Sara Ferrari Irick to Lead Highway & Traffic Initiatives Across the Delaware Valley Region
French & Parrello Associates (FPA) is pleased to announce that it has promoted Sara Ferrari Irick, PE, CME, PMP, TDM-CP to Manager of Highway & Traffic for the Delaware Valley Region. Ms. Irick brings nearly two decades of transportation engineering experience, with expertise spanning roadway design, planning, transportation demand management, traffic signal systems, EV infrastructure, stormwater engineering, and environmental permitting.
In her new role, Ms. Irick will oversee regional operations for FPA’s Highway & Traffic Discipline, guiding the delivery of transportation and infrastructure projects across the Delaware Valley Region, including Southern New Jersey. Ms. Irick will also focus on strengthening partnerships with local governments and state agencies, as communities across the region continue to invest in transportation infrastructure and mobility.
“Sara brings an exceptional combination of technical expertise, regional insight, and collaborative leadership,” said Steven A. Tardy, President & CEO of French & Parrello Associates. “We look forward to seeing her lead transportation solutions that improve mobility, safety, and connectivity for our clients in the region.”
Over the course of her career, Ms. Irick’s work has often involved coordinating complex, multi-jurisdictional initiatives involving municipal and county governments, educational institutions, and private development partners. She has also worked extensively with state agencies including the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), as well as regional planning organizations such as Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). As communities across Southern New Jersey continue investing in infrastructure, mobility, and redevelopment, Ms. Irick’s work focuses on advancing transportation solutions that support both economic growth and safe, accessible travel.
Among her signature initiatives in the region is the Camden Transportation Improvement Plan (C-TIP), a citywide multimodal circulation and connectivity strategy developed in collaboration with the SJTA and City of Camden stakeholders. The plan identified priority roadway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvements designed to support Camden’s long-term redevelopment and economic growth while creating a pipeline of transportation projects for regional funding programs.
Ms. Irick has also led innovative planning initiatives focused on emerging mobility and sustainability. As project manager for the Union County Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Study, funded through NJTPA’s Subregional Program, she helped develop a countywide strategy for expanding equitable EV charging access and supporting the region’s transition to cleaner transportation.
In addition to traditional transportation engineering, Ms. Irick is widely recognized for her leadership in Transportation Demand Management (TDM), developing programs that encourage multimodal travel and improve commuter mobility for institutional and municipal clients, such as Lehigh University. Her contributions to the field earned her the Association for Commuter Transportation’s National 40 Under 40 Award in 2020.
“We are proud to be expanding our presence in this dynamic region,” said Ms. Irick. “With talented staff and a strategically growing office in the Delaware Valley, we’re strengthening our commitment to delivering innovative, community-focused solutions. I’m excited to continue working with our regional partners to advance transportation solutions that improve mobility, safety, and connectivity for our communities.”
Beyond her project experience, Ms. Irick is actively involved in professional leadership and industry mentorship. She currently serves as President of the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) Southern New Jersey Section, where she has expanded professional development programming and strengthened student outreach as the organization marks its 40th anniversary.
Ms. Irick also serves as Awards Chair for ACEC New Jersey, where she has helped advance the organization’s STEM Grant Program, and volunteers with several organizations supporting transportation education and workforce development, including Future Cities Philadelphia, WTS Philadelphia, and the Association for Commuter Transportation.
(Picture above: Sara Irick, PE, CME, TDM-CP, PMP)
