Policy Drivers Episode Eight: Laura Ryan

The Farm&City team spoke with Laura Ryan, a member of the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC), for the newest episode of Policy Drivers, the video podcast where we have a chance to talk with officials and community leaders about their work and policy in general.

The TTC includes five members appointed by the Texas Senate for six-year terms. This body appoints the executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and makes other decisions that govern TxDOT’s priorities. Commissioner Ryan was confirmed for a 6 year term in April 2017 after serving an interim role in 2016.

Commissioner Ryan is a business leader, and provided excellent insight into the similarities and differences between decision making and priorities in private business and government agencies. She also had excellent advice for new professionals.

“You need to have a very strong compass about why you are doing what you are doing. Truly understand what you are doing and why you’re doing it because that will be your North Star.”

You can watch Texas Transportation Commission meetings or access the agendas and meeting minutes on their website. Agendas are posted eight days before the meetings, and livestreams are hosted on the website.

We hope you will enjoy the full video and will join us for the next episode of Policy Drivers.

You can check out the other Policy Drivers episodes on the Farm&City YouTube Channel.

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