Tollway Stories & More—2025 Volume 06

Volume 6, 2025

Executive Director Rouse Earns International Recognition

Named the 2025 Woman of the Year by the WTS Chicago Chapter and WTS International, Rouse earned the double distinction for exemplifying WTS’s efforts to strengthen the transportation industry and support the global advancement of women in leadership.

2025 ORBIE Award Goes to Tollway CIO Michael Shay

For over 20 years, the CIO ORBIE Awards have recognized technology executives for leadership, innovation and excellence in this rapidly growing, CIO-led national professional association. Illinois Tollway Chief Information Officer Michael Shay earned top recognition in the nonprofit/public sector category for 2025.

Connecting Local Businesses With Resources and Contract Opportunities

The Illinois Tollway’s Contracting with Government event brought together a variety of state agencies and leading technology and services firms to provide the information, support and networking opportunities that small, diverse and veteran-owned needed to pursue contracts with state and local government.

Engineer Designs Growing Business With Illinois Tollway Resources and Support

Lien Dastgir had a good job working as a professional engineer, a newborn daughter and like the rest of the world was coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But she still decided to act on her long-time goal of starting her own business.

Zero Injuries Reflect Agencywide Commitment to Safety

Committing to put safety first, numerous Illinois Tollway teams accomplished a major safety milestone: zero workplace injuries for the entire year.