Marty embodies Zephyr principles by driving technical advancements while ensuring that these innovations serve the public good. His commitment to creating a reliable and well-documented set of travel demand tools, data, and procedures has been instrumental in addressing the diverse transportation needs of both the Boston region and the state of Massachusetts.
But Marty has also fostered a community of modelers and practitioners both within his colleagues at the Central Transportation Planning Staff, but also with many other MPOs across the country, and with academic researchers. His community service includes big roles in the (former) TRB Committees on Transportation Planning Analysis and Application (AEP15) and Transportation Demand Forecasting (AEP50) committees. Marty exemplifies the values of collegiality and mentorship, consistently investing time in supporting the professional growth of others. His thoughtful and respectful interactions create an inclusive and supportive environment where diverse opinions and backgrounds are welcomed.
Marty has been instrumental in spearheading efforts such as the integration into travel forecastsing the principles of “Decision Making under Deep Uncertainty”, and encourages critical discussion about future challenges in the field. Marty’s leadership extends beyond technical skills—he understands the importance of making complex models accessible to stakeholders and decision-makers, ensuring that models are communicated in clear, relatable terms. And of course, this year Marty was one of the organizers of the incredibly successful Modeling Mobility conference, which brought together over 300 modeling community members in September of 2025, and which will reconvene in April 2027 at ASU in Tempe.
Selected by the 2026 Leadership Award Committee (Greg Erhardt, Susan Handy, Rick Donnelly) · Board Facilitator: Joe Castiglione · Presenter: Rick Donnelly
Past Recipients
- 2025: Rick Donnelly
- 2024: Susan Handy
- 2023: Greg Erhardt
- 2022: Elizabeth Sall
- 2021: Bill Davidson
- 2020: Joan Walker
- 2019: Joe Castiglione