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511 Program Manager Tony Ernest wins
coveted Kimbol Allen Innovation Award

In November 2005, the 511 Idaho Traveler Information site was launched. Since then, there have been 42 million visits to the site, along with several versions and upgrades along the way.

Tony Ernest, who became involved with 511 in 2008, has submitted and overseen implementation of 23 innovations since 2015 — all of them improvements to the service provided to road users each day. For that, and a commitment to the innovative spirit embodied in former ITD Chief Engineer Kimbol Allen, who passed away in fall 2018, Ernest received the Kimbol Allen Excellence in Innovation Award Dec. 12.

“While Tony’s innovations have been beneficial to ITD, they have made a significant contribution toward improving the quality of life of Idahoans and visitors alike,” explained Mobility Services Engineer Nestor Fernandez, who nominated Ernest for the award.

Ernest is a tireless advocate for the 511 program, continually looking for ways to improve customer service, increase system performance and efficiency, and save the department money.

“Whether working with the public, the districts, or Idaho State Communications, Tony looks to find the best outcome for all involved and truly exemplifies ITD’s core values,” Fernandez added.

“Tony fosters an environment where innovative ideas are encouraged and acted upon. Most importantly, he is committed not just to coming up with an idea, but seeing that it is implemented and the benefits he envisions for the system user actually come to pass,” said Fernandez.

Ernest has been with ITD for more than 26 years. The 23 implemented innovations include two that were named Best of the Best in the annual employee competition and three more that were finalists in that same competition. The 511 system also won an AASHTO President’s Award for Excellence in Highway Traffic Safety.

Kimbol Allen was well known for innovation while at ITD. In fact, there was a surge in Innovative culture in every working group he touched at District 4, as District 6 Engineer and then as Chief Engineer in HQ.

Check out the video of Tony at the awards ceremony.