CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
JENNIFER TOTH
Director - ADOT
Jennifer Toth was appointed director of the Arizona Department of Transportation on January 5, 2023, to lead the agency responsible for planning, designing, building, maintaining and operating the state’s multimodal transportation system, managing transportation revenue, and providing motor vehicle title, registration and driver license services.
Jennifer has over 25 years of experience in the public works field. She has spent the majority of her career working in the public sector and was most recently the Director for the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) as well as the Maricopa County Engineer. Before joining MCDOT in 2014, Jennifer served as State Engineer and Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. She has also worked in the private sector as a transportation consultant.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico. She brings a passion for public service and meeting the transportation needs of the residents of the State of Arizona.
GREG BYRES
State Engineer/Deputy Director - ADOT
Greg Byres serves as the State Engineer/Deputy Director for transportation. Supervising the Infrastructure Delivery and Operations Division (IDO), Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division (TSMO), and the Multimodal Transportation Division (MPD), he leads development and delivery of the ADOT construction program, including environmental studies, engineering design, land acquisition and construction. He also supports the maintenance and operation of more than 6,000 miles of interstate and state highways in Arizona.
Greg joined ADOT in 2015, having served as a senior project manager, State Roadway Engineer and as Director of the Multimodal Planning Division.
ERIC FROBERG
City Engineer - City of Phoenix
Eric has served as City Engineer for the City of Phoenix since January 2019 and during that time has completed a 6 month assignment as Interim Water Services Director, 4 month as Interim Public Works Director, and 1 month as Interim Street Transportation Director. Eric possesses nearly a quarter century of relevant public works, residential, and commercial land development engineering experience. Prior to joining the City of Phoenix, Eric was the New Mexico Operations Manager for TYLIN International and prior to that was a Senior Project Manager for RBF Consulting in Arizona. After spending two decades working as a private consultant, Eric desired to utilize his engineering and management expertise in a way that more directly benefited the public. As the City Engineer for the nation’s 5th largest City, Eric is responsible for overseeing the selection of architects, engineers & contractors and the execution the City’s 5-year, $11.0 billion Capital Improvement Program.
Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Eric is currently a member of the Alumni Industry Council for the University of Arizona and previously held the position of State Director for ACEC-NM.
JESSE GUTIERREZ
Director/County Engineer - Maricopa County Department of Transportation
Jesse Gutierrez serves as the Director of the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and as the County Engineer and brings over 30 years of experience in transportation construction and roadway maintenance to the MCDOT Team.
Before joining MCDOT in July 2020, Jesse served as the Globe District Engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation and as Deputy State Engineer, overseeing staff in engineering, maintenance, construction, and materials throughout the State. Jesse has also worked with the City of Tucson, where he was an integral part of the Tucson Modern Streetcar team, among other positions.
Jesse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Master of Science degree in Engineering and is registered as a Professional Engineer in Arizona.
CANDACE HUFF
Deputy Aviation Director - City of Phoenix Aviation Department
Candace Huff is a professional engineer who has been working with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department for over twenty-four years. She is currently the Deputy Aviation Director for the Design and Services Division. She oversees and manages the implementation of the Capital Improvement Program and the Airport Capital Improvement Program which encompasses grant funded projects, Job Order Contracting and Tenant Improvement efforts for the division, and Terminal 4 S1 Concourse ensuring thorough and effective execution for the Aviation Department as well as the overall management of the division. She has worked on several key airport development projects for Sky Harbor (PHX), Goodyear (GYR) and Deer Valley (DVT) Airports and has managed projects such as the reconstruction of the north and center runways as well as the new construction of the south runway for PHX.
LORENA NAVA
DBE Supportive Services Program Manager - ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office
Lorena serves as the DBE Supportive Services Program Manager of ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office (BECO). She manages the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services Program, which encompasses the Business Development Program, DBE Task Force Meetings, DBE & Small Business Transportation Expo, DBE & Small Business Conference, DBE communications, outreach events, and more. She is committed to helping to facilitate the growth and development of diverse small businesses.
TINA SAMARTINEAN
Administrator, Employee & Business Development - ADOT
Tina is the administrator of the Employee and Business Development Division. In this role, she oversees employee development programs, technical training, workplace learning, leadership and professional development, as well as business and workforce development initiatives, including ADOT’s external Civil Rights programs which includes the DBE program. Tina joined ADOT in 2012 and is a progressive leader with over 20 years of experience driving operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and innovative solutions. Through collaborative partnerships and outreach, she has played a key role in expanding resources and development opportunities that serve Arizona’s transportation industry.
Originally from Transylvania, she is fluent in Romanian and has called Arizona home since 1999. An avid trail runner, backpacker, and traveler, she enjoys exploring the outdoors at every opportunity. Tina also serves as the Chair of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials – AASHTO – Committee on Civil Rights.