Nashville’s Drive to Work

Insights from Nashville’s Drive to Work Symposium

Watch the symposium Highlights

By the time the Symposium concluded, attendees understood the Nashville region’s transportation and workforce challenges and how they were related, the proven, “money-ready” solutions in place waiting to be activated right then, and the public-private partnership opportunities available to make it happen. Attendees came to hear experts and left with a comprehensive understanding of actionable strategies to address these pressing issues.

Highlights Spoken By Panelists

The thing we do very practically, is we partner with Hytch, we provide financial assistance… we add to the funds available to Hytch, to increase the incentive to rideshare… “It’s really about connecting and building relationships because at the core of our mission and what I think really contributes to mental health is people aren’t isolated and people are in a relationship and they are part of their community with others.”

– Michael McSurdy

Robert Hartline offers a compelling vision for transforming the daily commute into a catalyst for connection and productivity. In his insightful remarks, he proposes leveraging innovative solutions to reimagine the commute as a platform for building bonds and enhancing workplace satisfaction. By creating mentorship programs and fostering a sense of community within organizations, Hartline suggests harnessing the power of shared transportation to not only address traffic congestion but also provide opportunities for professional development and support. He emphasizes the potential of shared driving arrangements to turn the commute into a joyful and rewarding experience, ultimately positioning it as a competitive advantage for employers. Hartline’s forward-thinking approach underscores the importance of embracing new strategies to optimize the way we work and commute in Nashville.

Jason Putnam, Chief Revenue Officer at Plum, delivers a powerful message on the future of work and its profound impact on individual well-being and societal health. Drawing on his extensive experience in sales, acquisition, and business development, Putnam emphasizes the critical importance of aligning people with jobs that foster happiness and fulfillment. He highlights the transformative effect of finding meaningful work, noting how it can lead to increased productivity, reduced burnout, and improved mental health outcomes. Through his insightful remarks, Putnam underscores the ripple effect of creating positive workplace environments, envisioning a future where happier employees contribute to healthier families, communities, and ultimately, a better world.

Event Snapshots

 

Bill Klehm

Chairman and CEO of  eBliss

“I believe in engineering sustainable and accessible transportation solutions for all. Innovation is at the heart of our mission, driving us to revolutionize industries and shape the future of transportation.” – Bill Klehm

 

Michael Skipper

Executive Director of Greater Nashville Regional Council

A Solution for Transportation: “Sometimes the best solution for transportation isn’t a ‘necessary’ investment in adding capacity to systems. It’s about how do we manage demand that is on the roadways’’ – Michael Skipper

 

Mark Cleveland

CEO & Co-Founder of Hytch Rewards

“There are 350,000 cars a day that drive to Nashville with 1 million empty seats and it doesn’t take much for us to think differently about protecting our environment and helping one another get to work.” – Mark Cleveland

 

Demetria Kalodimos

Executive  Producer, The Nashville Banner

 

Michael McSurdy

President & CEO of Family & Children’s Service

Patrick DeCorla-Souza

Former  Co-Chair of the Congestion Pricing Committee of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences

David Plazas

Opinion & Engagement Director of USA TODAY Network Tennessee

 

Robert Hartline

Co-founder Of Hytch Rewards / CEO of 8 Decisions

 

Michael Replogle

Principal at Replogle Consulting

Voices From The Nashville Transportation Symposium

“The need to fix the traffic problem grows daily, and the ability to create innovative solutions is wide open.

Cyber/online platforms (like Hytch), social engineering initiatives, government planning, and even something as basic as “open up one of the shoulder lanes for paid access privileges in peak hours.

But…the politics and “learned helplessness” of voters and our elected officials keeps pushing us back from even simple solutions.”

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“Transportation is a definite need in the Greater Nashville region.

I absolutely think the idea of mentoring while ridesharing is brilliant!”

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“Making the connection between workforce and mobility is a big task. Add to that the quality of the keynote speaker, and bold effort to map out a path for SHORT TERM change and results, it’s admirable.

It was also great to see so many of the regional and wider technology and business sponsorship joining forces in this way!” 

