Libby Braband is an environmental planner, public involvement specialist and proposal marketing expert within the AEC industry. In her various roles at major engineering consulting firms, she was responsible for winning and delivering projects that shape the future of transportation. After an impressive stint in engineering business development and marketing, Libby founded LDB Consulting, LLC where she continues to build and nurture client relationships while delivering top-tier solutions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public and environmental affairs from Indiana University Bloomington, as well as graduate studies in urban planning at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Beth McCluskey has nearly 30 years’ experience in the Illinois transportation industry. She began her career in local government transportation planning and programming with the Council of Mayors in West Cook County. Beth moved on to Metra, Chicago's commuter rail system, as Department Head for Capital Program Development. From commuter transit to regional oversight, she led capital programming and grant administration at the Regional Transportation Authority. Beth then became the statewide Director of the Officeof Intermodal Project Implementation at the Illinois Department of Transportation where she led a variety of statewide transit, rail and aeronautics projects and programs. After her public sector experience, Beth went on to AECOM as a Multimodal leader and now is at T.Y. Lin. She began as the Intermodal Growth Director in the Rail and Transit sector and has moved into the Chicago Metro Growth Executive role. Beth has an undergraduate degree in Business Management and a Master of Public Administration. Beth is an active member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Greater Chicago Chapter, the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association on the Planning and Design Board, the COMTO (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials) Chicago Chapter, and the co-chair of the March of Dimes Transportation and Construction Awards.
John Trotta is an experienced transportation leader dedicated to steering operations, business line growth, and building trusted relationships with clients and partners. He is part of WSP’s national Inclusion and Diversity Council, mentor/protégé programs, government affairs team, the Developing Professional Network and he serves in a strategic advisory role focused onproject teaming and key client accounts. Prior to joining WSP, John served inmultiple development roles during his 22 years with the Chicago Transit Authority. He was awarded the Italian American Executives of Transportation Man of the Year Award, and the Community Service Award from the Illinois chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies. John earned the 2022 Excellence in Leadership Award from SOS Children’s Villages Illinois where he is currentlya board member and fundraising chair for its Evening of Hope.
Craig Turner is a proud Chicago native, product of Chicago Public Schools and loyal leader at the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), previously serving as First Deputy Commissioner and before that, leading the Department’s Division of Electrical Operations. As a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in the state of Illinois, Craig's comprehensive experience and leadership are vital to the ongoing development and maintenance of Chicago's transportation infrastructure. Craig’s career spans both public service and the private sector and across both areas, he played a critical leadership role in the successful delivery of the Chicago Smart Lighting Program. Craig comes from a strong educational background, which includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, land surveying coursework at Purdue University Calumet, and a recently completed Master of Science in Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Anne Bigane-Wilson is president of Bigane Paving Co., a fourth-generation family business specializing in asphalt paving, and Ogden Avenue Materials., an asphalt manufacturing plant. She has spent her career building and sustaining the infrastructure in the Chicagoland area. Anne earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Purdue University in Construction Engineering and Management. She has remained deeply connected to the field’s academic side, as a member of the Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE) Chicago Caucus and a former member of the Construction Engineering & Management Advisory Committee at Purdue. Anne has served as Past President of both the Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association and the American Subcontractors Association, and as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to promoting the industry and investing in the next generation of engineers and construction professionals.
Erin Inman is the owner and leader of Primera Engineers, serving as President & CEO since purchasing the firm in 2016. Established in 1987, Primera is a full-service engineering and consulting firm focused in three areas of expertise: utilities, transportation, and buildings. After several management and executive positions and a deep commitment to Primera’s success, she purchased the firm from the retiring founding partners. Erin is actively involved in promoting and supporting women in engineering and has a passion for speaking to the future of STEM careers. Both are subjects she frequently speaksto industry organizations about. She is on the Board of the Midwest Energy Association, the UIC Engineering Advisory Board, the Chicago State University Foundation Board, and of course, President of the Primera Foundation.
