Online event
US Rail – 2025’s Development Journey
Friday 07 November at 3:00PM
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Join us for candid conversation discussing the state of US rail.
What you’ll learn
- Understand the strategic challenges and innovations U.S. transit agencies are deploying to meet the demands of global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA Olympics 2028.
- Evaluate the transformative role of artificial intelligence in rail operations, governance, and future scalability.
- Learn about foundational challenges in supply chain resilience and regulatory frameworks and identify opportunities for international collaboration.
Description
As the US prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA Olympics 2028, transit agencies face unprecedented pressure to deliver resilient, high-capacity systems. This webinar explores how agencies are tackling major event preparedness, balancing short-term surges with long-term infrastructure goals. Panellists will share innovations in project delivery; technology solutions being sort; the approach to aligning capital improvements with global event timelines and the supply chain interaction – catalysing upgrades whilst maintaining a safe and efficient public service. The discussion will give insights into different regional and national perspectives and how the UK plays a role to accelerate progress in the next five years.
Speakers
Kristin White
Transportation Industry Executive and Head of Transportation and Partnerships, Google
Kristin is a transformative leader in transportation, currently serving as Google Public Sector’s Transportation Industry Executive and Head of Transportation Strategy and Partnerships. She leverages Google’s technology to advance safety, resiliency, and operational excellence across the sector. Previously, she was the youngest woman to lead the Federal Highway Administration, overseeing nearly $300B in investments. Her career spans leadership roles at ITS America, Minnesota Department of Transport, and a Fulbright Fellowship in Japan. Kristin pioneered the nation’s first connected vehicle technology plan and helped shape federal digital infrastructure strategy. A champion of servant leadership and innovation, she’s received multiple national awards and continues to mentor women and advocate for inclusive, people-centered transportation.
Jennifer Mitchell
EVP Strategy and Planning, AMTRAK
Jennifer joined Amtrak in December 2024 to lead its long-term strategic vision, aiming to double ridership by 2040 through expanded service and community outreach. She oversees Planning, Infrastructure Access, State Partnerships, Network Development, and Host Railroad functions.
A seasoned transportation leader with over 30 years of experience across public and private sectors, Jennifer is known for negotiating complex agreements and advancing major capital projects. From April 2022 to November 2024, she served as Deputy Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, where she led policy, safety, and infrastructure initiatives under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Previously, as Director of Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation, she spearheaded the Transforming Rail in Virginia program and advanced the Long Bridge project to ease rail congestion. Earlier roles included financial planning for major transit projects, including the Dulles Corridor Metrorail.
Dee Leggett
Chief Development Officer, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
Dee is a nationally recognised transit leader with over 20 years of experience, serves as Executive VP/Chief Development Officer at DART. She oversees departments including Capital Planning, Engineering, Real Estate, and Construction, and leads major initiatives like the 26-mile Silver Line commuter rail and the System Modernization Program.
Her career spans both public and private sectors, including leadership roles at Hatch LTK, First Transit, and Denton County Transportation Authority. Dee holds a BA in History/Political Science from Union University and an MPA from UT Arlington. She is AICP-certified and a Leadership APTA graduate.