Matthew Perry - Founder/CEO

With 25 years of management and entrepreneurial prowess, founder Matthew Perry is integral to the vision and success of The Transportation Channel. His journey began at The Philadelphia Stock Exchange as an equity and index derivatives trader. Rising through the ranks, he led a vital index trading unit for a recognized Wall Street firm. Demonstrating entrepreneurial acumen, Matthew founded and steered a market-making firm on two major exchanges, training and guiding a formidable team of traders. Delving into energy derivatives, he carved a niche at NYMEX, trading crude oil options and futures. His venture into finance saw the inception of Kronenberg Capital Advisors, LLC, impressively expanding its assets from $250,000 to $15 million. Harnessing his vast expertise and insights, Matthew founded The Transportation Channel, a pioneering digital media platform dedicated to all facets of transportation.

Bill Greco - Co-Founder, President

Bill brings over 35 years of multifaceted expertise to the traffic and transportation industry, having proven himself as a pioneer in management, business development, strategic alliances, and service innovation. His entrepreneurial flair is evident as the co-founder and President of Traf/Fax, Inc., a groundbreaking traffic-reporting service via fax in Los Angeles.  Bill's leadership acumen shone brightly during his tenures at Traffic.com, Shadow Traffic, and as Regional Vice President at Westwood One, where he spearheaded start-up operations in key cities and established pivotal partnerships across diverse sectors. Additionally, as President of Shadow Information Services, he formulated pivotal marketing and operational strategies. His forward-thinking approach continues with his recent co-founding of Shout to Me, a cutting-edge technology company leveraging IBM Watson to drive voice, video, and text interactions for broadcast media. Throughout his storied career, Bill has consistently demonstrated innovation, leadership, and a profound understanding of the industry's evolving landscape.

Julie Gates - Chief Content Officer -

Julie Gates hosts the Transit Unplugged News Minute, delivering the biggest headlines in the transit industry and now seen on The Transportation Channel.

An experienced leader in media and entertainment, Julie also serves as Executive Producer of the Transit Unplugged podcast, Transit Unplugged TV, and as Director of Media and Content for Modaxo, the mobility technology portfolio within Constellation Software Inc. (TSX:CSU)

Since 2019, Julie has been leading award-winning podcast teams, shining a light on the great work being done at transit agencies around the globe. Prior to podcasting, Julie was executive producer and co-host of a morning radio show with her late husband that aired in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, Raleigh, and Albuquerque. Along the way, she penned a magazine column, produced talk radio programs, delivered traffic reports from an airplane, and produced a live call-in television show for PBS/Seattle.

Julie has interviewed five U.S. Presidents; appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, American Idol, and ABC’s Nightline; and was awarded radio’s top honor, a Personality of the Year Marconi Award from the National Association of Broadcasters.

She has helped raise over $4.5 million for children’s hospitals, volunteers on the alumni council executive committee for her alma mater, the University of Puget Sound, and is the proud mom of Des, a creative writing student who aims to tell the next generation of great stories.

Michael Banks - EVP, Design

Michael Banks is a seasoned senior executive with over two decades of expertise in strategic sales, marketing, product development, and a specific focus of 13 years within the transportation industry. His remarkable problem-solving aptitude, combined with his innovative product development prowess, positions him as a trusted advisor to early-stage startups, large enterprises, and nonprofits. Michael co-founded Traf/Fax Inc., introducing an avant-garde interactive traffic reporting platform, which was later acquired by Shadow Broadcast Services. There, he steered the expansion of a multi-million-dollar broadcast operation, oversaw seven markets with over 55 employees, and exceeded business revenue targets. As Vice President of Business Development at the same company, Michael spearheaded a new national media division, securing major partnerships with industry giants like AOL, Yahoo, and PageNet. His tenure at Traffic.com, where he fostered strategic collaborations worth over $10 million and conceptualized groundbreaking product solutions, underlines his prowess. Additionally, he championed sales for McGraw-Hill Construction and co-founded ChimeN, Inc., a platform connecting remote individuals to share live event programming. As an advisor to Pathways To Your Future, he supported the non-profit in fundraising, marketing, and web development. His passion for transportation is evident from his earliest innovation, Traf/Fax, which pioneered the concept "Know before you go". Michael's profound industry insights and track record of creating game-changing solutions make him an invaluable asset to The Transportation Channel.

John Accello - EVP, Audio Division

John Acello boasts nearly 30 years of experience in managing businesses centered around monetizing traffic, weather, and transportation data across diverse media channels such as television, radio, digital, and satellite. Beginning his journey as an airborne traffic reporter for Skyview Traffic Inc. in Phoenix, AZ, he climbed the ranks to manage all of Skyview's markets, generating revenues of over $30 million. His leadership continued at major firms like Metro Networks, Westwood One, and Traffic.com, where he played a pivotal role in its successful IPO journey. Beyond these roles, Acello has contributed to multiple media startups as an executive and consultant. At the Transportation Channel, he spearheads sales, recruits top talents, and drives the creation of sponsorable short-form transportation content.

Arty Berko - Producer

Arty spent more than 35 years as a network television news producer with a special focus on investigative journalism. He worked for major news organizations like CNN, NBC News and ESPN. During his time at ESPN (27 years), Arty covered and reported on many significant sporting events and breaking news stories around the world including multiple World Series, NBA Championships and 12 Olympic games. He produced nationally acclaimed reports on challenging and sometimes contentious topics like traumatic brain injuries in sports (including youth leagues), questionable safety records of charter bus companies used by high profile NCAA teams, fraudulent sports- themed charities and investment schemes, and sexually abusive coaches and team doctors. Arty also covered hearings on Capitol Hill related to concussions in football, inaccurate player pension payouts in the NFL and the use of steroids in MLB. In recognition for his work, Arty was the recipient of multiple National EMMY Awards for Sports Journalism, a Peabody Award for coverage of the Larry Nassar/Michigan State Gymnastics case and an Edward R. Murrow Award for Sports Reporting. Since 2021 Arty has been leading BerkoMedia, a boutique video production company based in Washington, DC. BerkoMedia enables clients to share their vision and their stories through targeted video content that can be used on multiple platforms. Arty’s growing list of clients includes DMFI-PAC, Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, Winston & Strawn LLP, Dentons US LLP, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company of Washington DC.

Wendy Saltzman - Board member

Wendy Saltzman, founder of The Power Media Agency, is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and a preeminent communications expert, renowned for transforming reticent speakers into assertive communicators. With over two decades in on-camera television news, she's assisted a diverse clientele, from C-level executives to athletes, in refining their public speaking prowess. With expertise in healthcare, Wendy has collaborated with industry giants like Merck and Johnson & Johnson. Adept at branding and storytelling, she enhances leaders' ability to convey their narratives compellingly. Wendy's illustrious career includes spearheading investigative teams at renowned channels, including 6abc in Philadelphia and NBC. Her contributions have been recognized on esteemed platforms like ABC 20/20, Dr. Oz, and CNBC. Notably, she's been lauded as one of the Top 50 Business Coaches on Twitter and is an alumnus of the University of Chicago. At Transportation Channel, Wendy holds a pivotal role as a board member and Chief Content Officer. Entrusted with the channel's content oversight, she ensures brand coherence and superior quality across all mediums. Wendy's responsibilities span from hiring and training on-air staff to framing training protocols. As a foundational member of Transportation Channel, Wendy perceives the transportation sector, worth $1.2 trillion, as a largely unexplored media domain with immense potential, given its profound impact on individuals worldwide.

Michael Weiss - Board Member

Michael Weiss boasts over three decades of media expertise, distinguishing himself as a driving force behind growth and innovation. As a stalwart leader at CBS Radio for over 25 years, he consistently surpassed revenue targets, marking an era of dominance in advertising sales.  Venturing beyond traditional platforms, Michael has demonstrated foresight in the realms of digital media, specifically streaming, OTT, and connected TV. Within the Transportation industry, his prowess in sales and distribution stands out. His expansive industry network, encompassing influential media vendors and industry-leading CEOs, further accentuates his influence. As a veteran of a public company, Michael possesses a keen understanding of the imperatives of investor expectations, ensuring that business goals align with shareholder aspirations. At his core, he thrives on addressing challenges, always steering towards growth. In essence, Michael Weiss is an emblematic figure in the media landscape, known for his visionary leadership, extensive industry connections, and an unwavering commitment to progress.

Alan Clelland - Board Member

Alan Clelland, with an illustrious career spanning several decades, has held pivotal roles in the realm of Intelligent Transportation Systems and Connected Vehicles. Retiring from DKS Associates in late 2022 as its Leader, he now offers consulting services independently and sits on the Board of The Transportation Channel. His career trajectory saw him hold key positions such as Vice President West at Applied Information Inc, Senior Vice President at Intelight, and Senior Vice President of Transportation Systems at Iteris Consulting, where he managed a business of approximately $30m annual revenue. Before this, Alan was with Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (now Yunex) as the Director of Consulting and later at Gardner Systems as Sr. Vice President. Post Gardner Systems' acquisition by Siemens, he worked at TransCore, LP and then JHK & Associates, both times as Vice President, overseeing consulting and marketing activities. In the earlier stages of his career, Alan was associated with Philips in various roles both in England and The Netherlands, where he notably led the Mexico City Traffic Signal System Project. He also delved into academic research at the University of Newcastle, TORG, and undertook a special project in Lisbon. His foundational roles included working with the Transportation Department of Tyne and Wear Metropolitan County and Plessey Company plc (now Yunex). With a BSc. (Hons) in Physics and Electronic Engineering from the University of Leeds in 1973, Alan's journey is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the transportation and traffic sector.

