Leading the Greener paths, Executive Director Cheryl Kastrenakes
Q: Why is transportation important to you?
Cheryl: It’s important because it’s a critical link to leading a productive life. If you physically can’t travel to where you need to go you’re never going to get there–missing out on jobs, doctor’s appointments and social outings. I’d like to see that barrier removed for more people, regardless of their mode of travel.
Q: What motivates you to want to change the way people commute?
Cheryl:There really are just too many cars on the road. For the sake of our environment, health and sanity we all need to drive less. But we also need to continue to make it easier for people to make that choice.
Q: What is one of the things you like about your job?
Cheryl: I really enjoy the diversity of the work. I have the opportunity to interact with so many different groups; the business community, other non-profits, and all levels of government, on a variety of different projects—all to advance a mission that I feel is truly important.
Q: Ok, so let’s get to know you better… what’s your favorite food?
Cheryl: Ice cream, pizza, chocolate and a good salad (PS: We don’t think she means all in one meal!)
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
Cheryl: In my free time I like running, reading, just being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
Q: What is one of your favorite books?
Cheryl: I like reading, I read a lot of fiction—I don’t think I can pick one favorite. Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and what it says about us) was an interesting non-fiction book. You may choose to drive differently after you read it—or at least not hunt down the “best” parking spot!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies?
Cheryl: My favorite classic movies are The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz
Q: What’s your favorite app?
Cheryl: RadarCast is a weather app that I use a lot. I also use HopStop to help out traveling around on the NYC subways—it works great.
Q: What would you be doing if you were not working in transportation?
Cheryl: Working in the field of epidemiology would be interesting.
Q: What is a pet peeve of yours?
Cheryl: Distracted and aggressive drivers! (PS: Wow you have lots of chances to be peeved!)
Q: Do you have any interesting transportation or commuter stories?
Cheryl: I enjoy traveling by train so I chose to travel by train for my honeymoon to Canada. Unfortunately it was only a one way ride. Amtrak missed the stop at Metropark on the way up so they [Amtrak] flew us up to Montreal instead!
Thanks to Cheryl for sharing her thoughts with us and telling us a little about her. As you can see, our leader is thoughtful, passionate, and committed to the mission at GMTMA.