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Volpe Center Highlights - March/April 2006

Letter from the Director

Letter from the Director | Focus | Safety | Security | Published and Presented
Volpe Contributes to Annual TRB Meeting

Volpe Center Team Response

The Volpe Center responds to the changing requirements of the transportation enterprise—supporting each modal administration of the Department of Transportation. Flexibility, adaptation, and response have, therefore, become part of the Volpe Center culture. Our staff has always recognized and welcomed opportunities to provide targeted support where and when it is required.

The Center staff comprises many technical experts who have become national authorities on specific transportation problems and solutions. However, Center leadership has always encouraged a multifunctional approach, and many senior staff members have a breadth of knowledge and capability that spans technical specialties and transportation modes.

This philosophy was particularly relevant following the Gulf Coast hurricanes of 2005, when many of our staff members provided immediate support to emergency logistics and transportation requirements. Within the framework of the National Response Plan, FEMA can call on other federal agencies to provide support in an emergency. Our flexible organization enabled us to free up key individuals with the right capabilities to provide both immediate and long-term assistance—without disrupting our services to other agencies. The Focus article in this issue of Highlights provides an overview of our response.

Our support would not have been possible without the dedication to public service exhibited by our staff members, who demonstrated the willingness and commitment to relocate for several months to help the nation respond in time of crisis.

This kind of dedicated public service is also characteristic of our senior staff. I would like to acknowledge Dr. James "Jim" Hallock, Chief of the Centers Safety Information Systems Division, on his appointment as a Senior Technical Expert (ST) for Air and Space Transportation Safety Risk Management. Only a select few individuals government-wide achieve an ST position; this appointment recognizes Dr. Hallocks extensive technical credentials and record of scientific accomplishments. An internationally known researcher, he served as a member of the space shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

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