About TRIP

Founded in 1971, TRIP is a private nonprofit organization that researches, evaluates and distributes economic and technical data on surface transportation issues.  TRIP promotes transportation policies that help relieve traffic congestion and its impact on air quality, improve road and bridge conditions, make surface travel safer, and enhance economic productivity. TRIP is sponsored by insurance companies, equipment manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers, businesses involved in highway and transit engineering and construction, labor unions, and organizations concerned with an efficient and safe surface transportation network that promotes economic development and quality of life.

Our Vision

To be the essential source of strategic messaging achieved through innovation and collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders to achieve sustainable transportation infrastructure funding.

Our Mission

TRIP is a credible source of data and information for a diverse group of transportation stakeholders; delivers news and social media coverage of transportation issues and messages; and, informs and promotes discussion of policies that improve the movement of goods and people, make surface travel safer, and enhance economic development and productivity.

  • Placeholder
    Relieve Traffic Congestion
  • Placeholder
    Improve Air Quality
  • Placeholder
    Improve Road and Bridge Conditions
  • Placeholder
    Make Surface Travel Safer

Leadership

TRIP is a national transportation research group that is made up of individuals that are passionate about uncovering and finding solutions for America's transportation challenges. We work with researchers, transportation advocacy groups, media, and governments across the country to address these issues and provide better roadways for all citizens.

  • David Kearby Executive Director

    Dave brings extensive experience in the surface transportation sector, having spent more than a decade with the Associated General Contractors of Washington and serving as both chair and board member of TRANSAction, one of Washington State’s first regional transportation partnerships.

    Since joining TRIP in 2020, Dave has led the organization as Executive Director, overseeing day-to-day operations, managing strategic planning, and guiding the nonprofit’s mission to promote policies and investments that improve America’s transportation infrastructure. In this role, he works closely with the Board of Directors, industry leaders, and government partners to advance TRIP’s goals. He is also responsible for building and maintaining partnerships, securing funding to sustain and expand programs, and serving as the organization’s spokesperson to the news media and other stakeholders.

    Dave holds a graduate degree in Business Administration from Auburn University, is a graduate of Central Washington University, and has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.

  • Rocky Moretti Director of Policy & Research

    Rocky Moretti has been with TRIP since 1992, where he researches, writes and edits numerous state and national reports and is often cited by local and national media in numerous transportation stories.

    In 2007 Rocky served on the Blue Ribbon Panel of Transportation Experts, which was selected by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission to inform their deliberations over the future of the nation’s surface transportation policy. The Commission was appointed by Congress in 2005 to review the nation’s surface transportation needs and funding options and propose new long-term surface transportation policy for the U.S.

    Rocky also served from 1998 to 2002 as the executive director of the Alliance for Clean Air and Transportation, a coalition of transportation and environmental groups formed by the US EPA and US DOT to help promote actions that could result in cleaner air and reduced traffic congestion.

  • Carolyn Bonifas Kelly Director of Communications and Research

    As TRIP's director of communications and research, Carolyn Bonifas Kelly prepares and edits a variety of reports on surface transportation issues including road and bridge conditions, traffic congestion, highway safety and economic development. Carolyn also coordinate's TRIP's outreach and response to local and national media regarding a host of transportation-related topics. Carolyn began her career with TRIP in 2002. She holds bachelor's degrees in political science and communication studies from the University of Iowa and a master's degree in public communication from American University.

  • Georgina Onofre Controller and Director of Operations

    Gina has been an essential part of TRIP since 1993, shaping the organization’s financial and operational integrity with over three decades of dedicated service. A graduate of the University of the District of Columbia with a bachelor's degree in accounting, she brings deep expertise in nonprofit financial management, including budget forecasting, GAAP-compliant reporting, and audit coordination. Her meticulous oversight of day-to-day financial transactions and regulatory filings ensures TRIP’s fiscal accountability and transparency.

    Beyond finance, Gina directs TRIP’s human resources and benefits administration, maintaining accurate records and delivering comprehensive support to staff. Her skill in navigating labor laws and benefits programs reinforces a culture of care and compliance.

    Gina also oversees technology operations and digital communications—from managing the organization's website and cloud infrastructure to compiling media assets for public outreach. Known for her organizational agility, Gina supports board activities and contributes to marketing, fundraising, and program execution.

  • Lisa Mead Marketing & Partnership Director

    In 2025, Lisa Mead was named TRIP’s Marketing & Partnership Director, bringing nearly 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. In this role, she leads the organization’s marketing strategy and corporate fundraising initiatives, working to enhance TRIP’s visibility and impact nationwide. Lisa cultivates and manages strategic partnerships with businesses, professional trade associations, and industry leaders; represents TRIP at national and regional conferences; and develops social media campaigns that advance the organization’s mission to promote strong transportation infrastructure.

    Lisa earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a graduate degree in Organizational Management from Pfeiffer University. She holds multiple professional designations, including Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Grant Professionals Certification (GPC), and Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), and is a licensed fundraiser in the state of North Carolina. Lisa is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and serves on various volunteer boards and appointed commissions.

  • William Wilkins Executive Director Emeritus

    Will Wilkins joined TRIP in 1984 as deputy executive director and served as executive director from 1987 to 2020 when he was named executive director emeritus. During Will’s tenure, TRIP prepared and distributed national, state and regional reports on a variety of surface transportation issues in all 50 states – more than 600 in all.

    Will has a graduate degree in Public Relations Management from The American University in Washington, D.C. and is a graduate of the State University of New York at Brockport.

  • Lisa Templeton Deputy Executive Director Emeritus

    Lisa joined TRIP in 1985. Lisa was involved in all aspects of the organization. As deputy executive director, she managed TRIP’s marketing and corporate fundraising and represented TRIP at industry meetings and events. Lisa was also an integral part of TRIP’s administration and program teams. She served as chief editor of all research reports, news releases, print and internet materials, and wrote news releases, occasional reports and industry trade publication articles. Lisa was also involved in TRIP’s day to day administration, including budgeting and finance.

    Lisa holds two undergraduate degrees from St. Michael’s College, Vermont. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Association for Fundraising Professionals, and a past board member of the National Capital Area Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.