FOCUS Forums are a series of engaging public discussions featuring expert panelists who discuss a range of topics that impact Central New York residents, including education, environment, local government, business, health, public service, and more. Each forum consists of insightful presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session that encourages community participation. We aim to create an inclusive space for residents to learn and contribute to the issues that matter most in our community.
Thank you to the incredible sponsor making the July FOCUS Forum free for our community!
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026 | Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 11:45 a.m.)
Registration & Location: In-Person & Zoom. Registration: Free and Open to Everyone.
This FOCUS Forum FOCUS Forum will be held in-person at One Group, with the option of virtual participation via Zoom.
Topic: Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum where panelists will explore the future of transportation in Central New York and the shared responsibility of building a connected, accessible, and sustainable network for all residents. This discussion is informed by local conditions, recent developments, and ongoing efforts to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility across our communities. Panelists will provide an overview of transportation planning, infrastructure investment, and mobility initiatives across Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse, drawing on their professional roles and direct experience managing, developing, and improving local transit and transportation systems. The conversation will highlight public agencies and planning organizations, and the ways residents can stay informed and engaged in shaping how our region moves. The Forum will emphasize practical civic participation, including understanding local transportation planning processes, supporting multimodal and transit initiatives, and engaging with community partners, while allowing panelists to address emerging issues and priorities as they see fit. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves to a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and initiatives. This is a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.
Language Access: FOCUS Forums are presented in English. Zoom provides optional, automated live captions and translation features that participants may choose to enable. These tools are generated by Zoom and are not professionally interpreted.
Panelists:
James D’Agostino, Director, Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council
Elizabeth “Betsy” Parmley, Regional Director, New York State Department of Transportation
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Elizabeth “Betsy” Parmley, P.E., is the Regional Director of the Central New York Region of the New York State Department of transportation as well as the director of the transformative I-81 Viaduct Project, at $2.25 billion, it is the largest infrastructure project in the New York State Department of Transportation history.
Betsy, a Bucknell University alumnus, began her career with NYSDOT in 2005, as a junior engineer. She has held positions in Design, Maintenance and Traffic Safety & Mobility in the Central New York Region. She first joined the I-81 Viaduct Project team as a project manager in 2021.
During her tenure at NYSDOT, Betsy has played a key role in several high-priority regional projects, building connections that extend beyond infrastructure. Her working relationships with community partners and elected officials exemplify her care, commitment, and willingness to address project-related issues and concerns head-on. Betsy’s depth of experience and demonstrated leadership skills will be instrumental in the successful completion of this historic project.
Christopher Tuff, Chief Executive Officer, Central New York Regional Transportation Authority
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Christopher Tuff was named Chief Executive Officer of the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) in May 2025.
Since joining Centro in April 2016, Mr. Tuff has held several positions including Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Vice President of Administration, Director of Operations, Director of Subsidiary Operations, and Senior Transportation Analyst. In his role as Chief Executive Officer for the Authority, Mr. Tuff is responsible for ensuring functional accountability across all departments of the Authority, and for assessing and monitoring administrative and operational activity in all five counties in which the Authority operates. Mr. Tuff is also tasked with representing the Authority during various statewide meetings, interacting with community organizations and elected representatives.
Sponsorship Spotlight
FOCUS extends our heartfelt gratitude to The John Ben Snow Foundation for their generous sponsorship of the July 2026 FOCUS Forum! Their support enables us to continue providing FOCUS Forums FREE OF CHARGE!
| The John Ben Snow Foundation, Inc. was established in 1948 by John Ben Snow and continues to operate under the terms of its original charter. The present Board includes persons of diverse occupational backgrounds and geographic areas. The John Ben Snow Foundation focuses funding for tax-exempt organizations serving Central New York across a range of program areas. |
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