ITE Honors Two Mountain District Members with Prestigious Membership Recognition
Posted by [email protected] on Jan. 8, 2026 / Mountain District Notifications / Subscribe 0
ITE—A Community of Transportation Professionals is proud to announce the election of three distinguished professionals as its 2026 Honorary Members, the organization’s highest recognition of notable and outstanding professional achievement. Since the honor was first awarded in 1933, only 100 individuals have earned this distinction. The ITE International Board of Direction has recognized two Mountain District members for their exceptional service and lasting contributions to the profession: Michael Sanderson, P.E., PTOE (H) and Jonathan Upchurch, Ph.D., P.E., PTOE (Ret.), Dist.M.ASCE (H). Congratulations to these remarkable professionals for receiving ITE’s highest honor.
Michael Sanderson, P.E., PTOE (H)
Michael Sanderson has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his career, particularly in shaping a people-centered approach to transportation and strengthening ITE. As CEO of Sanbell, Sanderson leads one of the fastest-growing community planning, engineering, and design firms in the western United States. A triple alumnus of Montana State University and the University of Montana, Sanderson complements his technical expertise with executive education from Harvard Business School.
His ITE service includes terms as International President (2018), founder and Chair of LeadershipITE, and pivotal roles in the ONE ITE initiative. Sanderson has also served as International Director for the Western District, as well as on multiple councils and committees. A dedicated educator and mentor, he serves as faculty advisor for Montana State University’s ITE Student Chapter and teaches as an adjunct instructor. Sanderson has also published extensively in ITE Journal and earned several ITE awards, including the Burton W. Marsh Award for Distinguished Service and the LeadershipITE Cornerstone Award.
Throughout his career, Sanderson has championed education, mentorship, and community service. His thought leadership on evolving transportation roles and innovation has shaped both policy and practice, earning recognition through numerous awards and advisory roles. Sanderson’s influence spans technical, academic, and civic spheres, including service on boards for the Museum of the Rockies and Friends of Montana PBS. His legacy is defined by an unwavering dedication to advancing transportation and empowering future professionals. Read more.
Jonathan Upchurch, Ph.D., P.E., PTOE (Ret.), Dist.M.ASCE (H)
Jonathan Upchurch has made a profound impact across five decades of service to transportation engineering. He served as ITE International President in 1991, has participated in more than 50 ITE International Annual Meetings, and has delivered over 100 presentations at ITE Section, District, and International meetings. He has held numerous leadership and volunteer roles, including Chair of the TRB Committee on Traffic Control Devices and Executive Secretary of the U.S. National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Dr. Upchurch also served as a staff member for the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, contributing to the landmark SAFETEA-LU legislation. His academic legacy includes 20 years as a university professor and mentoring future leaders in the profession. Recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the ITE Western District and honored as a Distinguished Member of ASCE, Dr. Upchurch exemplifies lifelong dedication to public service, technical excellence, and professional mentorship.
Dr. Upchurch has made lasting contributions across government, academia, and professional associations. His policy expertise and dedication to MUTCD development have shaped national traffic control device standards. As a tireless volunteer, he has served on TRB committees and mentored countless students—11 of whom went on to become ITE Section Presidents. His decades of service exemplify the spirit of ITE Honorary Membership. Read more.
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