Maria Hyatt is a Senior Planner with Gannett Fleming.  She is fortunate to work on transit and rail projects throughout the country, working on capital development and transit projects in Chicago, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Los Angeles, and of course, Phoenix.  Prior to working for Gannett Fleming, she worked for the City of Phoenix for 29 years where she found her passion for transit.  Maria served as the City’s light rail manager during the planning, design, construction and operations of the initial light rail line as well as several extensions.  She later became the Public Transit Director where her focus was also on the bus system.  Maria is very proud to have held a lead role in preparing for and implementing the voter-approved Transit 2050, comprehensive transportation program which includes significant expansion of the City’s transit system and funding for street maintenance, sidewalks, and bike lanes.