Mandie Arland keeps PLUM’s operations running smoothly with a thoughtful approach to organization, communication, and support. As Executive Assistant, she manages scheduling, project logistics, and team coordination, ensuring every detail aligns with the company’s goals and commitments.

With a background in administrative leadership and customer relations, Mandie brings a calm and reliable presence to fast-paced environments. She’s known for her proactive problem-solving and her ability to keep projects on track while maintaining a strong sense of collaboration and care. Her dedication helps the PLUM team stay focused on what matters most — creating impact through innovation and connection.

Education:

• Bachelors of Science in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities

Affiliations:

• Appointed Member of Women’s Business Bridge through The Greater Stillwater Chamber

Quinn McKinney brings a strong background in technology and cybersecurity to PLUM’s transit operations team. A graduate of the College of St. Scholastica with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and a minor in Data Analytics, Quinn pairs his technical expertise with a commitment to providing practical, community-focused transportation solutions.

He first joined goMARTI as an operator, gaining firsthand experience with both the challenges and opportunities of day-to-day transit service. That ground-level perspective continues to shape his approach as a supervisor, helping him support drivers effectively and identify improvements that enhance both service quality and rider experience. With a focus on smooth operations, safety, and continuous improvement, Quinn plays a key role in ensuring goMARTI remains reliable, accessible, and user-friendly for everyone it serves.

Education:

• Associates Degree in IT Networking and Security
• Diploma in CISCO Networking 
• B.A.S Computer Information Systems and Data Analytics

Certifications:​

• Linux Essentials 
• Comptia A+
• Comptia Security+

Based in northern Minnesota, Jon Dege leads PLUM’s regional mobility initiatives with a focus on building strong community partnerships and sustainable growth strategies. As Regional Mobility Director, he works directly with local leaders, agencies, and organizations to develop programs that improve access, opportunity, and connectivity across rural and small-city environments.

Jon brings years of experience in project management, business development, and workforce advancement, including roles as a University of Minnesota Teacher and Academic Director at the Art Institutes of Minnesota. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in science from the Art Institutes International Minnesota. His work emphasizes listening first — ensuring every initiative reflects the real needs and priorities of the people it serves.

Jon’s passion for using technology to get people to where they are trying to go was solidified during his three years as an Autonomy Manager for an Autonomous Vehicle company. Through his leadership at PLUM, he continues to demonstrate how collaboration and innovation can drive meaningful change at the community level, leveraging his diverse background to create sustainable solutions.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science from The Art Institutes International Minnesota

Sarah Birdwell is a creative strategist and educator with more than 19 years of experience in design, marketing, and community engagement. A graduate of California College of the Arts, she has worked with top agencies and served as a design instructor at the Academy of Art University, where she’s inspired the next generation of creative professionals for over 15 years.

As Engagement Strategist at PLUM, Sarah combines her background in marketing and accessibility to lead outreach initiatives that empower seniors and individuals with disabilities to move with confidence. She also serves on multiple transportation committees, including the Paratransit Coordinating Council and the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority, where she continues to champion equitable mobility and independent travel for all.

Education:

• California College of the Arts: BFA Graphic Design 

Affiliations:

• Committee member for the Paratransit Coordinating Council
• Committee member for the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority
• Former Board President of Independent Living Resources
• Former Chair of the In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee

Trisha Peterson is a natural connector who thrives on bringing people together to create momentum and build lasting relationships. As Community Catalyst, she leads PLUM’s outreach and engagement efforts by working directly with partners, residents, and organizations to make mobility initiatives accessible, inclusive, and locally meaningful.

Before joining PLUM, Trisha served in the United States Air Force, where she developed her skills in leadership, organization, and communication. She has also been involved with Mobility Mania since its inception, a program that works to improve accessibility and provide transportation for people with disabilities in the Grand Rapids area of Minnesota. Trisha’s ability to combine logistics with empathy makes her a cornerstone of PLUM’s on-the-ground success, translating collaboration into real community impact. 

