Shailen P. Bhatt is President and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America),
As its chief executive, Bhatt promotes policies that advance the development and deployment of intelligent transportation technologies throughout the United States. He has testified before Congress about the positive safety impact of intelligent transportation technologies, including connected and automated vehicles.
Bhatt is a leading voice in transportation on technology’s ability to save lives and reduce crashes on U.S. roadways. He speaks extensively about the importance of vehicles to communicate with each other and all roadway users as one of the best ways to improve safety and reduce congestion. He is also passionate about reducing transportation’s carbon footprint and the need to provide seamless mobility and transportation choices to people no matter where they live.
Bhatt was appointed as a transportation leader by three governors. While serving as Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the agency launched the Road X program, which is focused on deploying innovative technology solutions such as connected vehicles and teaming with the private sector to shape the future of transportation. Prior to CDOT, Bhatt was Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Department of Transportation. He was also a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Bhatt has served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE) and the Executive Committee of the I-95 Corridor Coalition; he was a member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Agenda Council on the Future of Automotive and Personal Transport.
Bhatt graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Western Kentucky University. He lives with his wife and two young daughters in Washington, DC.