ITS Wisconsin 2025 Distinguished Services Award:
Dave Karnes (Wisconsin DOT)
David Karnes is a registered Professional Engineer and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in Civil Engineering. He currently serves as the Traffic Systems & Management Engineering Chief in the Bureau of Traffic Operations at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Based at the statewide Traffic Management Center, David oversees Wisconsin’s ITS, traffic signal, electrical, freeway operations, connected vehicle, and TSMO programs. With deep expertise in traffic operations and management, he leads a team that develops, integrates, and operates advanced traffic technologies to improve safety, mobility, and efficiency for all road users. Additionally, David served as ITS Wisconsin conference chair in 2017 and president in 2021, and routinely collaborates with government, industry, and research institutions to advance practical transportation solutions.
Past Recipients:
- 2024 – Liz Schneider
- 2023 – Dean Beekman
- 2022 – Ahmet Demirbilek
- 2021 – Emily Silverson
- 2020 – Anne Reshadi
- 2019 – Don Schell
- 2018 – Kelly Langer
- 2017 – Brian Scharles
- 2016 – Ken Voight
- 2015 – Alexander Drakopulos
- 2014 – Ron Sonntag
- 2013 – Peter Rafferty
- 2012 – John Kugel
- 2011 – Steve Cyra
- 2010 – Todd Szymkowski
- 2009 – John Corbin