Sarah Searcy is an applied research professional and program manager with over thirteen years of experience serving North Carolina to advance safe, equitable, and innovative multimodal transportation throughout the state. As the Emerging Technologies and Innovation Manager in the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)’s Office of Strategic Initiatives and Program Support (SIPS), she serves as the dedicated lead for Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) and manages NCDOT’s innovation program.Sarah previously served as the Senior Advisor for Innovation in NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division, where she directed projects and programs that improve shared mobility options and promote transportation systems that work for everyone. She managed the Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation (CASSI) program for NCDOT to pilot CAV in partnership with communities across the state.Prior to joining NCDOT in 2021, Sarah was with the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at NC State University for over eight years, most recently as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager. Sarah is a Fulbright award recipient and two-time East Carolina University alumna with a bachelor's degree in Art and Anthropology and a master's degree in Sociology.