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“Very courageous move by Mark Cleveland and the team! Overall, really well done.

Let’s keep the conversation going.”

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Keynote Speaker – Michael Replogle

Michael Replogle
Michael ReploglePrincipal at Replogle Consulting

He is founder, director emeritus, and past president of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), which promotes sustainable and equitable cities worldwide. He advises itselectric, a company providing on-street electric vehicle chargers powered by buildings.

His decentralized, scalable Open Restaurants program design repurposed 10,000 parking spaces during COVID,  saving 100,000 restaurant industry jobs and reviving city street life. He guided expansion of the CitiBike program from 6,000 to 40,000 shared bikes and developed innovative freight, micro-mobility, carsharing, and electrification initiatives, while overseeing agency efforts to boost bus speeds, cut carbon emissions, advance congestion pricing, and reconstruction of the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

In 2012, as co-founder and chair of the Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transportation, he won a $175 billion 10-year commitment for more sustainable transport from the 8 largest multilateral development banks with reporting and monitoring. In 17 years as Transportation Director for the Environmental Defense Fund, Replogle managed campaigns to shift investment from roads to transit, walking, cycling, and smart growth, helping cities including New York, Portland (Oregon), Denver, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Mexico City, and Beijing enhance transportation planning and strategy.

He spent a decade as transportation coordinator for Montgomery County, Maryland, pioneering sustainable transport scenario planning and innovations in transportation modeling. He has graduate civil and urban engineering and sociology degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He recently served as an Assistant Professor at New York University’s Wagner Graduate School for Public Service and as a Visiting Professor at the China Academy of Transportation Sciences in Beijing.

Michael Replogle, principal at Replogle Consulting, is a senior advisor to governments, corporations, and transportation stakeholders. His practice helps transportation agencies mitigate climate change while enhancing the efficiency and equity of surface transportation by aligning policy, administration, plans, incentives, and operational strategies. He also offers expert witness and public speaking services, with deep knowledge of traffic safety, autonomous vehicle policy, travel demand management, road pricing, environmental analysis, transportation modeling, strategic planning, and public private partnerships.

From 2015-21, Replogle was Deputy Commissioner for Policy for the New York City Department of Transportation, overseeing agency strategy. There, his Vision Zero work cut pedestrian deaths by 40%.

Distinguished Speaker – Matt Meservy

Matt Meservy
Matt MeservyDirector of TDOT’s Planning Division

Meet Matt, the driving force behind Tennessee’s transportation evolution. As the Director of TDOT’s Planning Division, Matt spearheads initiatives to achieve modal equity and enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure. His expertise as a Certified Transportation Demand Management Professional and Registered Engineer in Tennessee, combined with his leadership roles in national transportation organizations, underscores his commitment to shaping a more sustainable and efficient transportation landscape. Get to know Matt better by exploring his bio below.

Matt, the Director of TDOT’s Planning Division, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping transportation plans and studies across Tennessee. With a keen focus on achieving modal equity, Matt leads initiatives that aim to create a more balanced and efficient transportation system throughout the state.

As a Certified Transportation Demand Management Professional and Registered Engineer in Tennessee, Matt brings a wealth of expertise to his role. His dedication to improving transportation infrastructure and his commitment to sustainable solutions make him a valuable asset to the TDOT team.

In addition to his responsibilities at TDOT, Matt serves on the Association of Commuter Transportation’s Board of Directors and the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) TDM Committee. His involvement in these organizations highlights his dedication to advancing transportation policies and practices on a national level.

With his extensive experience and passion for transportation planning, Matt is driving positive change and shaping the future of transportation in Tennessee.

Host – Mark Cleveland

Mark Cleveland
Mark ClevelandCEO & Co-Founder of Hytch Rewards

Mark Cleveland is a born connector – insatiably curious about people and persistent in his belief that good ideas deserve air supply.  This fuels his commitment to fostering lasting relationships.  His boyish optimism and genuine enthusiasm are expressed in his lifelong pursuit of entrepreneurship, always seeking out the next opportunity to disrupt and innovate in any arena.

