Developing Industry Leaders: Joe Kuzdal’s Experience in IRTBA’s Emerging Leaders Program

At Ardmore Roderick, we believe reimagining infrastructure starts with investing in the people shaping its future. That commitment was recently reflected through Project Manager Joe Kuzdal’s participation in the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) Emerging Leaders Program (ELP).

Designed to prepare the next generation of industry leaders, this year-long program brings together professionals from across the transportation and infrastructure sectors. Joe represented Ardmore Roderick in the 2025-2026 class, joining a cohort of nearly 30 individuals spanning design, construction management, estimating, legal, and finance.

“Our class gave us a uniquely well-rounded perspective on how the industry operates as a whole,” Joe shared. “For me personally, the program reinforced the bridge between the design and construction worlds.”

Throughout the program, participants engaged in monthly sessions led by industry experts, covering topics ranging from business development and economics to legal and financial considerations. The experience also provided direct access to leadership from key agencies including IDOT, CDOT, Metra, CTA, and CDA-offering valuable insight into how major infrastructure programs are planned and delivered.

Beyond the classroom, the program emphasized real-world exposure and community impact. Participants toured a construction materials and equipment facility, gaining a firsthand look at the operations that keep projects running, and volunteered their time giving back through initiatives like packing meals with Feed My Starving Children.

The program culminated in two major advocacy experiences that underscored the broader impact of infrastructure beyond project delivery. During the Springfield Drive Down, Joe and his peers met with state legislators at the Illinois State Capitol to discuss transportation funding and policy priorities. The experience continued at the national level during the Washington, D.C. Fly-In, where the group engaged with members of the Illinois Congressional delegation.

“The highlight of the program was the Washington, D.C. Fly-In,” Joe noted. “We met with U.S. Representatives and their staff to discuss federal funding and the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Bill, which will help keep us working and traffic flowing for years to come.”

Through these experiences, Joe gained a deeper understanding of the industry at every level-from design and construction to policy and advocacy-while building relationships that will extend far beyond the program.

“I am grateful to Ardmore Roderick for the opportunity to participate,” he said. “The connections and knowledge I gained throughout this program will stay with me for my entire career.”

Joe’s experience reflects the kind of leadership development that drives our industry forward. By supporting opportunities like the IRTBA Emerging Leaders Program, Ardmore Roderick continues to invest in the people who are shaping the future of infrastructure-strengthening not only our teams, but the communities and systems we serve.