Announcing the 2024 TDM Hall of Fame inductees
The TDM Hall of Fame honors professionals who have made significant contributions to TDM and to ACT throughout their careers. The association is pleased to recognize this prestigious group for their notable accomplishments and impact. Through their leadership and dedication, they have made a significant influence on the mobility of their communities and those who work alongside them in TDM.
Please join us as we welcome Stuart Anderson, Lois DeMeester, Bill Roach, Peggy Schwartz, and Tad Widby to the TDM Hall of Fame! These individuals will be officially recognized at the ACT National Awards at the upcoming 38th Annual International Conference in Denver.
Read below to learn about each of the inductees.
Stuart Anderson
From international recognition as a speaker on TDM topics to leadership on regional corridor planning studies and traffic mitigation efforts, Stuart Anderson is firmly established as an expert in the field. His impact can be seen throughout various parts of the country, and he is widely known for his role in the development of many TMAs.
With expertise sought after by governments, lawmakers, TMAs, and other key stakeholders, Stuart's work in transportation and equity has improved the lives of many. Serving formerly as ACT's Executive Director, Stuart's influence on the association set the groundwork for many of its accomplishments.
On his induction to the TDM Hall of Fame, Stuart says, "A career helping people spend less time in their cars while improving our environment is rewarding enough without recognition. But truly, I am honored to be recognized for my nearly 40 years in the TDM industry. I value the diversity of people I've worked with and cherish the creativity we have brought to the new world of clean, multi-modal transportation. I can only hope that I did my part in ending the carbon energy era."
Lois DeMeester
Throughout her time in the industry, Lois DeMeester has long been regarded as a leader and changemaker in TDM. Serving currently as the CEO and founder of the Destination Sales and Marketing Group, a firm focused on TDM services in Washington, DC, Lois and her team have worked for more than 30 years to deliver impressive results for their clients.
From the significant reduction of congestion through Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP), which she established, to the promotion of walking and biking through BikeArlington and WalkArlington, the effects of Lois' work have led to healthier and more mobile communities through the region and beyond.
On her induction to the TDM Hall of Fame, Lois says, "I am profoundly honored and humbled to be inducted into the Transportation Demand Management Hall of Fame. This induction not only recognizes my contributions to the industry but also celebrates decades of creativity, passion, and dedication from many talented colleagues, partners, and clients I have had the privilege to collaborate with. Together, we have shared a deep commitment to TDM and sustainable transportation, hoping to inspire others to follow our model and successes and to continue this vital work into the future. Thank you to ACT for this wonderful acknowledgment.”
Bill Roach
Bill Roach is recognized for his innovation and contributions to many of ACT's early wins. Regarded as 'one of the grandfathers of TDM,' his influence has led to the field as we know it today. From creating the first public vanpool program in the United States in 1979 to developing the first guaranteed ride home program offered by a public transit agency and more, Bill's impact has firmly solidified him as a founder and leader of the field of TDM.
Since retiring in 2001, Bill has continues to advocate for the use of TDM strategies. He currently serves on the Sierra Club Transportation Committee and uplifts access to transportation options at his retirement community.
On his induction to the TDM Hall of Fame, Bill says, "It is with distinct honor to be recognized for my efforts in development of Transportation Demand Management as a critical and accepted strategy and practice in urban transportation development. It gives me great satisfaction to see what was considered "wonky" in my time now has gained such wide acceptance, relevance and professionalization. It is because of the work from those already named to this TDM Hall and the impressive ACT membership list who are in practice today. Thank you!"
Peggy Schwartz
Peggy Schwartz has made an outstanding impact on the industry. She is a champion of TDM and works with commuters, developers, and employers to shape sustainable transportation options in her community. With more than 25 years of experience in TDM, she is regarded as a leader and expert in the field, even receiving a Governor's Citation for her work in the State of Maryland.
As Executive Director of the North Bethesda Transportation Management District (NBTMD), she oversees and manages the TDM strategies of a large geographical area. She has been involved in ACT since early on into its establishment and has used her expertise in many leadership positions, including her current role of Parliamentarian.
On her induction to the TDM Hall of Fame, Peggy says, "This is a wonderful honor and particularly gratifying to me to have been nominated by my TDM colleagues. That means so much to me -- thank you. Being involved with ACT at both the National level and with the Chesapeake Chapter since the mid-80s has provided opportunity to work with and learn from so many truly awesome and inspiring people. Thank you for this special honor.”
Tad Widby
Tad Widby has helped to shape the field of TDM and ACT itself from its very inception. As the first-ever President of ACT, and through his previous service on the Board of the National Association of Vanpool Operators (NAVPO), his influence was instrumental in leading NAVPO into becoming a part of ACT.
Known especially for his work opposing the federal taxation of employee commuter benefits, Tad's leadership and guidance is well-respected and sought after in the field. His influence on ACT is especially notable, especially his work to establish professional leadership and evolving topics concerning the commute as core tenets of the association.
On his induction to the TDM Hall of Fame, Tad says, "Recognition from ACT for my role in the organization is very much appreciated. Along with many others, I was glad to help establish a solid, professional base for the new association. There were many organizations working on the supply side of the transportation world but very few looking at the topics of management, demand, and private sector roles. I thank today’s ACT leadership for pausing to look back for a moment.”
Learn more about the TDM Hall of Fame and view a full list of inductees.