Together with his drive for learning, these traits led him to success in industries ranging from satellite systems to software development, manufacturing and short sea shipping.  Mark spent 19 years in transportation technologies and services, with a rare distinction of having launched a “blue water” container-on-barge start up operation serving the gulf ports of Tampa, Florida and Brownsville, Texas.  

Mark is the Co-Founder and former CEO of Swiftwick, a premium athletic sock brand inspired by the mission to manufacture its high quality product in Tennessee.  He bought Brentwood based Hobby Lobby, (later rebranded to Hobby Express) selling radio control airplanes, cars and family hobby products, where he developed skills managing large global supply chains and building consumer brands.  

Mark’s numerous accolades, including the NEXT Award as 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year, the Governor’s Award for Trade Excellence, and recognition from the Nashville Business Journal as one of the region’s “Most Admired” CEOs — at the helm of three different companies — speak for themselves. 

He knows that incentives and better information lead to success, so he’s using big data and artificial intelligence to improve transportation for everyone in Middle Tennessee.  

Mark is currently CEO and Co-Founder of Hytch Rewards, an innovative cash incentive management platform that rewards drivers and passengers for smart mobility choices. Hytch is a good idea Mark refused to give up on, through the Pandemic lockdown to this day and this example of long term focus demonstrates his commitment to sustainability and technology innovation.  Hytch has won Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Sustainable Transportation Award, and the Nashville Technology Council’s Emerging Company of the Year Award.

Known as a man constantly on the move, Mark recognizes the importance of “Service Above Self” and a balanced life.  He has been a Rotarian for more than 35 years, finds joy in outdoor adventures, cycling, hot yoga, connecting with family, and embracing every opportunity to give back to his community.

Mark Cleveland, a visionary parallel entrepreneur with a heart for innovation and community impact. With a career spanning diverse industries from satellite systems to manufacturing, Mark’s relentless pursuit of disruptive ideas has earned him recognition as a trailblazer in entrepreneurship. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Hytch Rewards, Mark combines his passion for sustainability and technology to revolutionize transportation through big data and AI. His unwavering commitment to excellence and service above self is evident in both his professional endeavors and personal pursuits, making him a driving force for positive change in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

Panels

Workforce Talent Intelligence – Activating, Assessing and Attracting People

Moderator

Demetria Kalodimos
Demetria KalodimosExecutive Producer, The Nashville Banner

Demetria Kalodimos, a trailblazer in journalism, currently serves as the Executive Producer at The Nashville Banner, a civic news venture dedicated to upholding the integrity and endurance of quality journalism for the people of Nashville. This 501c (3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization is a beacon of impartial reporting in today’s media landscape.

Kalodimos embarked on her journalism journey at WICD in Champaign, Illinois, before becoming a distinguished television news anchor for WSMV-TV, an NBC affiliate, in Nashville, Tennessee. Her captivating presence graced weeknight broadcasts at 6 and 10 p.m., earning her a dedicated following.

Hailing from Morton Grove, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Kalodimos laid the foundation for her illustrious career at Illinois Wesleyan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education. She further honed her skills by obtaining a Master of Science in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.

With a stellar track record, Kalodimos has received numerous accolades, including 16 Emmy Awards, 3 Edward R. Murrow Awards, 2 National Headliner Awards, and prestigious honors like the Bronze Telly and Gracie awards.

Beyond her anchoring duties, she ventured into documentary filmmaking, founding Genuine Human Productions. Her debut feature-length documentary, “Pre-Madonna,” offered a poignant exploration of 1970s Nashville’s cultural landscape.

Kalodimos’s unwavering dedication to journalistic excellence has left an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying her status as a revered figure and inspiring future generations of journalists.

Panelist

Jason Putnam
Jason PutnamChief Revenue Officer, Plum

Jason Putnam is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience in sales, acquisition, business development, and marketing, particularly in scaling online and SaaS businesses. His track record as a leader in recruiting, hiring, and training top talent and his expertise in designing and implementing effective sales and marketing strategies has solidified his reputation as a proven industry leader.

