Next Stop: Q&A Profile on Em Hall, PhD, Transportation Enthusiast/Scholar, Successful Modern Communicator, Unabated Cat Lover

Dr. Em Hall, waiting for the next L train while on the platform at the CTA 51st Street Green Line station.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Engaging with fascinating and intelligent people ranks as the most rewarding aspect of my current position managing communications (and more) for a major university transportation research unit. The subject of today’s Q&A profile certainly ranks way, way up there on my roster of interesting and way cool people. 

I recall first meeting Dr. Em Hall some eight years ago when she joined our team as a research assistant. Since then, Em earned her doctorate degree, received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship, cultivated a side career as a group fitness instructor, and built Em + H Chicago LLC, a successful diversified strategic consultancy that centers on transportation, higher education, communications and product/project management.  Oh yes: In 2026, Em will serve as President of the annual Transport Chicago conference.  (Full disclosure: I have served on the Transport Chicago Steering Committee for a dozen years. Read this post from last June for some further insight.)

Okay passengers: Next stop, thoughts from Em Hall. 

1. Your impressive career has centered on communications. What led you to pursue — and succeed — in this field?

Well, first of all, thank you for the compliment. My career path has been far from linear, and I certainly didn’t grow up to be the paleontologist I dreamed of becoming as a kid.  However, I had an early boss who saw real potential in my writing skills and tapped me for a role in the marketing department at a nonprofit where I had started out in fundraising.  While at that job, I became an early adopter of social media and blogging, which ultimately transformed the trajectory of my career.  A little over a decade ago, I obtained a certificate in Integrated Marketing and Communications from the University of Chicago’s Graham School, which further developed my skills and expanded my network.

Looking back, that initial transition to marketing and comms made sense: I’d always loved writing and fancied myself an effective communicator from a young age.  As I’ve continued to build my own business, which has evolved into focusing on communications for the transportation and urban planning sectors, I still draw on many of the fundamentals I learned from that early boss and the certificate program.

2. While maintaining your own consultancy and working in a full-time position, you decided to take on the challenge of earning your doctorate degree. What prompted you to make this personal and professional commitment?

If there’s been one constant in my life, it’s a love of transportation and trains in particular, for which I credit my dad.  He was a top repairman for Lionel, so I grew up around model trains in the house, as well as real trains during family vacations.  While living in DC after my first round of grad school, I had a short stint as a federal contractor.  The most dull job in my life.  I had downtime and decided to put it to good use by riding the DC Metro after work and on weekends, then writing up my adventures in blog posts during the day (yes, work was really that slow!). The blog became somewhat of a hit, and when I moved back to Chicago a few years later, the joy of exploring and writing about transit stuck with me.  I realized that urban planning would be a great direction to take my career in, as I could utilize my marketing and communications skills in a different sector.

3. What was the greatest challenge you encountered while pursuing your doctoral degree? And, what advice or insight can you share with other scholars?

For those thinking about a Ph.D.: don’t do it! Ha – just kidding. I would say definitely do it, as long as you know your “why.” I applied and accepted, knowing that the academic path was unlikely to be the one I would pursue. My goal was to acquire subject matter expertise in an area that I was passionate about – transportation – that would enable me to pivot my consulting business to focus on that field.  Is going through a Ph.D. program the most efficient way to make a career change?  Absolutely not!  But it worked for me because a) I have an ego and wanted to be called “Dr. Em” on occasion, and b) I was in the fortunate position to work for myself and could therefore control my time and workload in a way that made it possible to layer on another round of grad school.

The greatest challenge, without a doubt, was writing the dissertation.  Not the words and sentences, per se, but just being able to sit down and put aside everything else (mostly work stuff) for extended periods of time in order to give the paper the focus it deserved.  I ended up getting a co-working space for about six months in order to leave the house, turn off notifications, and give the dissertation work the deep focus it requires.

4. Your expertise centers on urban planning and transportation. Share three key issues facing urban planners in the years ahead.

From what I’m observing in my consulting work, the work of planners is more visible than ever. But that doesn’t mean that what planners do is necessarily well understood, which is where communicators like me come in!  One trend I’m noticing, which is a positive one, is that planners and engineers are collaborating more than ever on transportation initiatives. And if they aren’t yet quite as in synch as they’d like to be, these two groups are making concerted efforts in both the public and private sectors to break down silos that, I would argue, have built up over time as those disciplines have diverged at the academic level.

