Get to know our Ambassadors for 2012!

• Role of an Ambassador

• Benefits

• Resources

• Selection Process

• Evaluation Criteria

• Eligibility Exclusions

Role of an Ambassador

Volunteer Ambassadors will fill a vital role in ACRP’s efforts to get the program’s research products into the hands of those that most need them—industry practitioners. As representatives of ACRP, Ambassadors should share the goals and values of the program and work to promote those goals and values while serving as an ACRP Ambassador.

In concert with ACRP, Ambassadors will identify, select and attend industry events in their geographic regions, staff the program’s exhibit booth, describe and promote solutions (in the form of ACRP research products) to a wide array of issues affecting airports, and present on other topics as needed. Ambassadors will have access to ACRP’s resources to facilitate all activities.

Ambassadors will serve a two-year term (January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2013) and represent ACRP at a minimum of 4-6 industry conferences or events over the course of the two-year term. During this period, Ambassadors should expect to spend as many as 10 days on ACRP business. Ambassador candidates must be generally knowledgeable about TRB, the ACRP program, and the ACRP research process to be considered. In addition, Ambassadors must participate in the ACRP Ambassador Orientation at the start of their term (and again in year two to share lessons learned in the program’s inaugural year). Attendance at the orientation is mandatory and will provide participants with the information and resources necessary for each Ambassador to successfully fill the role.

While on ACRP assignments, Ambassadors will:

• Staff ACRP’s exhibit booth during each event’s standard exhibition hours (each day) and be prepared to make a presentation on ACRP and the ACRP research process if needed.
• Provide event attendees with current updates on ongoing ACRP research projects and recent research reports.
• Gather evidence or real world examples of airport practitioners putting ACRP research products to work (“Impacts on Practice”) through their interactions with airport industry practitioners, and report this feedback to the ACRP program manager.

Prior to an event, Ambassadors will:

Notify ACRP when their participation is requested at an event, conference, etc., including who makes the request and whether the Ambassador wishes to attend. ACRP and each Ambassador will collaborate to select the most beneficial and cost effective events to attend. However, ACRP will make final determinations and must approve attendance for each event based on budget constraints or program priorities.

Following each event, Ambassadors will:

• Submit conference and exhibitor attendee lists including contact information (when possible) to ACRP.
• Prepare and submit trip reports summarizing results, pertinent meetings, key takeaways, and a record of substantiated expenses for each travel assignment.

Ambassador Benefits

Ambassadors will have an official affiliation to ACRP, TRB, and the National Academies, widely respected national organizations at the forefront of transportation research. They will also have an opportunity to attend key industry events at little personal expense, network and share experiences and best practices with industry colleagues, and bring this experience back to their home institution, agency, or company. ACRP will reimburse Ambassadors for onsite accommodations, conference registration fees, and materials. However, ACRP will not pay a stipend.

Ambassador Resources

• Submit a complete and signed application form. To request an application contact us at ACRP@nas.edu.
• Prepare a one-page essay describing relevant qualifications and explaining why the applicant would be a good ACRP Ambassador.
• Supply one letter of reference that addresses the applicant’s familiarity with airports in his or her region, knowledge of ACRP projects or experience with ACRP research panels, or other pertinent accomplishments.
• Submit a 100-200 word bio.
• Participate in a brief phone interview, if necessary.

* Applications for the 2012-2013 term are due to ACRP by 4:00pm, Monday, December 19, 2011.

• Applicable practical experience in the airport industry.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate airport practitioners to implement “best practices” and ACRP research results.
• Willingness and ability to present on aviation topics as needed.
• Willingness to share knowledge and experiences, of both success and failures, with colleagues.
• Commitment to supporting ACRP.
• Willingness of employer to allow you to attend the Ambassador orientation event and to attend conferences and other events as an Ambassador.