Heather Wills, vice president and national tolling director for STV, and Alexis Williams, AICP, PP, planning department manager, were selected for the American Road & Transportation Builders Association Foundation’s (ARBTA) 2025 Industry Leader Development Program (ILDP).

The intensive program brings together emerging leaders from across the transportation sector to explore industry economics and how key transportation projects collaborate with the federal government. Held from May 6-8 in Washington, D.C., the program coincides with ARBTA’s Federal Issues Program and Transportation Construction Coalition Washington Fly-In, allowing participants a chance to discuss transportation policy with congressional representatives and Federal Highway Administration officials.

“ARTBA’s Leadership Development Program is a powerful opportunity to deepen my understanding of how federal and local government actions shape the transportation industry,” said Wills of the program, which has graduated 800 professionals since its inception in 1996. “Programs like this create vital space for dialogue with policymakers, helping to foster collaboration between congressional leaders, transportation professionals, and community stakeholders. These conversations are essential to advancing innovative, equitable solutions in tolling and broader mobility.”

“I’m looking forward to my time in D.C. with other transportation thought leaders at ARTBA’s leadership development program,” said Williams. “The program will help me better understand funding and financing of transportation work in the U.S. and how I can help influence transportation policy in the states where I work.”

As STV’s national tolling director, Wills is focused on growing the firm’s national tolling practice, leading pricing initiatives for clients across the U.S. and in the Pacific Northwest. Wills recently sat down to share more about how agencies can integrate advanced technology into tolling infrastructure as a way to increase operational efficiency and economic growth. 

Williams is already a leading steward for our industry. She was recently named president-elect of the Philadelphia chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) and currently holds board positions with the American Planning Association Pennsylvania Chapter and Southeast Section Council.