SPEAKERS
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (7 a.m. - 1 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.
JAMIE BLAKEMAN
Founder & CEO | Lōkahi Group
Jamie Blakeman, PE, PTOE, is the founder and CEO of Lōkahi, a certified Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise launched in 2019. With a civil engineering degree from the University of Hawai‘i and over 25 years of experience in traffic engineering, Jamie brings a blend of technical expertise, logical thinking, and creative passion to the transportation industry. She is known for building innovative, people-centered solutions that make Arizona’s roads smarter, safer, and more equitable.
Under Jamie’s leadership, Lōkahi has completed over 800 projects throughout Arizona, earning a reputation as a trusted partner on many of the state’s most prominent developments. In just five years, Lōkahi has been recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal as a Small Business Award honoree and Jamie was named “Most Admired Leaders” in 2025. She has also been recognized as one of AZ Big Media’s Most Influential Women (2023) and “Person to Know” for both 2024 and 2025.
JOANN BUENO
State Apprenticeship Program Director | Arizona Department of Economic Security
Joann Bueno is the State Apprenticeship Program Director at the Workforce Solutions Administration within the Department of Economic Security. She holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, demonstrating her strong foundation and commitment to aligning workforce strategies with organizational goals.
With a strong focus on collaboration and expanding career opportunities, Joann leads the Arizona Apprenticeship Office in actively engaging employers of all business sizes, industry representatives, community colleges, career and technical education districts, and local workforce areas. Her expertise, dedication, and dynamic approach contribute to developing highly skilled individuals, advancing careers, and strengthening Arizona’s labor market through Registered Apprenticeships.
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.
TOM COLE
Director | Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Arizona native Tom Cole has served in government since 1994. With expertise in fire department/EMS operations and logistics, he led the design of new fire stations and apparatus. His career centers on building construction, safety, and customer service knowledge. Cole was chair of the Central Regional Advisory Council, appointed by Governor Ducey, and is a current Glendale Planning Commissioner. He holds a B.S. from Columbia Southern University, is a Certified Public Manager as designated by ASU and a Certified Fire Inspector II.
In October 2023, Governor Katie Hobbs selected Director Cole to lead the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
MARKUS COLEMAN
Light Rail Administrator | City of Phoenix
Markus Coleman has more than 28 years working for the City of Phoenix, where he currently serves as the Light Rail Administrator, spearheading efforts to advance light rail consistent with City of Phoenix Council Action and in coordination with the region’s transit agency, Valley Metro. In addition to several projects in planning, this includes more than $2 billion in infrastructure in the recently completed Northwest Phase II light rail extension connecting to the former Metrocenter Mall to the northwest, the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub currently under construction to bring light rail to South Phoenix, and the Capitol Extension, the next light rail project in line to begin construction. Coleman also oversees the Transit Oriented Development federal grants associated with these projects. Coleman has strong ties to the South Phoenix community and knows how important these generational investments are for citizens who depend on public transit as their main mode of transportation.
Coleman has dedicated his career to development projects and transportation, with experience across City functions including the Public Transit and the Planning and Development departments, as well as the City Manager’s Office. His prior experience includes working as an engineering technician, plan review coordinator, project manager and a rotation as acting deputy public transit director over transit operations. Coleman attended Arizona State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Urban and Metropolitan Studies, as well as earning a certificate in Public Administration and Public Management. Additionally, he currently serves as President of the National Forum for Black Public Adminsitrators Central Arizona Chapter.
CARLOS CONTRERAS
Director | Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity
Carlos Contreras currently holds the position of Director (CEO) at the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) in the State of Arizona. OEO’s mission is to expand economic opportunities for all Arizonans by leading the analysis and evaluation of the state’s population and economy, investing in workers, families, and communities to power Arizona’s economic growth. OEO is responsible for serving as Arizona’s workforce planning coordinator, supporting the Workforce Arizona Council, providing stewardship of the state workforce data evaluation system, providing economic and demographic research and analysis – including population estimates, providing employment and unemployment analysis, and developing labor market information for the development of the state workforce strategy. To fulfill its mission, the OEO team works closely with other state agencies federal, local, and tribal governments, and community leaders across education, business, and organized labor.
Carlos has an extensive professional background spanning over 30 years, primarily within Intel Corporation. His career journey has encompassed diverse roles in engineering, finance, education, public affairs, and emerging technologies. As a third-generation engineer, Carlos has consistently emphasized the realms of technology, innovation, and community involvement. His career commenced as a process engineer at Procter & Gamble, following which he joined Intel’s Finance Division. Subsequently, he transitioned into positions such as Regional Education Manager, U.S. Education Director, Regional Public Affairs Director, and Strategic Marketing Manager within Intel.
Carlos has also demonstrated his commitment to education and STEM-related initiatives by actively participating in various boards and advisory committees. His involvement extends to notable institutions such as the National Governors Association and the White House Science Fair. He has frequently served as a valuable resource for media inquiries related to STEM and workforce development efforts, as well as strategies for enhancing educational access for students.
JESSE GUTIERREZ
Director | MCDOT
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-six 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. She has been involved with the development of several key projects for the Aviation Department including Terminal 4 S1 Concourse and the PHX Sky Train®. In addition, she has worked on several key airport development projects for Sky Harbor (PHX), Goodyear (GYR) and Deer Valley (DVT) Airports.
She began her career in engineering more than 30 years ago as a Transportation Engineer working on floating bridges. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington. She is also a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives and recipient of Woman of the Year for WTS in 2022.
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.
PATTI OLDS
President & CEO | Kuniklo Corporation
Patti Olds is the President & CEO of Kuniklo Corporation, a firm with over 20 years of experience supporting Arizona’s largest transportation projects through workforce development and compliance consulting. She served as DBE/OJT Compliance Manager for South Mountain Freeway (L202), I-10 Broadway Curve, I-17 Flex Lanes; led SBE outreach and engagement efforts for Sky Harbor Airports terminal expansion projects and crafted Workforce Development programs for multiple Valley Metro light rail extensions. In her roles, Patti helps public agencies and contractors meet federal DBE, SBE, OJT, and workforce participation goals. Patti’s work ensures that infrastructure investments translate into real economic opportunities for local workers, small businesses, and underrepresented communities.
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.