First group through ATSSA’s Leadership Academy forms bonds, discovers strengths

First group through ATSSA’s Leadership Academy forms bonds, discovers strengths

Applications open until May 15 for the next Leadership Academy cohort

Nine months ago, 30 individuals joined ATSSA’s inaugural Roadway Safety Leadership Academy. Today, they are a cohesive unit of industry leaders with bonds that span the country.

“Seeing the transformation in this group was amazing,” said ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner who spearheaded the new leadership program. “When they got together for their first meet-and-greet at the Midyear event in Milwaukee, most of the group came in and sat down at individual tables not sure what to expect and slow to interact. When they came together for their final in-person session in Washington, D.C., there was a true sense of accomplishment among the group as a team.”

ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner congratulates graduate Scott Fischer.

That transformation was exemplified by the group’s nomination of one member for the first J. Thomas McSwain Leadership Award, which “recognizes future association leaders, encourages engagement and highlights the importance of mentorship and leadership within ATSSA and the industry.”

Scott Fischer of Indiana Sign & Barricade received the award, with colleagues noting he is already putting his leadership skills to work within ATSSA. He was elected president of the Indiana ATSSA Chapter (IN-ATSSA), is the new vice chair of the Roadway Worker Protection Council and was chosen to chair ATSSA’s newest group—the Young Professionals & Emerging Leaders Council.

Tetschner presented Fisher with the award during last month’s ceremony for the first 30 graduates of ATSSA’s Roadway Safety Leadership Academy. The celebration was held in Washington, D.C., after participants took part in the Association’s annual Legislative Briefing & Fly-In, which gave them firsthand experience in advocacy through visits to the offices of legislators on Capitol Hill.

Are you ready to be part of the next 30?

Whether you’re looking to advance within your company or take on a leadership role within an ATSSA chapter or committee, this is where it starts.

Applications are now open for the second cohort for the nine-month program, which takes place through both in-person and online meetings. Participants hear from industry experts, engage in interactive experiences, learn to recognize their individual strengths and develop relationships to foster their careers.

Apply by May 15 to take advantage of this unique opportunity to develop skills to last a lifetime.

John Dalton, a signs and markings technician with the City of Greeley, Colo., took part in the first cohort and highly recommends it.

The second cohort for the Leadership Academy kicks off in August at the Midyear Meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 25-27.

Check out the full details of the nine-month Roadway Safety Leadership Academy and complete the application by May 15.

“I think that if anybody’s looking to join the program, it is a tremendous program,” Dalton said. “The connections you build are amazing. You should definitely join.”