Francine James is an experienced safety professional with over 10 years of proven expertise in transit safety risk management, evidence-based policy development, and impactful team leadership. In her most recent role, Francine held the position of Senior Director of Safety Risk Management at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, where she played a crucial role in implementing the Authority’s Safety Management System to continuously improve safety performance. Francine’s experience also includes the implementation of an innovative fatigue risk management program as well as translating complex scientific concepts into actionable insights that improved worker safety and performance. Her commitment to safety is further reinforced by the fact she is a certified Change Practitioner that also holds the Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) certifications in both bus and rail modalities. Francine obtained her education from McGill University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in microbiology and immunology, Master’s Degree in Psychiatry, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience.