Anand Seetharaam

I am an electronics engineer from Mumbai, India. Upon finishing my undergraduate program in 2008, I came to the U.S. to pursue my master’s degree in software engineering and information systems.

I was very fortunate to start my career with major institutions like Fannie Mae and Lockheed Martin, playing multiple roles like business analyst, data engineer, and functional consultant. Besides picking up cutting-edge technology, I was exposed to complex problem-solving techniques and effective communication and collaboration skills essential in today’s dynamic and diverse work culture.

I also had a brief stint in the healthcare industry with Inovalon Inc., where I had the opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts of being a product owner. In this position, I launched a system that combined robust, real-world data with advanced analytics capabilities and onboarded some major commercial healthcare companies that benefited from the data insights derived from the product for their strategic decisions.

It’s been close to a decade since I shifted my career to the transportation tolling industry. My work involves implementing tolling systems for urban areas and toll roads, ensuring efficient traffic flow and seamless toll payments. I’ve worked in a variety of capacities, such as business analyst, systems engineer, delivery manager, and senior project manager, while collaborating with major tolling agencies in Florida, New York, and Maryland. My responsibilities have included ensuring our systems accurately process millions of real-time transactions each day, while delivering a smooth customer service experience for tolling patrons.

Now, with my senior project manager experience, I help create a wide range of tolling solutions and traffic management practices for the Maryland Transportation Authority. My specific focus is working on tolling systems for urban areas. In this role, we prioritize integrity and exceptional customer service.

I feel my years of experience have prepared me for the skill sets required to excel in the tolling industry, including business requirement analysis, translating requirements into functional specifications and application design, analyzing and evaluating myriad data sources, and software testing and implementation. However, the tolling industry has its own niche; as a common driver, we often don’t realize what occurs behind the scenes when we zip through a toll system and receive a mobile alert that the toll payment has been deducted.

An intelligent toll system includes a multitude of capabilities, such as vehicle tag and number plate recognition, capturing vehicle images, real-time transaction processing, toll collection, supporting call centers, managing retail stores, real-time interfaces with banking institutions, state departments of motor vehicles, customer communications, print-houses, and more. It’s incredibly complex, and the challenges are what drives someone like me and many of my colleagues.

I probably have the same level of fervor for the tolling industry, or maybe even more, as I used to exhibit while working for some of the major tolling integrators like Conduent or TransCore. Working on our team helps me strike the right balance between work and personal life. In addition, collaborating with an elite project team of tolling subject matter experts is an incredible learning opportunity.  There are also significant opportunities to participate in conferences and other tolling forums with team members to upgrade your professional skill sets and keep abreast of industry trends.

When I started working at Gannett Fleming, I also began learning Sanskrit, one of the oldest known languages. What began as a personal interest has grown into teaching it to people of all ages for nearly three years. On weekends, I volunteer with a non-profit organization that offers Sanskrit classes and fosters a community of learners. Learning the language has deepened my understanding of our ancestors’ history and culture, especially through yoga and meditation. It’s been an enriching journey.

My wife and I were raised in a modern-day Hindu family. While we live apart from our immediate family in India, we do our best to celebrate most of the festivities around the calendar and teach our kids the value systems of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which literally means “The World Is One Family.” Here is a picture of us celebrating my daughter’s first birthday with her grandparents and other relatives during a recent trip to India.

Playing outdoor sports is my favorite way to relax after a workday; tennis and badminton are my favorites. I also love gardening. If I have to envision my life after my professional career, then it would involve organic farming and getting close to Mother Nature!