Education:

• Bemidji State University, Sports Management
• Concordia, St. Paul, Communications 

Affiliations:

• Itasca County Habitat for Humanity Board Member 
• Grand Rapids School District #318

Certifications:​

• Easter Seals CTTI-Certified Travel Training Instructor

Dr. Allanté Whitmore leads PLUM’s research and social impact initiatives, translating data and insights into strategies that shape the future of equitable mobility. With a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, she brings deep expertise in transportation systems, planning, and technology adoption — always focused on how innovation affects people and communities.

At PLUM, Allanté guides studies, evaluations, and workforce development programs that inform policy and practice across the country. She’s known for her thoughtful leadership and ability to connect research with real-world results, helping partners make informed decisions that advance both innovation and inclusion.

Education: 

• North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
• University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Master of Science (M.S)
• Carnegie Mellon, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 

Affiliations:

• Executive Committee Vice President, Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE)
• External Advisory Council Member, Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities

With a career built at the intersection of technology and transportation, Justin Johnson helps partners bridge the gap between emerging innovation and real-world deployment. As PLUM’s Senior Director of Technology, he leads efforts to integrate cutting-edge tools into mobility systems that are efficient, reliable, and people-focused.

Justin’s background spans strategic consulting, autonomous vehicle implementation, and technology partnerships across both public and private sectors. Known for his collaborative approach and ability to translate complex concepts into practical solutions, he ensures that every project aligns innovation with impact. His work reflects PLUM’s belief that technology moves best when it moves people forward.

Education:

• University of Minnesota: Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering

Affiliations:

• SAE
• IEEE
• ITS America
• Past Board Member – OmniAir

Certifications:​

• CSM & CSPO Certified Scrum, Inc.
• UAV – TRUST certification 

With a background that bridges research, innovation, and real-world application, Dr. Mike Russell brings a systems-thinking approach to every PLUM project. As Chief Operating Officer, he helps turn complex challenges into actionable strategies — blending data, technology, and collaboration to deliver solutions that work.

Mike’s experience spans over two decades in academia, technology development, and mobility innovation. His work focuses on helping agencies and partners understand how emerging tools can improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in transportation systems. Known for his curiosity and calm leadership style, Mike ensures that every project advances both innovation and impact.

Education: 

• University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
• North Carolina State University: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)   

Certifications:

• University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management: General Management Certification 
• Motorcycle Endorsement 

Tammy Meehan Russell founded The PLUM Catalyst in 2019 with a belief that meaningful change happens when technology and humanity move together. With more than 25 years of experience spanning transportation, policy, and innovation, Tammy has built a company that bridges the gap between ideas and real-world implementation.

She leads PLUM’s branding and strategic vision and oversees projects across the country that focus on advancing mobility, accessibility, and workforce development. Her leadership philosophy, rooted in collaboration, creativity, and empathy, drives every partnership and project the team undertakes. Under her guidance, PLUM has become a trusted leader in developing forward-thinking solutions that make movement safer, smarter, and more connected for everyone.

Education:

• University of Minnesota – Bachelor of Arts, Spanish and Business Administration, Math Minor
• University of St. Thomas – Master of Business Administration/Master in International Management

Certifications:​

• Certified New Product Development Professional
• Certified Scrummaster
• Certified Product Owner
• Certification in Basic Rider Safety and Motorcycle Endorsement (yes I ride a motorcycle)

Affiliations:

• Appointed Member of the Minnesota Governor’s Advisory Council for Connected & Automated Vehicles
• Advisor for the GoMentum Innovation Alliance Strategic Advisory Board and Regional Workforce Council
• Co-Chair for the Minnesota CAV Innovation Alliance Committee for Safe Testing of CAV’s

Professional Highlights:

• Project Manager for MnDOT Grant Agreements #1057408 & #1060213