In December 2021, Putnam assumed the role of Chief Revenue Officer at Plum, a pioneering talent assessment platform. Here, he spearheads growth and revenue initiatives in the global enterprise market, harnessing the power of psychometric data to transform talent decisions. Putnam is deeply committed to delivering value to Plum’s customers, partners, and stakeholders, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration to effect positive change.

Before joining Plum, Putnam held pivotal positions in the HR technology sector, including Senior Vice President and General Manager at PandoLogic, where he significantly augmented the new business pipeline and garnered recognition from the esteemed Golden Bridge Business and Innovation Awards. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles at BountyJobs, MFG.com, and Oodle.

Recognized for his exemplary achievements, Putnam has received multiple awards, including the Golden Bridge Globee 2021 Executive of The Year and the Silver Stevie 2021 Award. A dynamic speaker and presenter, he continues to inspire and lead with distinction in the ever-evolving landscape of sales and technology.

Panelist

Robert Hartline
Robert HartlineCo-founder Of Hytch Rewards, CEO of 8 Decisions

Robert Hartline is a serial entrepreneur whose journey began in 1994 when he started selling cell phones out of his car trunk while in college in Murfreesboro, TN. By 1998, he had built a chain of 78 wireless stores known as Absolute Wireless. At its peak, Absolute Wireless employed 450 individuals across 5 states and was recognized as the fastest-growing business in Middle Tennessee for two consecutive years. Following the sale of Absolute Wireless stores in December 2020, Robert transitioned to helping organizations implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring their visions to life and scale.

He is also the founder of 8 Decisions, a coaching program designed for entrepreneurs and leaders who gather quarterly for The Decision Experience, a transformative event aimed at aiding leaders in making crucial decisions. Additionally, Robert co-hosts The Decision Podcast by EO Nashville, further showcasing his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and leadership excellence.

Panelist

Michael McSurdy
Michael McSurdyPresident & CEO of Family & Children’s Service

Michael McSurdy’s tenure as President and CEO at Family & Children’s Service (F&CS) since 2011 has been marked by a steadfast commitment to serving the community and providing vital support to individuals and families in need. With nearly three decades of experience in social services and nonprofit leadership, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

McSurdy’s journey began with a master’s degree in Expressive Therapy from the University of Louisville, laying the groundwork for his career as a child and family therapist. His career path has been marked by a series of diverse roles, each a testament to his versatility and adaptability. He started as the Program Manager of the Foster Care, Adoptions, and Independent Living Program for the UT College of Social Work. He then transitioned to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, where he served as Director of Foster Care Services, overseeing statewide policy development and foster care programs.

After years of public service, McSurdy began his career in the nonprofit sector, joining Oasis Center as Vice President for Programs, where he continued to make a significant impact. While at Oasis, he was awarded a scholarship from the Center for Non-Profit Management and obtained an MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Business in 2009.

Gridlock or Action – Workforce Mobility: Measure, Motivate & Map for Growth

Moderator

David Plazas
David PlazasOpinion & Engagement Director, USA TODAY Network Tennessee

David Plazas is the Opinion and Engagement Director for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He crafts insightful columns, meticulously edits guest essays, and steers opinion strategy for The Tennessean, The Commercial Appeal, and The News Sentinel.

In 2023, Plazas garnered widespread recognition for his exceptional contributions to journalism, clinching prestigious accolades such as the Society of Professional Journalists Sigma Delta Chi Award and Bronze Medallion for his incisive editorial writing. His editorial prowess also earned him first-place awards from the Tennessee Press Association for editorials and public service. Plazas’s influence extends beyond his writing—he served as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes and contributed a compelling essay to the book “Reinventing Journalism to Strengthen Democracy.”

An advocate for robust dialogue and civic engagement, Plazas co-moderated the premiere Nashville Mayoral Debates series and delivered a thought-provoking TEDx Talk on fostering “adult” conversations. He further amplifies diverse voices and perspectives through initiatives like The Tennessean’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, which birthed the award-winning Black and Latino Tennessee Voices initiative, newsletters, and live events. He also hosts the Tennessee Voices video podcast, which has produced over 370 episodes since 2020.

