ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A familiar face has been chosen to lead the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC).

On July 17, officials announced that Tom Knipe will be the next director at ITCTC.

Knipe previously served as director of the Tompkins County Tourism Program and Ithaca’s deputy director of economic development. Knipe, who received his graduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cornell and has over a decade of experience in the bicycle transportation field in Portland, Oregon, is also the co-founder of Bike Walk Tompkins.

Ithaca Town Supervisor Rod Howe thinks Knipe is a good fit.

“Tom is a creative leader with strong interpersonal, administrative, and planning skills,” said Howe, who also chairs the ITCTC Policy Committee. “His knowledge of and commitment to Ithaca and Tompkins County will be a tremendous asset. The ITCTC is excited to welcome him as our next Director.”

Knipe takes over for Fernando de Aragon, who is retiring after over 27 years of service, and was instrumental in developing the Cayuga Waterfront Trail and Ithaca Carshare.

Knipe will step into the role this September.