panel will highlight key projects that have been completed, those currently in progress, and upcoming initiatives shaping the state’s clean energy future. Gain insights into the challenges, innovations, and opportunities driving hydrogen adoption across transportation, infrastructure, and energy sectors.
Moderator
Will Oliver
President & CEO
Fresno County Economic Development Corporation
Miguel Ruelas
Business Development Associate
H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies
Blaine Waymire
Project Manager
SoCal Gas
Orie Rubalcava
Projects Administrator
FRESNO AREA EXPRESS
Tim Leong
Administrator
Port of Oakland
Session 1B
Generative AI Applications in Transportation
This session explores the transformative role of generative AI in the transportation sector. Experts will discuss how AI-driven technologies are enhancing safety, optimizing planning, and improving decision-making in transportation systems. Topics include applications in traffic management, predictive analytics, and environmental impact assessments. The session will also address challenges, ethical considerations, and future opportunities for AI integration in transportation planning and policy.
Moderator
Hongwei Dong
Professor
California State University, Fresno
Inder Preet Singh
Deputy Division Chief
Caltrans Safety Office
Mike Parker
Principal
Ascent Environmental, Inc.
Saugat Paudel
Graduate Student Fellow
Fresno State Transportation Institute
Kiran Nair
Graduate Student Fellow
Fresno State Transportation Institute
Session 2A
Navigating the Complex World of Hydrogen Energy:
Policies & Programs, Investment, and Technology
Explore the evolving hydrogen energy landscape with experts from Cal Start, RIC Energy, and the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE). This panel will break down the complexities of hydrogen policies, programs, and emerging technologies, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in the industry. Gain valuable insights into how businesses, policymakers, and innovators are shaping the future of hydrogen energy.
Moderator
Tim McRae
Vice President for Public Affairs
CA Hydrogen Business Council
Valerie Thorsen
Director
CALSTART
Jose Lopez Gallego
Senior Hydrogen Manager
RIC Energy
Niki Rinaldi
Hydrogen Development Manager
Center for Transportation and the Environment
Session 2B
Safety & Equity in Transportation Systems
This session examines the intersection of safety and equity in transportation planning and policy. Experts will discuss strategies for creating inclusive, accessible, and secure transportation systems that serve all communities. Topics include equitable mobility solutions, addressing disparities in transportation access, and implementing safety measures that prioritize vulnerable populations. The discussion will highlight best practices, challenges, and opportunities to build a more just and effective transportation network.
Moderator
Dr. Gerard Wellman
Associate Professor
California State University, Stanislaus
Keshia Thomas
Executive Director
Fresno Career Development Institute
Matthew Gillian
Founding Director
Inspiration Transportation
Carolina Ilic
Principal Transportation Planner
VRPA Technologies
Drew Wilson
Planning Manager
City of Fresno Department of Transportation
Session 3A
Innovations and Challenges in Electrification
This session explores the latest advancements and key challenges in electrification across transportation, aviation, agriculture, and air quality management. Experts will discuss emerging technologies, infrastructure needs, policy considerations, and the impact of electrification on sustainability and economic growth. The conversation will highlight opportunities for innovation and collaboration to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more efficient future.
Moderator
Dr. Tania L Pacheco
Executive Director
Central Valley Health Policy Institute
Moses Stites
General Manager
Fresno County Rural Transit Agency
Joseph Oldham
President & CEO
New Vision Aviation, Inc
Roger A. Isom
President/CEO
California Cotton Ginners & Growers Association
Todd DeYoung
Director
San Joaquin Valley Unified
Air Pollution Control District
Brady Matoian
CEO
OK Produce
Session 3B
Active Transportation: Everyone is a Pedestrian
This roundtable discussion will explore the critical role of active transportation—such as biking, walking, and other non-motorized modes of transport—in creating more sustainable, efficient, and accessible transportation systems. Our panelists will delve into the principles of a human-centered transportation approach, focusing on how to design infrastructure and policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals. Attendees will gain insights into the latest innovations, challenges, and opportunities in fostering inclusive and active transportation networks that cater to diverse communities while promoting environmental sustainability.
Moderator
Laura Gromis
Executive Director
USGBC Central California
Mia Candy
Senior Planner
Toole Design Group
Elliott Balch
President & CEO
Fresno Downtown Association
Mohammad Shaikh
​Surgeon
Clovis Community Medical Center
Holly Sowles
Chair, Department of Art, Design and Art History
California State University, Fresno
Session 4A
Biofuels and Transportation
This session explores the role of biofuels in advancing sustainable transportation solutions. Discussions will focus on the latest developments in biofuel technology, its impact on reducing emissions, and its integration into existing transportation systems. Experts will address challenges, policy considerations, and the potential for biofuels to support a cleaner and more resilient transportation network.
Moderator
Kalyani Maitra
California State University, Fresno
Associate Professor
Daryl Maas
MAAS Energy
CEO and President
Session 4B
Local Innovation - Projects & Technologies
This session showcases groundbreaking local projects and emerging technologies that are transforming transportation and urban mobility. Experts will share insights into innovative solutions in transit, intelligent transportation systems, and smart city development. The discussion will highlight collaborative efforts, research advancements, and technology-driven strategies that enhance connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the region.
Moderator
Karen Philbrick
Executive Director
​Mineta Transportation Institute
Moses Stites
General Manager
Fresno County Rural Transit Agency
Hovannes Kulhandjian
Associate Professor
California State University, Fresno
Jose de Alba
Office Chief
Office of Intelligent Transportation Systems
Uris Giron
Assistant Professor
California State University, Fresno
Jeff Long
Senior Regional Planner
Fresno Council of Governments