Daniel Bernstein is a Principal Transportation Planner in LA Metro’s Office of Strategic Innovation (OSI). OSI is leading LA Metro’s coordination and preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Daniel coordinates internal and external stakeholders on key initiatives for the 2028 Games including digital technology and the implementation of mobility hubs to improve the customer experience. Prior to joining LA Metro, Daniel worked as a Product Manager at GMV (formerly Syncromatics), and as a Transit Data Analyst at IBI Group (now part of Arcadis). In these roles, he implemented technology and data solutions for transit agencies across North America. Daniel received a MPL (Master’s of Planning) from USC and a bachelor’s degree from UCLA.

Rodrigo, a qualified architect and urban planner with over a decade at AECOM, works closely with Bill Hanway on delivering major sports events, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Passionate about sports architecture, he drives planning and implementation of sports facilities to help host cities achieve both legacy goals and financial responsibility. He leads the design and overlays team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games, advising the Venues & Infrastructure team and overseeing all competition and non-competition venues since the bid. Rodrigo also collaborates with Strategy and Operations to inform event delivery strategies, annual operating plans, milestones, and the design roadmap through 2028. Previously, he led the master planning team for Rio 2016.

Mott Smith is an urban problem-solver with a passion for creating spaces that nourish communities — literally and figuratively. As co-founder and CEO of Amped Kitchens, he helped pioneer the first large-scale multitenant kitchen facilities in the U.S., clearing the path for food entrepreneurs to grow without prohibitive costs or red tape. He’s also principal of Civic Enterprise, a development firm that builds urban infill projects, turns underused buildings into vital spaces, and helps craft policies that make cities more livable, layered, and alive — not through top-down grand schemes, but by getting the basics right and cultivating organic growth. An adjunct professor in USC’s Master of Real Estate Development Program and longtime instructor in the Ross Minority Program in Real Estate, Mott also serves as Vice Chair of the L.A. City Small Business Commission and sits on the advisory boards of the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies and Restore Neighborhoods LA, an aHordable housing developer. He led planning for LAUSD’s multi-billion-dollar construction program and co-founded New Schools • Better Neighborhoods, rethinking how civic infrastructure could support stronger communities. Earlier in his career, he was editor of The Planning Report, served as president of the Westside Urban Forum, and played bass in All Day Sucker, an Interscope Records band from L.A.’s Viper Room era. Mott has been an early mover on regulatory tools like L.A.’s Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance and the New Markets Tax Credit Program — often stepping in before the frameworks are fully formed, and helping prove out what’s possible. He holds a BA in Linguistics from UCLA and a Master of Real Estate Development from USC — a fitting combination for someone who sees cities not just as physical or economic places, but as living venues for connection, improvisation, and possibility. He’s also a dad, a husband, a lover of puns, and someone who believes to his core that great rhythm — in music, language, and neighborhoods — is the foundation for everything we love.

Michelle Stevenson is a Regional Practice Director, Sports & Entertainment and Principal at HKS. She balances her devotion for current sports trends and amenities with research and cutting-edge technology. Michelle believes that being deeply invested in design from concept to completion produces the best holistic experience for clients, fans, athletes, and their communities. Michelle was a key player in the development of SoFi Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park. She participated in the design and execution of SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and Cosm. Currently, she is working on a number of large-scale projects, including the new stadium for the Cleveland Browns. Beyond her mission to create destination environments for her clients, as a past collegiate athlete Michelle is passionate about bringing women’s professional and collegiate sports to a broader audience.

Rick Cole is a Pasadena City Councilmember who has spent four decades in public service as Mayor of Pasadena, City Manager in Azusa, Ventura and Santa Monica, Deputy Mayor for the City of LA and most recently Chief Deputy Controller for LA. He also teaches urban policy at Occidental College and Pepperdine University. The Los Angeles Times called him “one of Southern California’s most visionary planning thinkers.” Cole has been active in ULI for three decades and recently co-chaired the LA District Council Homeless Initiative. He's been recognized as one of “America's Public Officials of the Year” by Governing Magazine and one of the "Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers" by Government Technology Magazine. He has won numerous awards for municipal management excellence and urban planning leadership.