Keep It Flowing: Data Technology for Mobility

Old transit systems, congested roads and insufficient parking have been plaguing cities for the longest time. As cities are bracing for the return to a new normal, President Biden has put infrastructure high on his agenda.  His formula to address both climate change and jobs includes investments into upgrading transport infrastructure, electrifying roads and cars, and regulating autonomous mobility. At the same time, cities are keen on minimizing individual vehicle traffic in downtown areas, replacing it with shared and public transportation models, encouraging biking and walking. As cars will have to share the roads with an increasing number of alternative transportation modes, such as autonomous delivery vehicles and electric tricycles, the question is how to keep the city flowing and all traffic participants safe and what role does data technology play.

Core questions to be answered are:

• What mobility models could help to wean people off individual cars without compromising convenience and comfort?
• What role will autonomous driving play in the solution mix?
• What technologies can help to connect different transportation modes and the city environment to keep everybody moving and flowing safely?
• How can new mobility concepts create jobs and avoid displacement of workers to offset lost labor opportunities through automation & robotics

Panelists:

• Paul Thomas, Executive Vice President, Bosch in North America
• Kris Carter, Co-Chair, Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics, City of Boston
• Kristin Musulin, Mobility Media Strategist (Moderator)

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Date: Friday, May 14th, 2021
Time: 12PM to 1PM ET
Platform: Zoom Meeting

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This is the seventh and last in a series of monthly “Smart Cities” virtual events leading up to our German-American Economic Forum, now scheduled for October 26th, 2021. #GAEF2021

Kris Carter is the Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics. He is a non-practicing engineer, an optimistic urban planner, and a self-taught filmmaker. He has a not so secret love for Boston (his adopted home) and working through challenging human-centered urban problems. Kris has been nationally recognized by the APA for his blending of storytelling and urban planning and the Federal Labs Consortium for his innovation in transportation work.

With the Mechanics, Kris has helped lead the City’s overhaul of parking technology, expanded the City’s mobility options, launched a digital storytelling outfit, managed the award-winning Public Space Invitational, and currently oversees the City’s autonomous vehicle research efforts. Prior to leading the Mechanics, Kris acted as the Director of Boston’s bicycle program, oversaw the expansion of Hubway, served as an advisor to Mayor on the Boston Innovation District, and helped operationalize One Fund Boston in response to the Marathon bombings. He is a two-time AmeriCorps alum, firmly believes in bagging his own groceries, and has yet to find a job more challenging (and enjoyable) than raising twins.

Paul Thomas | Executive Vice President, Bosch in North America

Paul Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in various aspects of the mobility industry. He currently holds the position of executive vice president of sales for the Americas for Bosch; responsible for sales, marketing, and quality operations in the Americas region as well as the regional lead for sales excellence in North America. Additionally, he is responsible globally for coordination of Bosch’s business with Ford Motor Company. Mr. Thomas leads the delivery of high-quality innovation and sales growth in the Americas, along with ensuring the ties to future mobility are considered in the products and services Bosch offers.

Since joining Bosch, Mr. Thomas has held senior leadership positions with increasing authority in the areas of production control, logistics, manufacturing, and business unit management. He spent several years abroad in Germany, with responsibilities in the areas of global product development and management.

Mr. Thomas has spoken at industry events such as the Management Briefing Seminars and also prioritizes engagement at the university level through appearances at events such as the Michigan State Mobility Forum. He is also an active member of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) and SAE International. He has previously served on the advisory board for PlanetM, the state of Michigan’s mobility incubator, as well as on the United Way for Southeastern Michigan Campaign Cabinet.

Mr. Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in materials and logistics management from Michigan State University, and an MBA from Wayne State University. He completed an immersive management regimen at Carnegie Mellon University, with a distinct focus on innovation and the management of global teams.

 

Kristin Musulin, Mobility Media Strategist (Moderator)

Kristin is an independent media consultant, leveraging nearly a decade of journalism and media management experience to guide mobility and tech companies in press and government relations. Prior to media consulting, Kristin gained recognition in the govtech space as the founding editor of Smart Cities Dive, a business publication covering the innovations and policies that drive smarter, safer and more resilient cities.