Confirmed Speakers
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 (7 a.m. - Noon)
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.
Markus Coleman
Assistant Street Transportation Director | City of Phoenix
Markus Coleman is an accomplished public works and transportation executive with 31 years of dedicated service to the City of Phoenix. In January 2026, Coleman transitioned to the role of Assistant Street Transportation Director, where he provides executive leadership and oversight for the Street Maintenance and Design and Construction Management divisions.
Throughout his three-decade career, Coleman has successfully managed a diverse portfolio of multi-modal infrastructure projects totaling $4.6 billion. Prior to his current appointment, he served for seven years as the City’s Light Rail Administrator. In this capacity, he spearheaded the planning, construction, and operation of the light rail system, including high-profile projects such as the Northwest Phase II extension and the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub.
A “listen first” leader, Coleman is known for his deep ties to the South Phoenix community and his commitment to authentic stakeholder engagement. He is a strong advocate for the department’s Vision Zero Roadway Safety Action Plan, focusing on creating safe, accessible, and innovative multi-modal street designs.
Coleman holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Metropolitan Studies and a certificate in Public Administration and Public Management from Arizona State University. He also serves as the Immediate Past President of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, Central Arizona Chapter.
Jessica Foster
Electrician, Owner | JP Electric, LLC
Jessica Foster began her electrical career 19 years ago through a union apprenticeship program in San Francisco. After five years as a foreman and then six years traveling the country doing commercial and industrial work in 11 states, she settled in Phoenix and started JP Electric LLC. Her growing company now employs three IBEW electricians. Jessica is passionate about the value of union training and brings a unique perspective as a woman in the trades, helping broaden expectations of who belongs in the industry.
Kate Glantz
CEO | Move Over Bob
Kate is a social entrepreneur and brand builder on a mission to reshape what’s possible for women in the trades. She is the co-founder of Move Over Bob, a media company showcasing construction as an aspirational career path for women and girls.
Prior to Move Over Bob, Kate’s career spanned social impact, marketing, and economic inclusion across the public and private sectors. She led civic participation campaigns at Luma Pictures, directed economic empowerment programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and created transportation access initiatives at Lyft.
Kate has also founded multiple ventures focused on connection and cultural storytelling, including a charitable wedding registry and a street food tour in Zanzibar. Early in her career, Kate managed global health communications portfolios for the U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tanzania and Senegal.
Kate holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and completed a carpentry pre-apprenticeship and welding course at Mesa Community College.
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 communications, outreach events, and more. She is committed to helping facilitate the growth and development of diverse small businesses.
Tony Santana
Deputy Chief of Design & Construction | Valley Metro
Tony Santana is the Deputy Chief of Design & Construction at Valley Metro in Phoenix, Arizona, where he leads a team of professionals delivering major capital projects across one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. A former consultant engineer, Tony supported early light rail extensions before joining Valley Metro as Resident Engineer and later Project Manager, leading the $401 million Northwest Extension Phase II to completion one year early and under budget. He continues to advance capital projects in coordination with the FTA and regional partners, and champions equity-focused, sustainable infrastructure. Tony is also the COMTO Arizona Chapter President where he continues to support opportunities for all within the transportation industry focusing on small businesses and mentoring next generation of transit professionals.
Cassie Wells
CEO | Modern Business Development
Cassie is Co-Founder of the National Construction Board of Influence (NCBOI) and Vice Co-Chair of the Arizona Association for Economic Development’s Fall Forum committee. A recognized leader in commercial real estate and economic development, she was named to AZRE’s People to Know in (2024) and honored as Bisnow’s 2025 Phoenix Women Leading Real Estate award recipient. Participant in The Blox entrepreneurial competition, Cassie is a best-selling contributor to Six Figure Chicks, Phoenix, Vol. 2. With 14 years of relationships and experience in AEC and CRE, she specializes in sales and strategic relationship building. In 2023 she founded Modern Business Development, offering fractional business development services and trainings to subcontractors and service providers across the Phoenix, Tucson, and Denver markets. Her work bridges construction, real estate, and entrepreneurship, focusing on mentorship, inclusive economic growth, and scalable tools that deliver measurable impact.
Steve Wilcox
Deputy Director | MCDOT
Steve Wilcox is currently the Deputy Director at MCDOT. He joined MCDOT in September 2017 and has over 40 years of experience in the transportation industry, including multi-discipline transportation planning, capital improvement plan programming, design and construction projects. Steve has managed large capital programs and project management assignments, design concept and environmental (NEPA) studies, final design and construction administration. He has worked with federal, state, county, and local governments as well as private clients on projects ranging from local streets and arterials to rural interstates and urban freeways. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Steve Williams
Light Rail Transit Program Manager | City of Phoenix
Steve is the City of Phoenix Light Rail Transit Program Manager, with 20+ years’ experience, leading multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects. He’s a mentor, basketball coach, and advocate for workforce development. He holds a non-profit management certificate and is pursuing a master’s at the University of Illinois – Gies College of Business.
Steve’s career with the City of Phoenix began in 2004, where he rose through the ranks from a Senior Materials Technician to his current position as Program Manager. His leadership has shaped projects at Sky Harbor International Airport, major roadway and bridge expansions, wastewater facilities, and sports complexes. He has built strong partnerships with agencies such as ADOT, FHWA, FTA and multiple municipalities across the region.
A champion of community and workforce development, Steve has led engagement strategies tailored to reflect the diversity of Phoenix’s neighborhoods ensuring every voice is heard and every stakeholder feels seen, all designed to build trust and transform public projects from distant initiatives into shared community milestones. Outside of work, Steve coaches basketball, using the court as a platform to teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience. His coaching reflects the same values he brings to his professional life: empowerment, accountability, and community building.