Richard Mudge - Board Member

Dr. Richard Mudge is a leading expert in transportation economics, finance, policy, and technology, encompassing various modes from highways to space transport. He boasts significant experience with federal, state, and local agencies, private enterprises, and has served as an expert witness in federal courts and Congressional testimonies. Dr. Mudge headed the transportation policy group at the Congressional Budget Office and worked for the RAND Corporation, and currently leads a technology, finance, and policy-focused consulting firm. As the co-founder, President, and Chairman of Apogee Research, he steered it to be recognized twice by INC. Magazine among the fastest-growing firms. Dr. Mudge was pivotal in shaping infrastructure banking (TIFIA and SIBs) and introduced innovative evaluation methods for large infrastructure projects. He contributed to solutions for traffic congestion and is actively involved in organizing the ITS World Congress and debates on automated vehicles. Dr. Mudge holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree from Columbia College.

Emma Perry - Special Advisor to the Founder

Michael Trujillo - Board member

Michael Trujillo stands as a distinguished business leader with an impressive history of enhancing growth and corporate performance. With extensive experience in both the Distributor and Programmer sectors of the Media industry, Michael's accomplishments span from content acquisition and negotiations during his time at DISH Network to leadership roles with MAVTV Motorsports, RIDE TV, Real America’s Voice News, and WeatherNation. At Performance One Media, Michael spearheads advertising, sponsorships, and distribution as the EVP of Revenue. Starting his journey at Hughes Electronics, his multifaceted roles have refined his expertise in finance, operations, and business development. Michael's educational background is bolstered by an MBA from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico. His commitment to the industry is further cemented by his recent inclusion as a board member of The Transportation Channel, where his vast experience and passion for successful company growth promise valuable contributions.

Howard Kass - Board Member

Howard Kass is a distinguished senior executive with over 25 years of multifaceted experience in commercial, legal, and political domains. His unique blend of skills positions him at the nexus of commercial, regulatory, and legal affairs, enabling strategic growth through team management, transformations, and crucial negotiations. In recent years, Howard has specialized in advising aerospace, travel, and tech companies, like Lilium, Landline, and Pangiam, on the influence of government affairs, even crafting government affairs platforms for several startups. Before the Covid outbreak, as an executive vice president at Clear, Howard championed numerous strategic endeavors, bridging commercial, government, and legal divisions. His adeptness in federal affairs and the travel industry led to a revamp of ties with the TSA, spearheading Clear's travel platform, and securing significant contracts and partnerships. In prior roles at American and US Airways, Howard's contributions were central to landmark agreements reshaping the aviation sector, including significant asset swaps, capital restructurings, and high-value mergers. Notably, at American, he oversaw both legal and non-legal teams, facilitating deals that accumulated over $1B in market value, while also leading a sizable corporate security unit. Earlier in his career, post-9/11, Howard was instrumental in the security transformation as a foundational member of the TSA, directing the construction of the passenger security checkpoint system, and later, devising the regulatory framework for the US government’s substantial airline industry bailout. Starting his journey at Galland, Kharasch, & Garfinkle, PC, a premier aviation law firm, Howard gained invaluable insights into aviation regulations from both strategic and legal angles, further honing his expertise at Booz Allen Hamilton. Howard's academic accomplishments include a BA from Michigan State University, a JD from Case Western Reserve, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business.

Stuart Greif - Board Member

At Forbes Travel Guide, Stuart drives strategy, innovation, and operations spanning 85+ countries. Stuart also serves on a number of boards and institutions, including the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council for Responsible and Sustainable Tourism. Stuart previously served as Microsoft’s Senior Executive for Travel & Hospitality and led J.D. Power's Global Hospitality & Travel group. Stuart also served as the Travel & Hospitality Practice Lead for customer data start-up and now unicorn, Amperity, backed by early investors in Amazon, Facebook and LinkedIn. Stuart’s global background and leadership experience bringing innovative digital solutions to the travel industry spans his engagement with start-ups, prominent tech companies, top tier consultancies, VCs, private equity and government. In these roles, Stuart partnered with many of the world's leading and most loved travel and hospitality brands. Stuart continues to actively engage in the travel start-up community where he serves as a board member, advisor, mentor and investor helping the industry elevate through innovation. Stuart is a passionate connector of people, ideas and opportunities. He is an advocate for female, DE&I and traditionally underrepresented founders and leaders for which his leadership has been recognized by hertelier, IWTTF (Women in Travel CIC), DEI Advisors and Female Founders In Hospitality. Stuart is a dynamic, sought after industry speaker, delivering keynotes, speaking on panels, and appearing in media as an industry expert, including CNBC Squawk on the Street, WSJ, New York Times, CNN, BBC and other global press as well as industry and trade media such as Skift, Phocuswire, and HNN among others over the years. His thought leadership—on guest experience, social commerce, AI, and Innovation- has been published via industry trade and highly regarded academic institutions, including Cornell’s Center for Hospitality Research. Stuart started his career at Accenture (Andersen Consulting) and holds a MBA in Strategy and General Management from The Darden School at the University of Virginia. He is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Jim Battagliese - Advisor

