Angelo Rao: Safe Streets Pioneer

We’re an interconnected nationwide team, but we each have our own reasons for being passionate about the work we do. This month, get to know Angelo Rao, senior principal engineer in our Tampa office.

What’s your background and what brought you to Kittelson?

I’m a Canadian-Italian-American, originally from Toronto, Canada, with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Toronto. At one of my public meetings, as the city traffic engineer for the city, I had the pleasure of meeting Jane Jacobs, author of The Death and Life of Great American Cities, who lived only 12 blocks from my house in the Annex district of Toronto.

Interestingly, growing up in a carless household, I became fascinated with transportation by walking and taking transit to almost all of my destinations. I learned quickly that the single occupied vehicle was becoming a thing and decided to participate in “taming” its consequences. Failing in my retirement job (I was a poor performer) I decided to get back into the workforce and am glad to be with Kittelson. This part-time work/life balance is perfect for me personally, and the Kittelson team continues to be a joy to work with.

In my spare time, I like to travel (particularly to Canada), cook (no one has died that I’m aware of), play the drums, bicycle (including for errands), and write (author of The Prosperity Contract).

What type of work are you most passionate about?

I’m most passionate about transportation safety work, particularly for vulnerable users. I specifically enjoy advocating for public safety with fellow professionals and at conferences, and to anyone who will listen!! Lately, I’ve become fascinated with how Disruptive Innovation plays a role in complete streets, safe systems approach, and Vision Zero.

What qualities, experiences, and skills have contributed to your success?

Almost any successes that I may have experienced were on account of partnership with others. Collaboration brings fresh ideas, helps one get talked off the ledge, and results in having more fun. I’d have to say that encouraging folks to work together with a common goal is a quality I am most proud of.

With your 4 decades of experience in the industry, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned that you can pass onto others?

I would mostly get into trouble when I listened less than I should have. Listening to what all persons have to say is critical to solving complex problems. You don’t have to agree with it all. I’ve learned to be less of an “expert” and more of an absorber of ideas from all folks. Experts have a tendency of saying “no” quite frequently!

What do you think is the most important issue that needs to be addressed in the transportation industry?

Empowering staff in all agencies (public and private) to innovate without fear. That is, senior leadership to give team players the freedom to solve problems with new and exciting solutions that are way outside of the box. I believe that controlled mistakes are mandatory and with the particular leadership’s backing.