Interview with CO/WY ITE Transportation Professional of the Year 2023 Chris Sobie
Posted by cowyite on Aug. 5, 2024 / Colorado-Wyoming Section Notifications / Subscribe 0
CO/WY ITE Transportation Professional of the Year 2023
Chris Sobie, Project Manager at Q-Free
Employment History
Daily Duties/Responsibilities at Q-Free
I manage statewide advanced traffic management system (ATMS) deployments, adaptive projects, and central signal system deployments. On a daily basis, I work with my clients to ensure that their ITS and traffic signal system goals and visions are being met by our talented traffic engineering and software development teams.
How many years have you been at this employer?
I've been working for Q-Free since January 2023.
Employee History:
Throughout my career I’ve enjoyed working on the consulting side for six years, working as a local government Traffic Operations Engineer for two years, and now over a year on the vendor side.
Are you affiliated with other organizations?
Outside of ITE, I am affiliated with Rocky Mountain ITS and the Project Management Institute.
Knowing that you have worked with both the public and the private sector, what do you see as the benefits and drawbacks of each type of position?
Just like anything in life, there are pros and cons to the public and private sector.
For the private sector, I really enjoyed working for a variety of clients, understanding their individual needs, and delivering solutions to meet those needs. I would say a drawback is sometimes you can put all your energy and passion into delivering a project and then the result gets shelved and you may not see the project carried out. And of course, tracking billable hours is never fun.
For the public sector, I really enjoyed being at the helm of the traffic operations for a local community and having the ability to plan and implement a solution and being able to see the immediate positive change for the traveling public. I also really appreciated working in all facets of transportation and wearing multiple hats in a day.
Educational Background
What college did you attend?
I attended Northern Arizona University and graduated with a BS of Civil Engineering in 2014 and MS of Engineering in 2015.
Any other educational training?
I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in LeadershipITE (Class of 2020), IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level I training, Project Management Professional training, and FHWA Designing for Pedestrian Safety training.
Family Information
Married? How Long? Kids? Grandkids?
My fiancé Ileana and I are getting married in September of this year in Pagosa Springs.
Pets?
Our dog, Cooper, is six years old and she’s the best.
Where do you reside - where were you born?
We currently live in Pine, Colorado- just outside of Conifer, right next to Staunton State Park. I was born in Wisconsin and will forever love cheese and the Packers.
Work Related Questions
How did you become interested in the field of transportation?
When I was an undergraduate student, I was most fascinated with transportation and hydrology. As a junior, I met Dr. Smaglik at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and he offered me an undergraduate research position in the transportation realm, and I haven’t looked back since. Civil engineering in general called to me because all four major disciplines have direct impacts on the population. However, I think our field is fascinating because unlike the other facets of civil engineering, we have to consider human factors and influences in every planning, design, and operation project.
What types of interesting projects have you worked on during your career?
Some of the most interesting projects I’ve worked on in my career include managing the CDOT statewide ATMS solution, quick implementation safety projects, and taking a project from alternative analysis, alternative selection, and completing final plan, specification, and estimate packages. The CDOT statewide ATMS project has really opened my eyes to the relationship between software, technology, and transportation (i.e. ITS), and I’m really excited for the direction ITS is headed and the safety benefits that will be realized.
Which of your projects are you the proudest of?
I’m probably the proudest of the street light canopy replacement project in downtown Castle Rock. We had an unfortunate event that ended up with the existing light canopy collapsing in the Spring. With the looming downtown festival season approaching, I directed and managed the project, from procurement to final acceptance. We were able to replace the light canopy with not only an accelerated schedule, but electrical upgrades that were requested by other Town departments. It was a fun and exciting project to lead.
What advances (or changes) have you seen, both good and bad?
I think the biggest positive advance in the short time I’ve been a professional is an emphasis on safety in all projects, including the ITS industry I currently work in. Whether it’s labeled Vision Zero or not, we all have a responsibility to provide safe transportation for all citizens. I think one negative thing I’ve noticed in my career is that we as an industry struggle to keep up with the rapidly growing technological advances that other industries are seeing.
What do you think our future holds?
I think the future of our industry is really bright. We are in the midst of an industry shift when it comes to an emphasis on safety which is impacting all areas of transportation. I think the future includes more collaboration between the technology sector and the traffic and transportation sector where we modernize our infrastructure to continue to improve mobility and safety for all.
What is the most surprising or unexpected thing you have learned about traffic engineering in your career?
I was very surprised by just how small and niche our industry is, and how willing my peers were to mentor and provide guidance when I was a junior engineer. It’s great to be apart of an organization where you form long lasting relationships.
What funny stories do you have?
I’m not sure if this is funny, but the most hectic situation I’ve been in is accidentally triggering an intersection into flash while performing a task in the cabinet. It’s not funny at the time, but looking back on those moments, it’s always funny to think about the panic and stress of resuming normal operation, even though only a few motorists were impacted, and no crashes occurred.
Is there a hero, mentor or someone you look up to, either personally or professionally? Why?
I’ve had several mentors throughout my career that I look up to professionally including Paul Barricklow and Yung Koprowski. They are both leaders in our industry and mentored me when I was out of college, and still inspire with how they lead their teams. Personally, within ITE, I look up to people like Devin Moore who has endless excitement and passion for ITE. I hope that I can continue to serve ITE in a manner that is half of how Devin served the Mountain District when he was on the Executive Committee.
If asked to speak to a class of potential engineering students, i.e., still in high school or in college, what would you tell them about our profession?
I think it’s important to recognize that our profession impacts every citizen because at some point we all are pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, or commuters. We have a chance to ensure that our communities can travel from point A to point B in a safe and efficient manner regardless of mode. I would also emphasize what an exciting time it is to join the transportation profession as we are seeing rapid development in the modernization in our line of work.
Fun Questions
What would you do differently if you could start your career over?
When looking back, I don’t think I would do anything differently. I got involved by volunteering in ITE and the people that came before me showed me the way.
If you could choose anyone to have lunch with (alive or deceased), who would it be and why?
My grandfather on my mom’s side. He was an engineer, but he passed before I was old enough to appreciate his wisdom and quick wit.
What do you do in your free time (e.g. what hobbies)?
We love running, biking, and snowboarding. In the past few years, I’ve gotten into long distance running and completed a 100-mile trail race in Steamboat last September.
Most recent book/movie you’ve read/seen – what did you think of it?
I saw Dune 2 at an Imax and that was an amazing experience. I also read the first two books in the KingKiller Chronicles, and they are really good, however the last book has been pending release for over 10 years so it may never come out. Just a heads up!
What is the best vacation you’ve been on, or one that you have yet to go on?
I’m fortunate enough to spend six months in New Zealand as an exchange student and every weekend was like a vacation within itself. It was truly amazing
ITE Questions
Do you have ideas for that would make the CO/WY ITE section better?
I think the CO/WY ITE section does a great job engaging the membership and providing opportunities to network and learn throughout the year. I think we have an opportunity to attract talent by further involvement in our universities and K-12 students.
0 Comments