Jim Battagliese boasts a distinguished 40-year tenure in the traffic and transportation sector, having been instrumental in constructing national traffic operation centers and pioneering innovative technologies. Under his leadership, Shadow Traffic expanded from three to 16 markets in the 1990s when he served as VP of Operations. His expertise also drove Traffic.com's expansion into 20 markets as VP of Operations and Programming during the early 2000s. Jim played a pivotal role in launching XM Satellite Radio, introducing 21 Traffic & Weather Channels and an Emergency Alert Channel. In 2010, he transitioned to WTOP News radio in DC, streamlining their in-house traffic operations. His subsequent tenure at iHeart's Total Traffic and Weather Network in NYC saw him managing a vast network of over 150 affiliates and 75 staff members. A pioneer at heart, Jim introduced the inaugural TV traffic camera in Philadelphia in 1991 and later established a network of radar road sensors across the top 20 US markets. Fueled by a passion for integrating new technology in covering breaking news and traffic, Jim brings his extensive experience and innovative vision to The Transportation Channel.

Alan Pisarski - Advisor

Alan Pisarski is a distinguished writer and consultant in transportation research, planning, policy, and investment analyses. Recognized for his talent to simplify intricate transportation policy topics, he has been an integral figure in landmark transportation events, from establishing the National Transportation Statistics for the U.S. DOT in 1971 to crafting the pivotal National Transportation — Trends and Choices document. Pisarski pioneered the "Commuting in America" series, illuminating national work travel trends over four decades. He’s been instrumental in multiple Congressional Commissions, providing insights on national patterns, highway needs, and even the future of the Interstate System. On a broader scale, he offered his expertise to the PBS series "Coming and Going" and supported the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History for the "America on the Move" exhibit. Additionally, Alan has frequently shared his insights with Congress and state legislatures on the nexus between economic factors, travel demand, infrastructure investment, and public policy. Internationally, he's represented the U.S. at the UN's Group of Experts in Transport Statistics, presented on U.S. transportation issues at the OECD Paris, and consulted for the World Tourism Organization of the UN. Among numerous accolades, the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences awarded him for Lifetime Distinguished Service and Leadership, and he was named an Academy Associate of the National Academy of Sciences.

Ross Berger - Advisor

Ross Berger is a creative writer, narrative designer, and adjunct professor based in Los Angeles. He is the author of Dramatic Storytelling & Narrative Design: A Writer’s Guide to Video Games and Transmedia (CRC Press, 2020), a “how to” for game writers and screenwriters (second edition forthcoming), and is the editor/contributor of Storytelling for New Technologies & Platforms: A Writer’s Guide to Theme Parks, Virtual Reality,Board Games, Virtual Assistants, and More (CRC Press, 2022). For the TV and digital screens, he has written for Law & Order (Episode “Gov Love”) and the Webby-Award winning LonelyGirl15. He also served as the supervising producer for the social media/television gaming experience The Runner. He has written video games for Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Meta (Oculus Rift), and others. Some of these titles include: CSI: Deadly Intent, Shadows of the Damned, Quantum Break, Sunset Overdrive, Project Spark, Farlands, Eclipse: Edge of Light, NBA Live 18 & 19,and Peridot, an AR-mobile game from Niantic Labs. Projects that one might say are “off the beaten track” include writing the NCIS board game and designing A.I.-driven content for chatbots and physical robots. A graduate of Brandeis (BA, Philosophy) and Columbia (MFA, Playwriting) universities, Ross is an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts (Interactive Media & Games) and ArtCenter College of Design.

Gary Lee - Advisor

Gary Lee has led operations and sales teams at Radiate Media, NAVTEQ, Traffic.com, Premiere Networks, AMFM, Metro Networks, Shadow Broadcast Services, and his own company, Lee Communications, after starting his broadcast career with WBBM-AM/CBS Chicago as Traffic and Transportation reporter. He has closed and serviced content agreements with local and national operators including CBS, Cumulus, Tribune, Associated Press, and The Weather Channel. Gary worked with TrafficCast to launch a commuter app for media partners. He was honored by the Illinois Transportation Study Commission for his service.