Pierce County Traffic Engineer Jim Ellison, P.E. was recently awarded the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ (ITE) Outstanding Service Award for 2009. The award is given each year to an individual who demonstrates long-term commitment to the success of the profession and the organization as a whole.

Ellison becomes the 27th recipient and was selected out of 500 members for this year’s honor.

According to Ellison, his college professor and former award winner Ray Sawhill was instrumental in creating the interest and inspiration that led him to a career in traffic engineering. In addition, a principal from his former consulting firm was also a recipient. “It is so surreal to see my name next to some of my biggest inspirations,” said Ellison.

ITE is a worldwide organization specializing in educational and scientific transportation associations, meeting both mobility and safety needs. ITE supports research on transportation planning, functional design, implementation, operation, policy development and management. The Institute promotes professional development of its members, develops public awareness programs and serves as a tool for the exchange of professional information.