[Watch this episode on YouTube.]

In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into the strategic vision and volunteer leadership that drive the development and maintenance of the AASHTO materials standards. We are joined by Matt Linneman, Chief Engineer for North Dakota DOT and Chair of the Committee on Materials and Pavements (COMP), and AASHTO liaison Casey Soneira. This episode offers an in-depth look at the essential roles leaders play in ensuring the materials used in our infrastructure are of the highest quality, while also highlighting the critical role of volunteers in maintaining and updating standards.

We explore the extensive responsibilities of state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and how they vary across different states. In North Dakota, for example, the state DOT collaborates closely with local agencies, such as counties, cities, and townships, to maintain local roads. This collaborative effort is essential for ensuring that the entire transportation infrastructure is well-maintained and safe for the public. Matt's role as COMP Chair involves aligning the committee's work with AASHTO's broader strategic goals, while also balancing the volunteer efforts required to maintain and update the standards.

Matt shares the catalyst for a strategic roadmap for COMP, which includes aligning with AASHTO's overall goals and defining core missions, values, and initiatives. This roadmap is essential for guiding the committee's work and ensuring that it remains focused on its key objectives. The conversation also highlights the challenges of managing a 6,000-page annual publication filled with detailed materials standards, and the importance of stakeholder involvement in this process. 

One of the key topics discussed in the episode is the importance of effective volunteer engagement. Matt and Casey share their insights on how to create a supportive and inclusive committee environment that encourages wider participation. They discuss strategies such as creating psychological safety and micro-engagements, which allow volunteers to contribute without extensive commitments. This approach is essential for ensuring that a diverse range of stakeholders, including state volunteers, industry members, academics, and students, are involved in the committee's work.

The episode also touches on the significance of succession planning and the balance between industry and academic leadership roles. Matt and Casey emphasize the importance of clear processes in encouraging participation, and how these factors can help create a collaborative and enjoyable volunteer experience. This is crucial for maintaining active and valuable committee participation, which in turn ensures that the highway standards are effective and applicable.

In the final segment of the episode, the discussion turns to the importance of building relationships and future initiatives. Matt shares his experiences transitioning to his current role as COMP Chair, and how existing relationships within the professional community made this transition easier. The conversation also highlights the importance of research in informing standards and manuals development, and the establishment of a dedicated technical subcommittee for research. This subcommittee will focus on incorporating research findings into the committee's work, ensuring that the standards remain up-to-date and effective.

Overall, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the strategic vision and volunteer leadership that drive the development and maintenance of materials standards. It highlights the essential roles that state DOTs, local agencies, and volunteers play in this process, and provides valuable insights into how effective volunteer engagement and strategic planning can enhance the effectiveness and applicability of these standards.