2023 Engineering and Operations Conference held

in Cheyenne

By Mark Horan

After an eight year hiatus, the Wyoming Department of Transportation held their Engineering and Operations Conference April 4-6 in Cheyenne.

Nearly 380 staff from around the state gathered at Little America to learn, share ideas and connect with one another. The last time they were able to do so was in 2015, so it was a welcome return.

Unfortunately, but perhaps not surprisingly, Mother Nature failed to cooperate. A large spring storm rolled in the night before the conference, causing more than 100 last minute cancellations. Many maintenance staff who were planning to attend had to stay behind to take care of their districts.

But for those who were able to make it, the conference was deemed a success.

WYDOT’s executive staff kicked off the conference with brief remarks about the agency from a high level perspective.

Newly appointed Interim Director Darin Westby introduced himself and said he was excited to see where the agency is going. He told staff they should be proud to follow the mission, vision and values of WYDOT.

Westby talked about leadership characteristics and the value of mentorship.

“If you’re not mentoring someone, or being mentored, you’re not going to be a good leader,” he noted.

He also shared his philosophy that good leaders need to make their job look desirable so that others will be inspired to work hard and move up within the agency.

Other topics covered by executive staff included staff raises, the PMI process, employee safety, a recap of the 2023 legislative session, and the State Transportation Improvement Program.

Maintenance Staff was key in getting the conference off the ground and played a central role in registering participants, and getting conference-goers signed in for the two-day event. From left, Audrey Hobbs, Laura

Following the opening comments, Cheyenne Trooper Billy Quade and Explosive Detection K-9 Scout gave a unique and informative demonstration. The crowd enjoyed watching the pair work together and particularly liked the moment when Scout leapt on to the table in front of Chief Engineer Mark Gillett.

Rounding out the first day of events was Charles Marshall, a humorous motivational speaker with more than 20 years of professional experience.

Marshall shared many lighthearted personal anecdotes throughout his 90 minute keynote address. He delved into why employees struggle to perform in the workplace, and presented ways to becoming a strong leader using the acronym COACH:

• Communicate the Vision;

• Open yourself to input and collaboration from your team;

• Affirm your team with positive encouragement;

• Correct undesirable behavior without alienating your team;

• Hold yourself to a higher standard and lead from the top down.

During the two days, conference participants attended a variety of workshops covering topics such as the Yellowstone 500 Year Flood, the Casper Bridge Replacement and Avalanche Forecasting, to name just a few.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in fun networking activities including an evening social, a cash-prize scavenger hunt, axe throwing and a luncheon.

There were plenty of vendors on hand to display their products and make new connections.

The conference was a worthwhile experience for everyone who participated. Christina Spindler, the Highway Development Program manager, estimates she’s attended the event every year since it began. She was happy to see it brought back.

“Connecting with fellow WYDOT employees and hearing their accomplishments, all while having the opportunity to learn about everything from the Project Control System to plow blades, is invaluable,” Spindler said.

“It’s a chance to learn who the person is behind the email and recognize we’re all part of one big, impressive team.”