Another issue is finding planners and planning opportunities in unexpected places. This is a good thing as well. For example, as part of a podcast I co-host for the American Planning Association, I had the opportunity to learn about the work of a pastor who is also a planner, focusing on how houses of worship can serve as anchor institutions and neutral meeting grounds for community planning discussions. She also calls those institutions to task for not always being the most generous neighbors in terms of land use and other planning practices. I think we’ll continue to see more of this.

In terms of transportation planning in particular, I’m already glued to my television, so to speak, on the topic of congestion pricing. We will likely see many dissertations on this topic in the next five to ten years, and I want to read them all.

5. Now to an entirely different topic. Sources tell me — okay, you’ve told me and I’ve visited your website — that you are a fan of Felis catus, better known as a domestic or house cat. Why the fondness for feline friends?

I think the real question is, why not? I’ve been a cat owner for two decades now, and through thick and thin, dissertations and deadlines, my cats have been an unwavering source of furry fun.  They’re not much for riding public transit, however. That’s the only shortcoming I can think of.

Sort of Glad to be “Gone With The Wind”

More than just 979 pages, this 75th Anniversary issue is nearly two inches thick and weighs a few pounds!

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Let’s face it: A serious commitment is required to read a sizeable work of fact or fiction from cover to cover.  One could make the excuse that by page 173, you no longer have interest in the plot; or perhaps the author’s grasp of grammar and syntax fails to compel you to finish another chapter, or even turn the page.

A few days back, I — finally, finally! — finished reading Gone with the Wind, the 1936 novel by Margret Mitchell set in and around Atlanta, Georgia during this nation’s most challenging days in the mid-19th century and over the equally tumultuous the years that followed. 

The 75th Anniversary version I read, shown in the image above, is 979 pages long.  The book, which earned the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in in 1937 and a few years later was made into an Academy Award winning film, is shaped by history, driven by the exploits of its lead characters, often romantic despite the tragedies that took place, and unwavering in depiction of a grandiose way of living for a selected breed of American who technically owned other human beings. 

The author, born in 1900 and a native of Atlanta, tapped into family history in part to craft life and times of plantation heiress Scarlett O’Hara, her immediate family and friends, rogue Rhett Butler, and other Southerners who lived through the horrors of war and its aftermath.  As a first novel, Gone with the Wind, can be ranked among the greatest debut works of modern fiction and certainly one of the greatest American novels. 

And, did I mention, it’s really, really long. 

As a reader, I was captivated by the emerging story line of war, peace, and its aftermath, and the ever-evolving character development, especially the manner in which the clearly highly conceited Scarlett attempts to justify her often disgusting actions as being substantiated due to her pedigree and the plantation way of life.  From an historical perspective, I grew to comprehend that anyone who dwelled in parts of the nation outside the South were Yankees, and I gained a great deal of insight into the many misgivings of the post-war Reconstruction.

From a personal perspective, let me share two recollections that somewhat tie into the novel. Several years ago, I worked for a real estate association which had a broad national membership, including many members who hailed from Southern states.  Here’s what I recall:

1. In a conversation with a gentleman from Alabama, he noted that he was pleased to work with “a Yankee” on a committee. I pointed out that I am a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan; plus, my ancestors hailed from Poland and arrived here in the early 20th century.
2. While in Atlanta for a business trip, a lady who hailed from South Carolina and her husband gave me a short tour while driving to their home for dinner.  “And, there’s Stone Mountain, a monument to those who served in the War of Northern Aggression,” she said.  I just nodded.

From one perspective, based on the two examples above, some members of the Baby Boomer generation still held onto some of the way things were in the South before shots were fired at Fort Sumter. From another perspective, perhaps I interpreted too much by the recollections above. 

Back in 2018, in this space I shared thoughts on the impact of reading Moby Dick, certainly the longest novel (in terms of pages) I had ever read. Gone with the Wind well exceeded Herman Melville’s masterpiece in terms of length, and I found the prose and imagery to be spellbinding at times.

Starting and finishing a long work is an accomplishment, and I’m glad I read Mitchell’s novel.  And, I’m glad I can move onto another work.  Now, I guess I should view the movie. 

Travelogue from 1960 Offers Commentary on The State of the Union Today

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

This paperback version of Steinbeck’s non-fiction work features a subdued but inspirational cover.

