Meghan Vitale joined the SMTC (Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council)
in 2007 and is currently the agency’s principal transportation planner. Meghan
earned her undergraduate degree in civil engineering and also holds a Master’s
degree in urban planning and policy.
Her work at SMTC has included land use-transportation studies, multi-modal
corridor studies, the Long Range Transportation Plan, and numerous public
engagement activities. Prior to joining the SMTC, Meghan worked in the private
sector as a transportation planner and traffic engineer.
Brenda (Bren) W. Daiss is the Director of Special Transportation Projects & Planning for Centro. After spending more than two decades working for county and municipal governments, Bren places a high focus on strategic planning to efficiently transport people, shape urban form, enhance economic vitality, and improve quality of life.
Throughout her career, Bren has participated in and led the development of community plans and regulations for a variety of projects ranging from short-term Neighborhood Revitalization Plans in Savannah, GA, to long-term Regional Transportation Plans in Madison County, NY; Ulster County, NY; and Glynn County, GA.
Bren has worked for Centro for two years. There, she manages major projects such as Syracuse’s BRT and Cento’s On-Demand microtransit. As a member of the American Public Transit Association (APTA) and the American Planning Association (APA), Bren has served on multiple local and regional committees and presented at local and state conferences.
Bren holds an AA in Photography with a Business focus from Mohawk Valley Community College; a BA in Environmental Design (Urban Planning) with an Architecture minor from the University at Buffalo; and an MFA in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art & Design. She lives with her husband, loves spending time with their two children and extended family, and appreciates travel, photography, and all things vintage.
Our moderator is Helen D. Hudson. Syracuse resident since the age of two, Helen has dedicated her life to serving members of the community in a variety of ways. Whether one family at a time or pulling together large groups to address issues like gun violence, poverty, and access to justice, Helen is there to lend a hand and lead.
In her role as AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison at the United Way of Central New York, Helen reaches all segments of the region to mobilize people and provide access to resources. As the first African American female President of the Syracuse Common Council, Helen has created new opportunities for community voice, led strategic efforts addressing issues from voter access to public safety to vital contracts. She is also committed to mentoring young people, especially people of color and New Americans, to encourage and inspire public service.
The recipient of numerous awards and recognition, Helen believes that our best days are ahead and is committed to ensuring that every member of the community prospers.