2024 40 Under 40: Caitlin Styrczula, PMP, TDM-CP

Caitlin Styrczula, PMP, TDM-CP, is the director of business engagement and program services for AECOM and CTrides, a service of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. In her role, she leads the statewide public engagement team, directs programming for more than 400 partners and implements mode shift initiatives to employers, state agencies and community based organizations in 169 municipalities.

Under Styrczula’s leadership, CTrides has successfully implemented outreach campaigns such as the Higher Education Road Scholar Campaign, the All About Trains K-8 Rail Education Program and the Drive Less CT Climate Challenge. The initiatives have not only increased awareness of public transportation options but have also led to tangible results, such as a significant increase in CTrail riders and a reduction in harmful auto emissions.  

She is also involved with the Association for Commuter Transportation, where she serves in various leadership roles. She earned her TDM-CP in 2022 while serving as the president of the Patriot chapter, vice chair for the Employer Council, appointed member of the Events Oversight Committee and 2018 awardee of ACT’s 40 under 40 designation.      

Styrczula leads the outreach strategy and implementation of the Higher Education Road Scholar Campaign each semester to promote public transportation to 38 colleges and universities statewide. This initiative promotes the U-Pass, a student specific transit pass allowing full-time students the access to unlimited use of rail and bus transportation across Connecticut. She also leads outreach for the CTrides annual capstone event that promotes the use of public transportation and multimodal trips to all Connecticut residents. 

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?   

I benefited from an upbringing that exposed me to many places, people and modes of travel. Having moved up and down the eastern seaboard and traveled internationally from a young age, the importance of transit access was ingrained in me. Nothing puts a damper on a move or trip more than not being able to get where you need to.

What do you enjoy most about your job?   

Everything. Can I say everything? Or, more accurately, everyone. During my years in transportation, I have learned that I seldom come across a person in the sector who isn't also an advocate. An advocate for innovation, infrastructure and robust public engagement. Weekly, I look at my team and say, "I can't believe we get to do this work." They laugh and eye roll but they're relentlessly passionate about their work. It's a true pleasure to work with people who find such fulfillment in a job that helps so many others.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?   

Taking pause. Transportation is thoughtful, intentional and in service to many different populations. I am a "let's go now" person but the gravity of each decision is significant. We start with the planning phase, the focus group phase, the audit phase and then we get to roll out all of that hard work.

Accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?   

This one is special and it would not have been possible without my team and mentors along the way. AECOM fostered an environment where I can grow, lead and remain curious. My mentors have been unwavering advocates for my constant bettering and the staff that I have the pleasure of leading is steadfast, proactive and fervent. I'm proud of this and I'm proud to know them.

What is an accomplishment you would like to work towards in your career?   

Maybe one day I'll fulfill the bus driver dream. On the immediate horizon, I'd like to spend more time on the commuter rail side of things. These services are so much more than a commuting mode; they're a placemaking effort, an economic driver and a community connector.

Best advice/tip/best practice to share from your area of expertise?   

Don't come to a new conversation with your resolution. Listen to the problem, understand the need, and then develop the solution. This takes the whole "listen twice, talk once" adage to a new level. Planners and engineers are solutions-driven; we also need to be feedback-driven.