The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) has announced the election of Deborah Sims as its new President for 2021 / 22.
Ms Sims outlined her theme and plans for the year via an online video address at CIHT’s Presidential Inauguration event on Wednesday 22 June 2021.
The main one is ‘Route to Professionalism’ and during the next 12 months, CIHT will highlight just what it means to be a professional and the benefits of embracing continual improvement and enhanced professional ethics.
She said: “It is a great personal honour to be elected as President of CIHT, and the last 12 months have shown how important it is to be part of an active community. As a professional body we have a unique responsibility for the development of our members and the reputation of our sector. Today marks International Women in Engineering Day and we must do more to encourage children and young people to think about careers in engineering, highway engineering, and transport. To me it is particularly important that girls and young women consider these careers.
“Careers in highways and transportation are varied, exciting and interesting. To develop solutions which fully meet the needs of the people we serve, we need full representation in our industry from men, women and indeed all sectors of the community.”
Ms Sims will focus on supporting CIHT’s core business over the next few months which will see many new activities and initiatives emerge including a call for more professionals to sign up as STEM ambassadors and increased support for CIHT members professional development.
She is a Chartered Engineer with over 25 years’ experience in Road Safety Engineering, Highway Design, Asset Management and Maintenance. She is now a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Greenwich at Medway. Her teaching includes Project Management & Appraisal, Engineering Professional Skills, Construction Management & Technology, and Highway Engineering. She is also the Engineering Employability Champion, Placements Officer, and a member of the Civil Engineering Industrial Advisory Board.
Ms Sims is also is a STEM Ambassador and recently chaired the Careers Guidance Steering Group for the CIHT, developing a pack of materials for use in schools to encourage young people to consider careers in the built environment. She is a Professional Reviewer and has reviewed over 100 CEng / IEng candidates and a Trustee of Chatham Maritime Trust and of CIHT.
