Danielle Vachal, P.E.

EDUCATION

B.S. Civil Engineering – University of Nebraska, 1995

CAREER EXPERIENCE

2000 – Present: Transportation Engineer – Olsson Associates, Lincoln, Nebraska
1995 – 2000: Transportation Engineer – Kirkham Michael, Omaha, Nebraska

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS

Professional Engineer: Nebraska

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

LOCATE – Lincoln-Omaha-Council Bluffs Association of Transportation Engineers
MOVITE – Missouri Valley Institute of Transportation Engineers
Engineers Club of Lincoln

MOVITE INVOLVEMENT

1996 Journal Co-Editor
1999 – 2001 Journal Co-Editor
2002 – 2004 Journal Editor
2002 Fall Meeting – Planning Committee
2006 Spring Meeting – Planning Committee Chairman

MOVITE’s Mission is to bring individuals together and advance the knowledge and skills of transportation professionals. Through our annual meetings and the increasing number of local chapters which meet more frequently, I think we are doing a pretty good job of this. MOVITE’s Vision is to be the premier transportation organization of choice. I often joke that I have to remind people that the ‘T’ in ITE stands for Transportation, not Traffic. I believe that there are many transportation engineers who don’t attend MOVITE meetings and aren’t aware of its benefits. Should I be elected, my mission is to reach out to transportation engineers – the roadway designers – to show them that this organization is a great resource and should be the organization of choice for all transportation professionals.

I believe that MOVITE has really made an effort over the past several years and to reach out to our students. I have seen student participation and attendance increase at our annual meetings which is fantastic. We need to continue our student outreach and make sure that each state supports their local student chapter to help bring new students into the profession.

When I realized that the director position was coming back around to Nebraska, I initially thought that I wouldn’t run for office. I thought I’d take a break from being involved. But the more I thought about it, being involved is the best part of belonging to an organization. It gives you a chance to meet more people and the opportunity to make a difference. I am excited to be a candidate for 1 st Year Director, serve on the Board of Directors and continue my involvement in MOVITE.