Aviation and many other forms of transit are integral parts of Wisconsin’s transportation system, moving people and goods through a network of airports, bus systems, taxis, and more.  Without these forms of transportation, many in the state would be cut off from goods, services, work, and recreation.  What does it take to maintain this infrastructure?  And how can you help make sure our state’s essential building blocks are strong and secure?  Join us on October 31st from 12:00 to 1:30 pm for the Aviation and Transit webinar, sign up information below.

This is one webinar in a nine-part series looking at the state of all areas of infrastructure in Wisconsin.  Learn about the whole series: Back to the 2024 Report Card for Wisconsin's Infrastructure series page

Speaker Information 

Aviation Chapter Author

Ryan Betker, PE
Transportation Service Lead

With 22 years of experience in transportation design and construction, Ryan is an advocate for safe and effective solutions to meet the needs of the future. Ryan is employed by Westwood Professional Services and has worked on transportation projects throughout the United States. Ryan’s primary focus is on the public infrastructure market with an emphasis on rural and urban roadway design. For the past 18 years he has become an expert on roundabout design and holds a Level 3 roundabout design certification from Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the highest level obtainable.

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering form Michigan Technological University. In his spare time, he enjoys spending his time outdoors, biking, skiing, backpacking, hunting, and fishing with his family.

Transit Chapter Author

Bob Bryson, PE
Retired Chief Traffic and Street Lighting Engineer

Bob retired as the Chief Traffic and Street Lighting Engineer for the City of Milwaukee, Department of Public Works after a 34-year career there. He received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Engineering from Marquette University, and is currently registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin. He was the principal author of the Transit Chapters for both the 2020 and 2024 Wisconsin Infrastructure Report Cards.

Bob is currently a Life Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and has been active with them primarily at the national level. He previously was appointed for two terms on ASCE’s National Transportation Policy Committee, serving as Committee Chair in 2021. Currently, he serves on ASCE’s National Engineering Practice Policy Committee. With ASCE’s Transportation and Development Institute (T&DI), Bob is currently the Chairman of the Institute’s Roadway Council, and has served on the Institute’s Street and Highway Operations Committee since 1990, previously serving as chairman of that Comittee for 15 years. Bob is ASCE’s representative on the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and is also active as an affiliate member of the Transportation Research Board.

Additional Speakers

Abe Weber
Director, Appleton International Airport

Abe Weber is the Director of Appleton International Airport where he has held various roles over the last 19 years.  Abe is an Accredited Airport Executive with AAAE and has earned degrees in Aviation Flight and Management and his Master’s Degree in Business Management.  Over the last couple of years Abe has enjoyed the airport team’s success that has added 10 air service additions, welcomed several business expansions and grown ATW’s annual economic impact above $800 million.  Abe received national recognition as one of the aviation industry’s Top 40 under 40, 2x Wisconsin Aviation’s Person of the Year, Fox Cities Person of the Year and most recently Cranky Flyer’s Airport Partner nominee. Abe spends his free time outdoors or traveling with his wife and four children.

David Steele
Executive Director, MobiliSE

Dave Steele serves as the Executive Director of MobiliSE, overseeing day-to-day operations of the organization, including project development, grant administration, and partnership building.

Steele has spent over 15 years leading social change. As a non-profit CEO, program officer, consultant and program director, Steele has launched and implemented successful fundraising campaigns, raising resources from individuals, foundations and corporations to fund operations and program expansion. He has overseen a multi-million dollar portfolio of grants and low-interest loans to nonprofits, designing and implementing strategies for maximum impact. He has trained and consulted with hundreds of non-profit leaders and board members, specializing in strategic planning and board development, as well as program design, implementation and evaluation. Steele is a recognized leader in building diversity and inclusion in the non-profit sector, and his work has led to significant and measurable increase in the diversity of non-profit boards and staff.

Steele holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has participated in Harvard Business School’s Social Enterprise Initiative. A native of Milwaukee’s South Side, he resides in Milwaukee with his wife and is the father of three boys.

Ian Ritz 
Chief of the Transit Section, WIDOT

Ian Ritz is currently the Chief of the Transit Section at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation where he has worked since 2010. He passionate about public and specialized transportation because it provides important mobility options for people to commute to work, attend school, make medical appointments and participate in other essential daily activities.