Overview
The Talking TIM webinar series provides a forum where TIM practitioners can exchange information about current practices, programs, and technologies. Each month, Talking TIM will highlight successful programs, identify best practices, and showcase technology that advances the profession. Topics and presenters for this webinar include:
- Tennessee TIM Strategic Plan and Its Implementation — Joshua Brown, Traffic Operations Division Director, and Adam Perez, Freeway Operations Manager, Traffic Operations Division, Tennessee Department of Transportation.
- Effective Tool for Removing Crash and Disabled Vehicles from the Roadway — Assistant Chief Thayer Smith, Austin Fire Department.
Jim Austrich, Paul Jodoin, and Joseph Tebo, FHWA Office of Operations, organize and moderate this webinar series hosted by the National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE). To suggest topics or presenters for a future webinar, please reach out to the FHWA TIM Program Team (Paul Jodoin, Jim Austrich, and Joseph Tebo). Subscribe to the FHWA TIM news bulletins to receive the latest information related to the Talking TIM webinar and other TIM-related announcements.
Instructors:
Josh Brown is the Director of TDOT’s Traffic Operations Division, the division that manages Tennessee's roadway capacity through policy updates, deployment of new Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies, and clear guidance and leadership of Regional Transportation Management Centers (TMC), HELP Service Patrol Program, and Traffic Systems Management & Operations (TSMO) sections. He started his work as a public servant in 2002 as a Sheriff's Deputy in Cumberland County, Tennessee. He joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) as a State Trooper in 2005 serving in various capacities throughout the department. During his tenure at THP as the Nashville District Administrative Sergeant, Josh worked on optimizing law enforcement usage in active work zones and forged strong working relationships with TDOT personnel. This collaboration led to his joining TDOT's Traffic Operations Division in 2019. Since his time in Traffic Operations, Josh has been actively involved in deploying ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) projects, including the I-24 Smart Corridor project, enhancing motorist information systems such as TDOT SmartWay and TN 511, along with overseeing the development of the Statewide Traffic Incident Management Strategic Plan. Josh received his Master of Arts degree in Ministry from Tennessee Temple University, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University, and he is a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command.
Adam Perez is currently the Manager of the Freeway Operations Section within the Traffic Operations Division, a pivotal role where he oversees the Statewide Incident Management Program and the Statewide Transportation Management Center program. His leadership ensures the effective delivery of policy and procedure, alongside maintaining comprehensive programmatic oversight for four regions in Tennessee state. With a career starting in 2001 in dispatch operations for the Safety Service Patrol in Region 3, Adam has since accumulated extensive experience through various capacities within the program, including supervision and management. He dedicated five years as a TMC Supervisor and another five years as a TMC Manager, where he managed Incident Management. Recently, Adam transitioned to the Traffic Operations Division, applying his deep knowledge and experience to enhance statewide operations. A committed lifelong learner, Adam earned an A.A.S. in Computer Networking from Nashville State Community College in 2008 and, through continuous online learning, achieved his B.S. degree in 2018 from Western Governor’s University.
Assistant Chief Thayer Smith has been with the Austin Fire Department for over 30 years and currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Operations. He is a member of the Austin-Area Incident Management for Highway (AIM HIGH) Committee since its inception in 2001 and has served as an instructor delivering the National TIM Responder training. Assistant Chief Thayer also implemented the Austin Fire Department’s roadway safety programs in August of 2004.
Joseph Tebo, FHWA is a veteran of the transportation and emergency response profession and is a subject matter expert in several transportation and emergency services fields. He has served over 45 years as a volunteer firefighter, rescue specialist, former advanced life support provider and as the former commanding officer of his fire department. Mr. Tebo previously served the Federal Transit Administration in Washington D.C. as their Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and as a Road Surface and Rail Transportation Crash Investigator. Prior to moving into federal service, he served with the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department as their Safety Oversight Officer for Transportation Operations and with the Maryland Department of Transportation as State Safety Oversight Officer.