Emily Shapiro is the VP of Operations at Via, where she brings services to life on the ground—leading teams that partner with cities to deliver reliable, high-performing transit every day. With a background in systems engineering, analytics, and large-scale strategy, she’s known for combining data-driven thinking with hands-on operational expertise.
How whole network design transformed Sioux Falls' transit system.
Citywide coverage grew from 60% to 100%, bringing transit to more residents and destinations.
What good on-demand response looks like in a fast growing city.
Data-driven planning led to an 86% increase in demand-response efficiency.
Why improving ridership experience doesn’t necessarily come at a cost.
Improving efficiency lowered the cost per ride by 18% — without cutting service quality.
Our speakers.
Hear from the experts behind Sioux Falls' success.
Mayor Paul TenHaken
Mayor, Sioux Falls
Mayor Paul TenHaken is leading Sioux Falls through one of the most dynamic growth periods in its history, championing a vision of a city that’s innovative and connected. Under his direction, the city introduced a redesigned transit network—with new routes, citywide microtransit, and modernized paratransit—delivering faster, more reliable service across the community.
Matt Dias
VP, City Partnerships, Via
Matt Dias brings 15+ years of public-sector leadership to helping cities imagine what’s possible for their transit systems. As City Manager of Park City, he drove major projects and partnerships that reshaped how the city grew and served its residents. Today, he channels that experience into helping communities build modern, future-ready mobility networks that meet people where they are.
Dan Berkovits
SVP, Strategy, Via
As SVP of Strategy, Dan helps cities turn big transit ideas into real-world solutions. With a background in law, infrastructure, and disaster recovery, Dan brings sharp strategy and deep public-sector experience to the challenge of building more connected, accessible mobility networks.
