The plenary Welcome Session will include remarks by the lead organizer and the conference chair, followed by several California and federal government representatives. We will also benefit from remarks by representatives from other similar conferences around the world: The African Conference on Linear Infrastructure and the Environment, Infra-Eco Network Europe, the Australasian Network for Ecology and Transportation, and the South American conference.
Charlton “Chuck” Bonham was appointed as Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife by Governor Edmund G. Brown in August 2011. His eight years of service makes Bonham one of the longest standing Directors in recent history. Prior to his appointment, Bonham served in a number of roles for Trout Unlimited (TU) for over ten years, including as the organization’s California Director and as a Senior Attorney. He was responsible for developing, managing, and implementing TU’s programs in California. Bonham has also served as a gubernatorial appointee on the Board of Directors of the Delta Conservancy. Bonham received his J.D. and Environmental and Natural Resources Law Certificate from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. He was also a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal, West Africa.
Jim Davis is the Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). A civil engineer and 30-year veteran of Caltrans, he leads California's $5 billion/year highway-construction program, funded by fuel taxes under SB1. He also oversees the 20,000 employees and many Divisions of Caltrans.
Vince Mammano is the Division Administrator for the California Division of the Federal Highway Administration. He entered the position in August of 2011. He is a member of the Senior Executive Service of the Federal Government and leads the largest FHWA Division office in the country. He is responsible for directing the delivery of the Federal-aid program and Recovery Act funding and advancing national goals. He leads a multidisciplinary professional staff responsible for civil rights, safety, planning, finance, environment, engineering, and operations.