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PA Turnpike Public Engagement Services

Project Overview

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) has made numerous improvements to segments of the Turnpike throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania over the last several years. In order to identify improvements in regard to stakeholder engagement throughout the duration of projects, the PTC hired HDR and E. Holdings, Inc. (EHI) to provide public engagement services to enhance how the PA Turnpike engages with their communities and stakeholders. This effort equipped the PA Turnpike with modern tools, standardized communications, and improved capacity to conduct more transparent, consistent, and data-informed community engagement across its statewide initiatives.

Core Services Performed:

  • Focus Group Facilitation
  • Initial Findings Report
  • Final Report Delivery

Client: Southwest PA Turnpike Commission

Prime: HDR, Inc.

Timeline: 2023

Research & Engagement

HDR, Inc. subcontracted with EHI to organize and facilitate focus groups to gather feedback directly from community stakeholders around two recently completed projects in the region. 

EHI designed and facilitated a series of focus groups with community stakeholders to gather insights on public expectations and communication needs. Findings were synthesized into a comprehensive report that outlined clear, actionable recommendations for enhancing PA Turnpike’s engagement approach. 

Community Analytics Dashboard & Guidebook

To establish a stronger data-driven foundation for decision-making, EHI first conducted a survey of PA Turnpike project managers to determine which types of community analytics are currently analyzed. Based on this input, EHI collaborated with the PA Turnpike Office of Diversity and Inclusion to expand their existing demographic dashboard into a comprehensive Community Analytics Dashboard.

This interactive tool provides project managers with demographic, geographic, and engagement-related data tailored to each community along the Turnpike. EHI authored a practical guidebook that details the available data, explains its relevance to engagement planning, and offers step-by-step guidance for how to use the community analytics to influence decision-making for engagement.

EHI led a hybrid training workshop for PA Turnpike staff, covering best practices in public engagement, dashboard navigation, and applied exercises using sample data. This hands-on training equipped project managers with the skills to independently leverage the dashboard and integrate analytics into their project planning.

Project Webpage Migration

EHI also supported the transition of existing project webpages into a new, streamlined template. The updated design improves consistency, accessibility, and ease of use for the public.

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Dave Broniecki
Manager of Data Operations and GeoAnalytics

Dave is a NASSCO certified Mechanical Engineer. Specializing in retrieving and analyzing data from various sources to support condition assessment and capital improvement planning activities. Utilizing data to coordinate and track progress on key organizational performance indicators, he assists stakeholders in making decisions related to strategic planning. He has been integral in establishing data management programs essential for planning the future repair and management of large-scale sewer networks.  David works with clients to develop training programs and SOPs that address current maintenance needs and future Capital Improvement Planning.

Contact: dave.broniecki@eholdingsinc.com

Christine Barton, PE, PLS
Project Engineer

Christine Barton is a registered civil engineer and land surveyor with expert experience in site design, land development, water resources design for civil/site projects including layouts, utility plans, and permitting, and coordination/management of field survey work.  She has successfully held positions as project manager, project designer, and office manager to serve the needs of the clients within the residential, commercial, military, industrial, and healthcare industries. Core proficiencies include coordination with local land development planning agencies, county conservation districts, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the  Pennsylvania Department of Environment.

Contact: christine.barton@eholdingsinc.com

Irvin Williams, President

As the President and founder of E. Holdings, Irvin is currently focused on the company’s succession, strategic growth, and development. He has both a professional and personal interest in Pittsburgh’s success.  A Pittsburgh native and founder of several development companies, he has an extensive understanding of finance and business, which are vital to the success of this company. He has served in numerous management positions including financial advisor, senior vice president, project manager, general contractor, developer, and construction manager. Active in the local community, he made the decision to dedicate his expertise to rebuilding economically sustainable communities with the approval of their existing residents. In 1996, he and his wife became the first African Americans in Western Pennsylvania to develop and own a commercial office building, Williams Square. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with an AAS in Mathematics.

Contact: irvin.williams@eholdingsinc.com | 412-434-6290

Amy Wiles, AICP
Manager of Planning & Design

Amy’s professional experience crosses a variety of disciplines, ranging from county and multi-municipal comprehensive plans and land use ordinances (zoning and subdivision and land development) to specialized planning studies, such as wayfinding master plans and parks, recreation, trails and greenways plans. She has been employed by E. Holdings for two years and has 20 years of professional experience.

Contact: amy.wiles@eholdingsinc.com | 724-448-0286

Alexis Meier, MPP
Senior Director of Communications, Engagement & Planning

Alexis is the Director of Communications at E. Holdings. There she has worked as the Municipal Coordinator for an in-depth municipal assessment project for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN). She oversees all of E. Holding’s public relations and public outreach efforts. She also brings experience as a Government Affairs Manager for Duane Morris Government Strategies. She worked on community development projects and developing and executing government relations strategies as well as fundraising efforts. She has also spent time navigating our political system in Washington D.C. as the Legislative Staff Assistant for U.S. Senator Rick Santorum. Her understanding of legislation and politics gives her a unique viewpoint when collaborating on civic projects. 

Contact: alexis.meier@eholdingsinc.com | 412-656-8850

Janai Williams Smith, MCP
Managing Director and EVP

Janai Smith is the Managing Director and Principal of E. Holdings, Inc. Janai is a versatile, goal-oriented Program Manager with 20+ years of experience supporting the strategic direction of large-scale programs, setting budgets and managing risks while achieving overall company goals and exceeding customer expectations. As a planner and economist, Janai has been involved in a diverse array of projects, among them master plans, urban revitalization plan, visioning studies, brownfield and infill redevelopment projects, strategic planning and infrastructure improvement programs.

Janai’s interest in urban planning, design and infrastructure programs is rooted in a passion for the creation of sustainable communities that deliver equity in planning and implementation by making connections with people and their built environment. Her affinity for complex problem-solving can be seen in the diverse array of projects in which she’s been engaged from revitalization plans for depressed urban neighborhoods to brand new communities and programs. Leading a process-oriented, multidisciplinary team, Janai’s dedication to achieving consensus in her client’s goals and stakeholders’ vision has made a significant contribution to the successful development of numerous projects. 

Contact: janai.smith@eholdingsinc.com | 412-728-5726