Employee Spotlight: David Maziarz, Southern Program Manager for Transit Operations

David Maziarz joined the department more than 10 years ago, beginning as a graduate public service intern before be­ing hired full time.

Here are some of his thoughts about his job and life outside of IDOT.

What positions have you held at IDOT?

I was initially hired as the training and graphics specialist for the Technology Transfer Center in Local Roads. After over three years in Local Roads, I was hired as a compliance project manager in Transit Operations. After three years in that position, I was hired into my current role as a program manager in Transit Operations.

Tell us about your job?

The Bureau of Transit Operations is responsible for managing state and federal grants for 56 different public transportation providers in Illinois. Our job is to keep people moving and keep grantee payments moving throughout the fiscal year so they can keep the public moving throughout Illinois. Staying on top of 50-plus grantees for accurate, compliant and timely reporting to ensure prompt payments is what we do every day.

As a program manager, I want this process to go well for my bosses, my coworkers, and of course, our grant­ees. I make sure our procedures are communicated effectively across the bureau so our project managers on the frontlines know how to effectively manage their grantees.

Most important impact of your work?

Knowing the funding we are manag­ing is providing safe, accessible and effective public transportation across Illinois to those who need it most.

Favorite part of the job?

Year after year, we always have the chance to improve something. I really enjoy taking this challenge on with our current team in Transit Opera­tions. Both current and past, I have been lucky to work with and for some fantastic people while at IDOT.

Anything to highlight?

I completed a Rapid Results training with my coworker, Northern Program Manager Ramona Pitts, and put our plan into action this past year. It re­quired a lot of work to help clean up our National Transit Database report, which is our required annual report to the Federal Transit Administration.

What prepared you for your cur­rent role?

Honestly, each day working in transit prepares you for the next. I continu­ously am learning how to do my job better and just try to show up ready to work with a positive attitude every day.

Activities outside the office?

You can probably find me out walking my dog, working out or – hopefully – at a baseball game!