Introducing the Lacuna Advisory Board
Lacuna exists to deliver solutions for transportation officials that not only give them a clear picture of what’s happening on the ground, but allow them to change that picture digitally and dynamically. We’re on a mission to build more sustainable, liveable, productive, and equitable transportation ecosystems.
In order to help us continue delivering on this mission, I’m delighted to announce that we’ve assembled an Executive Advisory Board of transportation experts with deep policy experience from all levels of government to join our existing team of world-class engineers and technologists.
The board includes a former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and a former FAA Administrator, integrating experts in airports, aviation, and urban air mobility. It also includes a critical voice from the country’s mayoral community.
For more than a decade, Columbia, South Carolina Mayor Steve Benjamin has brought an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to the state’s capital city. He is a former president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and African American Mayors Association, as well as Executive Chairman of Municipal Bonds for America. Mayor Benjamin recently spoke about how – as we look to restore economic opportunity coming out of COVID-19 – upgrading transportation infrastructure with cutting-edge digital tools can drive an urban recovery, equitably. Read more about that here.
We are bringing to the table diverse perspectives that will guide us as we continue to develop pioneering digital technologies that allow officials to equitably solve real-world problems. As we forge ahead together, you’ll be hearing more from me – and these talented board members – very soon.
Meet the Lacuna Executive Advisory Board
Michael Huerta served as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the
United States of America from 2013 to 2018. Mr. Huerta currently provides strategic advice to organizations in the aviation, aerospace, technology and infrastructure industries. During his FAA tenure, Mr. Huerta led the agency’s efforts to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system, preparing the way for the safe integration of commercial space operations and small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Prior to joining the FAA, Mr. Huerta served in executive positions at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Affiliated Computer Services, Inc., the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002, the Port of San Francisco and the New York City Department of Ports, International Trade and Commerce.
Mary E. Peters served as U.S. Secretary of Transportation from 2006 – 2009. There, she led efforts to improve transportation safety and the performance of the nation’s transportation system, and developed new policy to bring America’s transportation system into the 21st Century. Ms. Peters was also previously Sr. Vice President and National Director for Transportation Policy and Consulting for HDR, Inc. and served as the Federal Highway Administrator for the US Department of Transportation. She is currently the Principal of Mary Peters Consulting Group, LLC, an organization dedicated to finding new and better ways to address America’s infrastructure requirements. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Rand Corporation, among others.
Marcia Hale is a recognized public policy and political strategist who has worked in the White House, the U.S. Congress, and with mayors and governors across the country. For nine years, Marcia served as president of Building America’s Future (BAF), a national infrastructure coalition co-chaired by Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Governor Ed Rendell, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Marcia now serves as Chair of the Board. She has advised a wide variety of clients including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, PBS, Google, RIM (Blackberry), and a host of other technology companies. Marcia served as a senior White House aide to President Bill Clinton, where she was Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to that, she was the Director of Governor Richard W. Riley’s Washington office. She has also held several senior level positions in Congressional and presidential campaigns.
Les Cappetta is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SSP America, the premier restaurant company operating in North American airports. He has held senior executive positions with Host Marriott, Marriott Hotels and American Security Bank. He has served as the Chairman of Airports Council International (ACI – NA) Associates Board, and manages a consulting practice (Aviation Alliances, LLC) which supports technology, investment, and retail firms interested in the airport channel.
Mayor Steve Benjamin was elected Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina in April of 2010 with a vision of transforming South Carolina’s largest and capital city into the most talented, educated, and entrepreneurial city in America. Mr. Benjamin served as 2018-2019 President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, as Past President of the African American Mayors Association and as Executive Chairman of Municipal Bonds for America. Prior to his service as mayor, Mr. Benjamin served as special counsel at a national law firm as co-bond counsel on the issuance of over $150 million in municipal debt. He also served on the Board of Directors of a NYSE-traded Financial Services company with a market capitalization of over $1 Billion. In 1999, at age 29, Mr. Benjamin was appointed to Governor Jim Hodges’ Cabinet as director of the state’s second largest law enforcement agency, serving as Chief Executive of the $43 million, 950-employee state agency.
