Robert A. Powell II, P.E., P.T.O.E. - President

Robert Powell, PE, PTOE, serves as Transportation Practice Lead for Mbroh Engineering and brings 12+ years of experience with a specialization in various aspects of transportation planning and design. In his role, Robert focuses on developing and delivering transportation planning and design services that span across: roadway and highways, traffic engineering, Intelligent Transportation Systems, pedestrian and bike facilities, ADA compliance, and utility coordination. Prior to joining Mbroh, Robert previously worked at Benham and Atkins with similar roles. Robert is licensed in both Oklahoma and Texas.

A native of Oklahoma City, Robert opted to expand his comfort zone and completed his higher education in both Texas and Massachusetts where he earned his Masters of Transportation and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Prairie View A&M University, respectively. Prior to returning to Oklahoma in 2013, Robert had a short stint with the USDA Forest Service overseeing construction and maintenance of roads and facilities within the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests in Flagstaff, AZ.

Born and raised in the inner city, Mr. Powell is proud to be a part of the transportation industry and the challenges and opportunities it entails.

As your Vice President, Mr. Powell looks forward to serving in the capacity of not only participating in OTEA board activities and planning efforts, but also serving as a Swiss army knife for the needs of both MOVITE and the OTEA Board team members to improve the organization.

Ryan Henderson, P.E., P.T.O.E. - Vice President

Ryan is a Project Manager in Lee Engineering’s Oklahoma City office. Since joining Lee Engineering in 2019, Ryan has been committed to improving transportation infrastructure and traffic systems across Oklahoma, where he was born and raised. He attended Texas Tech University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, and later received a master’s degree in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University.

Ryan is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Oklahoma and also holds a certification as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE). He has over 12 years of consulting engineering experience, and his traffic engineering project experience includes traffic operations studies, traffic signal design, roadway, and school safety audits, ADA ramp design, bicycle/pedestrian trail design, highway signing and striping, roadway design, and roundabout design.

Outside work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, Katelynn, and two children, Everett (7) and Caroline (4). He also is an avid golfer and enjoys woodworking and singing in the church choir.

Karla Diaz-Corro, E.I. - Treasurer

Karla Diaz-Corro is an Assistant Engineer with Olsson, Inc. on the Traffic Team in the Oklahoma City office. Before joining Olsson, Karla contributed to transportation needs through research and acquired invaluable experience through several leadership opportunities. Karla is passionate about new and advanced technology applications in transportation engineering. She is always eager to learn about the latest advancements in the field. She believes that new technology can improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in transportation systems.

Karla received her Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 2020. She earned her undergraduate degree from the same University in 2018. While in school, she took on leadership roles in ASCE, Chi Epsilon, and Transportation Leaders for the 21st Century and served as the President of the Arkansas ITE student chapter. Karla dedicated her undergraduate Honors Thesis to the development of STEM outreach learning modules for K-12 Outreach Activities. The modules combine traffic engineering topics with online games and active learning activities.

Karla has been a member of OTEA since 2021 and ITE since 2016. Committed to advancing women to lead in their communities, Karla serves as a member of the Women in ITE Sub-Committee where she has led discussions of new ways to develop a supportive environment for women in the workforce. She is also committed to helping young professionals, like her, reach their full potential.

Karla’s favorite hobbies are painting and volunteering in the community. She strongly feels that whatever your hobby is, it is part of who you are. So, embrace it, and enjoy it!

Karla’s involvement with OTEA has helped her develop her leadership skills and to expand her professional network. She is grateful for the opportunities that OTEA has provided her and looks forward to continuing to contribute to the organization.

Samuel Hardin - ODOT/OTA/FHWA Director

Michael Van Slyke - City/County Director

Caleb Morgan, P.E., P.T.O.E. - Consultant Director

Cory Cornett - Supplier/Contractor Director

Luke Schmidt, P.E., P.T.O.E. - Past President

Luke Schmidt is a traffic engineering consultant with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in Oklahoma City. Luke’s experience in transportation planning, traffic operations, and transportation engineering provides a holistic perspective of the traffic engineering profession. His practice in Oklahoma serves state agencies, local municipalities, developers, and other professional engineering firms across the state.

Luke graduated Magna Cum Laude from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. During his tenure, he was the President of the Tennis Club, Vice President of the Sports Club Council, Member of Chi Epsilon/ITE/ASCE, and was presented with the Outstanding Graduating Senior award from the College of Engineering. After graduation, Luke started with Kimley-Horn, and has been working there for nine years now.

Luke married his high school sweetheart, Erin. They have a 6-year-old named Cooper, a 3-year-old named Emma, and two rescue dogs to complete the circus. Luke’s hobbies include family time at the Science Museum/Zoo, home remodeling, and wood working in his free time.

Luke is excited about the opportunity to serve this respected organization as the 2023 President. He looks forward to the chance to bring his perspective and energy to the association, grow and connect the profession, and promote the field to the next generation.