Originally from Chicago, Plazas holds a Bachelor of Arts and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, complemented by an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Panelist

Bill Klehm
Bill KlehmChairman and CEO, eBliss

Bill Klehm, Chairman and CEO of eBliss, is an e-mobility, transportation, and business expert as well as a futurist and technology development leader with a focus on sustainability evolving industries through innovation. With a career spanning over two decades, Bill has left an indelible mark on numerous industries through his innovative approach and strategic acumen.

A trailblazer at CarFax, Bill played a pivotal role in architecting the program that evolved into the renowned CarFax vehicle history report. As CEO of Fallbrook Technologies, he orchestrated the development and successful launch of the NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission, revolutionizing geared systems in the bicycle industry.

During his tenure at Ford Motor Company, Bill spearheaded the growth of the customer service division to surpass $1 billion in just three years, strategically guiding the company’s foray into the tire business and establishing it as a major player in North America.

At Visteon, Bill’s leadership as President of Visteon Climate Control Ltd propelled the business from $80 million to $280 million, cementing its position as a global leader in aftermarket heat transfer products.

In 2022, Bill launched eBliss, a pioneering force in e-mobility solutions, with a mission to engineer sustainable and accessible modes of transportation for all. Recognized as an innovative thought leader and collaborative strategist, Bill’s expertise has garnered attention in publications such as Wired, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal, solidifying his status as a driving force in the evolution of transportation and technology.

Panelist

Michael Skipper
Michael SkipperExecutive Director, Greater Nashville Regional Council

Michael Skipper is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in public policy, community and regional planning, and social research. With nine years as the executive director of the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization under his belt, Skipper was entrusted to lead the Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC), overseeing a 70+ member staff. In 2017 the two organizations were integrated, forming a comprehensive council of governments dedicated to addressing the region’s planning and community development needs.

Skipper’s influence extends beyond GNRC as he is the lead facilitator and advisor to the 10-county Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus. Under his guidance, the Caucus has emerged as a beacon of regional collaboration, tackling critical issues from transportation and flood recovery to regional tourism.

Prior to his return to the MPO in 2007, he directed the public transportation work program for an MPO in central Florida. In addition to his public-sector service, Skipper has held senior-level management positions with consulting firms in Austin, Texas, and Seattle, Washington.

Skipper has a Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas and an undergraduate degree in Geography from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. His expertise has garnered him numerous accolades, including the Nashville Emerging Leaders Award for Government and Public Affairs, Tennessee Planner of the Year by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association, the National Award for Outstanding Individual Leadership by the Association of MPOs, and the Transportation Planning Excellence Award by the United States Department of Transportation.

Panelist

Patrick DeCorla-Souz
Patrick DeCorla-SouzFormer Co-Chair Congestion Pricing Committee of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences

Patrick DeCorla-Souz is a former co-chair of the Congestion Pricing Committee of the National Academy of Science’s Transportation Research Board. In the 2000s, Patrick led several Federal government programs that sought to reduce traffic congestion through implementation of Choice Lanes – including the Value Pricing Pilot Program, the Congestion Reduction Demonstration Program, and the Urban Partnerships Program. Through these programs, he assisted state and local governments throughout the nation in planning and implementing Choice Lanes, including the first such lanes on I-95 in Miami, Florida and on I-85 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Over his 50-year career as a transportation professional, he has authored numerous articles and technical papers on Choice Lanes, proposing innovations to enhance their effectiveness. His most recent innovation, “A Sustainable and Equitable Approach to Financing Multimodal Alternatives in Metropolitan Areas,” was published in the Journal of the American Planning Association. It describes how metropolitan areas like Nashville can create an entire system of Choice Lanes expeditiously and with minimal new infrastructure investment, thereby addressing congestion and providing funding to expand multimodal travel choices in the near term while awaiting more costly major longer-term investments. Patrick has master’s degrees in Transportation Planning from Florida State University and in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo (Ohio). He is a federal employee but will speak in his personal capacity.

“Addressing congestion requires innovative solutions. Through public-private partnerships and forward-thinking policies, we can create a more efficient and sustainable transportation system for all.”

– Patrick DeCorla-Souza

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