2025-2026 Board spotlight: Jessica Alba, TDM-CP
Jessica Alba, TDM-CP serves as the Director of Policy & TDM at Stanford Transportation, but she has held many roles in transportation throughout her career. From Policy Manager at Stanford to Director of Staff Development at Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, and more, her positions have given her a taste of just about everything the industry has to offer.
She first joined the field after earning a dual master's degree in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences in Sweden in 2000. Her final thesis focused on exploring the relationship between mobility and access by comparing bike and car networks using GIS. These efforts were in partnership with Swedish consulting firm Trivector Traffic, which then led to a full-time position. With the move to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2004, she's had a strong support network throughout her career, including Stanford alumni and 'Shoup gurus' Jeffrey Tumlin and Patrick Siegman, and others around the globe.
Her passion for equitable and sustainable transportation drives her forward every day. Jessica is also motivated by deep insightful conversations that lead to positive change, the curiosity and creativity that our industry brings, and how we make better use of our existing transportation systems.
This term is her second as Board Secretary, and Jessica is no stranger to other leadership roles in ACT. She has also previously served on the Public Policy Committee, the Northern California Chapter's Board, and the Certification Board of Trustees (CBOT). Through this strong involvement, she's made many ACT memories, too many to even name her favorite.
She says, "I can't select one specific memory. It's actually the feeling of belonging and pride when I enter an ACT conference or event and see many of my favorite people on this planet. These hardworking, passionate, creative, and thoughtful peers are why I keep coming back for more!"
Jessica is so passionate about TDM that she even created a side business for it! In 2023, she and her husband founded OptiMobility Solutions, a small executive advisory service that offers mobility solutions for businesses, government agencies, and suppliers.
Outside of work, you can find Jessica enjoying quality time with her loved ones, especially if it involves the outdoors. She enjoys long hikes and camping with friends and family. Though she's lived in the US for more than 20 years, she is still a Swede at heart. Next time you see her, ask her about 'fika'!
On the Board, Jessica looks forward to giving back to what she calls a 'beautiful community of friends, new acquaintances, and industry leaders.' Please join us in welcoming her as returning Board Secretary (2025-2026)!