“YPT is an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, who are passionate about transportation and urban issues. I particularly enjoy learning with and from my peers in relaxed, fun settings.”


The 2025 YPT Chicago Board

YPT Chicago is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who develop the organization’s mission and activities. Our Board and other members of our leadership represent a diverse group of young transportation professionals from across the transportation spectrum in both the private and public sector. The board meets each month. Please contact us if you are interested in attending an upcoming meeting. Follow our Instagram, join us on LinkedIn, and connect with us via Email.

2025 Board of Directors

Hani Shamat, Chair
Program Coordinator, Shared Use Mobility Center
Emma Chapman, Vice Chair for Finance
Associate, Cambridge Systematics, Inc.
Dan Forbush, Vice Chair for Programming
Transportation Program Specialist, Federal Transit Administration
Michael Dunst, Vice Chair for Programming
Transportation Analyst, Cambridge Systematics
Mark Shorey, Vice Chair for Administration
Engineer II, Civiltech Engineering
Matthew Krause, Vice Chair for Student Relations
Transportation Planner, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways
Brandon McFadden, Vice Chair for Communications
Senior Analyst, American Airlines
John Donners, Vice Chair for Sponsorship
Project Manager, R.M. Chin & Associates

Interested in being on the board? Elections take place each fall with the new board term starting on November 1st each year. Vacancies are filled on a rolling basis. Email us to learn more or express interest.

Please contact us at chicago@yptransportation.org for further information or inquiries.


Past Board Chairs

Erik Cempel, Founder, Chair 2012-2014
Christina Arthur, Chair 2014-2015
Charlie Monte Verde, Chair 2015-2016
Kelsey Watterworth, Chair 2016-2017
Alvaro Villagran, Chair, 2017-2018
Shane Misztal, Chair, 2018-2019
Anusha Suryanarayanan, Chair, 2019-2021
Siddharth Shah, Chair, 2021-2022
Jerom Theunissen, Chair, 2022-2023
Caitlin Bettisworth, Chair, 2024

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