2026-2027 Board of Directors

Executive Board

Elizabeth Phelps - President

Elizabeth is a Structural Engineer at VHB, where she designs bridges across North Carolina as well as in Washington, DC and Rhode Island. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Structures from NC State University. When not at a WTS event, Elizabeth enjoys rock climbing, figure skating, and starting new crafts.

Liz Byrom - President Elect 

Liz is a graduate of North Carolina State University (NCSU), where she earned her PhD, MCE and BS degrees in civil engineering. She is a senior engineer at Kittelson & Associates, Inc. with experience in various transportation engineering projects, including work in safety, design, planning and operations.  She has a passion for delivering clients safe, implementable projects. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and dog.

Amanda Killian - Secretary

Amanda Killian is a licensed professional engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, where she supports and leads comprehensive transportation planning efforts for North Carolina’s coastal regions. In addition to developing long-range transportation plans, she collaborates with the New Bern Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Down East Rural Planning Organization (RPO) on a wide range of planning initiatives, working closely with local governments, stakeholders, and communities. Amanda brings a strong technical background, including experience in surface water modeling, and is passionate about integrating resilience into transportation planning to address the evolving challenges faced by coastal areas. Outside of work Amanda enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and playing the violin.

Katharine Mather - Treasurer 

Katharine Mather is a transportation planner and project manager at Mott MacDonald with a current focus in passenger rail delivery. Her experience includes NEPA/SEPA compliance, policy analyses, feasibility studies, and corridor studies for federal, state, regional, and municipal clients across a variety of modes including highway, passenger rail, transit, bicycle, pedestrian and even snowmobiles. Outside of work, Katharine is typically travelling, at the gym, enjoying a local Raleigh spot, or watching F1.

Mary Rawls Whitby - Past President 

Mary is currently employed by NCDOT in the Operations Program Management Unit. She has over 10 years of experience in the transportation industry. Mary is a graduate of NC State University and Meredith College. She welcomed her second son this September. Mary is an avid Wolfpack fan and traveler. 

Directors at Large 

Sara Loukili

Sara is a Civil Engineer specializing in roadway design, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 2017 from Clarkson University. She is currently the deputy director of the roadway group at STV, a leading engineering firm. Sara is passionate about creating roadways that foster community connectivity and economic growth. In her free time Sara enjoy hiking, traveling, and learning about different cultures through history and food.

Emily Murray

Emily Murray, PE, CPM, is a graduate of North Carolina State University with over 36 years of experience in the industry. After beginning her career with NCDOT, she advanced into leadership roles delivering bridge design and preservation projects across North Carolina. Emily joined Volkert in 2016 to establish the firm’s North Carolina bridge design practice and now serves as Vice President for Engineering Design, leading a multidisciplinary team supporting structures, roadway design, utilities, traffic, and hydraulics. She is known for her collaborative leadership, commitment to quality, and passion for mentoring and empowering women to succeed in the engineering industry. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband, Todd (also retired from NCDOT) and visiting their daughter, Lucy, who is chasing their dreams in New York City.

Riska Dees

Riska Dees is a Senior Project Manager with the City of Raleigh’s Roadway Design and Construction Division, where she oversees the design and construction of major roadway projects across the City. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from UNC Charlotte in 2016 and recently returned to North Carolina after working for Charleston County in South Carolina. During her time in Charleston, Riska was actively involved with WTS, serving on the WTS-SC board, and gave back to the profession as an ACE Mentor. She is passionate about mentoring, giving back to the local community and improving infrastructure to better serve citizens. Outside of work, Riska is a foodie at heart who enjoys discovering new restaurants, keeping up with her identical twin toddlers, and planning her family’s next adventure. 

Farrell Nicholson

 Farrell Nicholson is the Roadway Department Manager at Wetherill Engineering where she works with her team to deliver critical transportation infrastructure projects across North Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from NC State University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and their new puppy.