As transportation systems become more and more complex, local integration is becoming increasingly essential. MITRE Vice President Cedric Sims’ new role with the Maryland Aviation Commission is MITRE’s latest engagement at the local level.
Cedric Sims Named to Maryland Aviation Commission
Cedric Sims (left) is sworn in to the Maryland Aviation Commission by Judge Gerry Mobley, chief deputy clerk for Prince George's County Circuit Court. Kita Holmes holds the Bible for Sims' oath of office. (Photo: Jae Robinson, MITRE)
Facing the prospect of drones, autonomous vehicles, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, the future of transportation is becoming more complex. To make sure this future not only works but works safely, efficiently, and effectively, state and local leaders will play a crucial role in developing and maintaining a fully integrated transportation system.
“The best transportation systems are the ones people never think about because they work so well,” says Cedric Sims, D. Eng., MITRE’s senior vice president, enterprise innovation and integration. He began a three-year term on the Maryland Aviation Commission on May 11.
“The performance of smaller transportation ecosystems has a direct impact on the rest of the country. Every transportation decision, policy change, and investment should be thought through carefully because the impact will be felt for years to come.”
The performance of smaller transportation ecosystems has a direct impact on the rest of the country.
The Maryland Aviation Commission (MAC) works with the Maryland Department of Transportation to oversee the state's airports, including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The Commission authorizes all major investments and infrastructure improvements.
“Cedric’s work with the MAC will be a positive for both Maryland and MITRE’s work on behalf of the federal government,” says Beth Meinert, senior vice president and general manager, MITRE Public Sector. “Engaging at the local level is an important part of our role as a connector and will help create a cohesive, integrated transportation ecosystem that is able to evolve and keep pace with automation and other technologies that will change the face of transportation in the future.”
Sims brings deep homeland security, innovation, and transportation experience to the role. He has previously held positions in the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Secret Service, and most recently was a senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he led the Justice, Homeland Security, and Transportation sector.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Maryland Aviation Commission and creating a greater connection with the state on behalf of MITRE, which has been working with the FAA and in general aviation for nearly 60 years,” Sims says.
Providing the State and Local Perspective
MITRE works closely with many state and local transportation agencies. MITRE’s Center for Integrated Transportation is currently working with North Dakota, Massachusetts, and Kansas to prepare for increased drone and advanced air mobility activity. Through a partnership with the Virginia Municipal League, MITRE is helping cities and towns across the state plan for the future of ground transportation. MITRE also is working with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to improve the agency’s safety culture.
“Our work spans surface to space, and as we look to the future, we are focused on what a safe, integrated, intelligent, and people-centric system looks like: equitable, resilient, and sustainable. Cedric’s work with the Maryland Aviation Commission will provide a crucial state and local perspective to that work,” adds Kerry Buckley, Ph.D., MITRE vice president and director, Center for Integrated Transportation.
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