Deborah Sims has been elected President of the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).

Sims is a senior lecturer at the University of Greenwich School of Engineering. She has 25 years of experience in road safety engineering, highway design, asset management and maintenance.

The theme for the CIHT for the next 12 months is ‘Route to Professionalism’ where the institute will highlight just what it means to be a professional and the benefits of embracing continual improvement and enhanced professional ethics.

Deborah Sims, President, CIHT said: “It is a great personal honour to be elected as President of CIHT, and the last 12 months have shown how important it is to be part of an active community. As a professional body we have a unique responsibility for the development of our members and the reputation of our sector.

“Today marks International Women in Engineering Day and we must do more to encourage children and young people to think about careers in engineering, highway engineering, and transport. To me it is particularly important that girls and young women consider these careers.

“Careers in highways and transportation are varied, exciting and interesting. To develop solutions which fully meet the needs of the people we serve, we need full representation in our industry from men, women and indeed all sectors of the community.