Now, one month and a few days into the administration of the 47th president of the United States, I felt compelled to offer thoughts on the direction our nation is headed. My initial plan was to pose a range of light-hearted — but poignant and relevant — questions for the president.

An example: If the proposed tariffs on imported goods from Mexico are enacted, and the price of avocados soar, what replacement toppings would you recommend the hipster/foodie crowd put onto toast?

I drafted a few other potentially humorous questions, but came to the realization that it’s quite challenging to craft this kind of prose, especially when I believe the blitzkrieg rate of executive orders and appointments/firings now taking place across a broad scope of government will have potential cataclysmic outcomes for the democracy we now know. A post with a serious tone was needed; the crux of the message came unexpectedly.

A few days ago, a neighbor who I exchange books with dropped off a copy of John Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley in Search of America,” a best-selling work published in 1962. I certainly knew about the story behind the author’s 1960 cross-country trek in a modified pick up truck accompanied by a French poodle. So, I began reading the work. I found Steinbeck’s writing — more introspective commentary on the state of the nation and the places and the people he encountered than purely travelogue — an engaging read.

Then, around halfway through the book, as the author was at the Continental Divide, he reflected on the purpose of his inland voyage and how he was “briefed, instructed, directed, and brain-washed by many of my friends.”

The paragraph continued: “One among them is a well-known and highly respected political reporter. He had been grassrooting with the presidential candidates, and when I saw him he was not happy, because he loves his country, and he felt a sickness in it. I might say further that he is a completely honest man.

“He said bitterly, ‘If anywhere in your travels you come on a man with guts, mark the place. I want to go to see him. I haven’t seen anything but cowardice and expediency. This used to be a nation of giants. Where have they gone? You can’t defend a nation with a board of directors. That takes men. Where are they?'”

From an historical perspective, Steinbeck took his trip in fall of 1960; that year pitted John F. Kennedy against Richard M. Nixon in the presidential election. I trust you know who won; and perhaps the outcome that November may have factored into the book.

Back to the excerpt above, I have no idea on the identity of the reporter referenced by Steinbeck. And, while “Travels with Charley” sold millions of copies, critics have cited that many of the episodes and conversations detailed during journey were fictional. Yes, he piloted and sometimes slept in a vehicle he named Rocinante, but he also spent many nights in lavish hotels with his wife, and Charley, of course.

Regardless of how one interprets the book, the short passage just presented resonated with me.

With seemingly daily headlines of mass layoffs of federal workers, projections of seizing foreign lands for monetary and political gains, assaults and threats against allies, leadership appointments of individuals with questionable experience and character to major federal departments, and other developments since January 20, I, too feel a “sickness.” I, too have witnessed “cowardice and expediency.” I, too look for the return of “a of nation of giants.”

And, I, too love my country.

The PRSA ICON 2024 Conference: Perhaps Next Year

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

It’s billed as “the largest single gathering in the public relations and communications industry!”  And it just concluded yesterday. And, again, I was not in attendance. 

Yes, I’m referring to ICON 2024, the annual event hosted by the Public Relations Society of America.  This year, communicators from around the nation — and perhaps around the world — gathered in Anaheim, California to learn, network, advance the profession by partaking in sessions, presentations, and strolls through the exhibit hall. 

For the record, I have participated in many professional conferences over my career, but just about all centered on the real estate or transportation industries. And, I did serve twice as a delegate from my chapter, PRSA Chicago, at the Assembly that takes place before ICON, so I gained some personal insight into what to expect during the conference. 

But I’ve never registered for the three-day event, where participants can take in workshops, enjoy coffee with exhibitors, and hear from keynote speakers.  An aside: Had I been in attendance in Anaheim, I would have worked toward a front row seat to hear the keynote conversation with singer/songwriter and activist Melissa Etheridge. My decade’s long affinity for all things rock and roll and public relations would have been addressed!

As I noted in a post last month, I believe it is prudent and beneficial to continue to learn, grow, and break the cycle of sameness: The same activities, the same routine.  Attending an ICON conference would certainly immerse me into all things public relations for a couple of days.  And, while I don’t believe I will incorporate AI or use influencers in my current position, it would be prudent to stay current in modern public relations. 

So, I’m putting up a post-it note (yes, I can be old school at times) to remind me to work towards registering for the ICON 2025 conference, which will be in the nation’s capitol, a place I have visited each January for the past decade or so. 

Plus, I’ve never been to Washington in autumn.