In this episode of Toll Talk, hosts Alex Fakeri and Kalie Jakovics sit down with Michelle Maikisch, Executive Director of the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), to explore how one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. is tackling the challenges of growth, safety, and innovation in transportation. Michelle shares how CFX is shaping the future of mobility through collaboration, strategic planning, and groundbreaking programs like Drive Smart Florida, which recently earned the IBTTA Toll Excellence Award in Safety. From going cashless and expanding regional connectivity to pioneering smart infrastructure and sustainability initiatives, this conversation dives into how CFX keeps Florida — and its millions of residents and visitors — moving efficiently and safely.

In this episode of Toll Talk, we’re joined by Jessica Carson, Senior Transportation Consultant at GFT and Chief Meeting Organizer for IBTTA’s 93rd Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Denver. With 17+ years of experience in tolling, Jessica shares her career journey, leadership insights, and what attendees can expect from this year’s biggest industry event. From technical tours and keynote sessions to Women in Tolling programming and networking opportunities, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes IBTTA such a cornerstone for the tolling community.

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Slater, Executive Director of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), to talk about how Tampa is becoming a national leader in smart transportation and highway innovation. Greg shares insights on the newly approved Selmon Expressway Work Plan, how AI and smart technology are transforming traffic management and pedestrian safety, and why customer experience is now at the heart of tolling and infrastructure projects.

In this episode of Toll Talk, we’re joined by Tom Macchione, Director of Traffic Engineering & Operations at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Tom shares how his team is transforming the tolling experience by seeing drivers not just as vehicles passing through a gantry — but as valued customers. From work zone safety innovations (with a 20% crash reduction!) to building confidence in data-driven decision-making, Tom dives into the strategies, challenges, and future trends shaping modern tolling and infrastructure.

This week on Toll Talk, hosts Kalie Jakovics and Alexander Fakeri sit down with Anne Hay, CMO and EVP at PayNearMe, to dive into how toll agencies can modernize payments, reduce revenue leakage, and create a better experience for drivers. Whether you’re a tolling professional, policy maker, or just curious about the future of road payments, this episode will change how you think about tolling.

In this episode of To Talk, we’re joined by Sophia Currier, UX Manager and Chair of the Young Professionals Council (YPC). Sophia shares how she’s using her platform—both as a UX leader and as YPC Chair—to champion the voices of young professionals in an evolving industry. From shaping better user experiences to creating space for new ideas, Sophia is passionate about building inclusive teams and empowering tomorrow’s tolling leaders. Sophia’s journey is a powerful example of how curiosity, clarity, and confidence can create real impact—within a company and across an industry.

In this episode, hosts Kalie and Alex are joined by Shannon Bonilla, Chief Meeting Organizer for IBTTA’s Maintenance, Engineering & Roadway Operations Workshop and Department Manager at Dewberry. Shannon gives us a unique look at the people and purpose behind one of IBTTA’s most hands-on and collaborative events.

In this episode, hosts Kalie and Alex sit down with JJ Eden, a leading voice in the tolling and smart mobility industry. JJ shares how tolling isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. From improving traffic flow to giving people back precious time with their families, tolling plays a vital role in our daily lives.

In recognition of Global Road Safety Week 2025, this episode of Toll Talk joins the global movement to reduce roadway fatalities and elevate safety standards across the transportation industry. Hosts Kalie Jakovics and Alex Fakeri are joined by Ferzan Ahmed, Executive Director of the Ohio Turnpike and Chair of IBTTA’s Global Road Safety initiative, for a powerful conversation grounded in both data and lived experience.

In this forward-looking episode of Toll Talk, Brad Wright, CEO of NextMove by Cintra, joins Alex and Kalie to explore the real-world impacts of innovation in the transportation industry—from the dot-com boom to blockchain and the current wave of AI. With decades of experience navigating change and disruption, Brad shares insights into how emerging technologies are shaping public infrastructure and mobility. This conversation cuts through the hype to focus on what truly matters: trust, strategic communication, and meaningful tech adoption.