Welcome to Smart Rural Academy
 Where community leaders, innovators, and changemakers connect ideas, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful impact
Meet the Founder and your Navigators
From planning to partnerships, we bring people and technology together to create movement that matters—turning emerging ideas into real-world mobility solutions. Let’s connect, share ideas, and start shaping the future of mobility — together.
Founded in 2019 by Tammy Meehan Russell, The PLUM Catalyst was born from a simple—yet powerful—idea: mobility should serve everyone.
After years working across the industry, Tammy saw something missing, a true connector between technology innovators, government leaders, and the people they aim to serve. PLUM was created to fill that gap, bridging vision and execution to make new mobility solutions not only advanced, but also human-centered and accessible.
Our team brings that same mindset to every project. We’re passionate problem-solvers who “speak the tech” and turn innovation into practical, people-centered solutions. With expertise in strategic planning, future-proofing, and funding success, we help partners design systems that move people, improve accessibility, and grow tomorrow’s workforce.
As a woman-owned, forward-thinking consultancy, The PLUM Catalyst helps partners across the country design strategies that make transportation smarter, safer, and more connected.
Tammy Meehan
Tammy Meehan founded The PLUM Catalyst in 2019 with a belief that meaningful change happens when technology and humanity move together. With more than 25 years of experience spanning transportation, policy, and innovation, Tammy has built a company that bridges the gap between ideas and real-world implementation.
She leads PLUM’s branding and strategic vision, and she oversees projects across the country that focus on advancing mobility, accessibility, and workforce development. Under her leadership and guidance, PLUM has become a trusted leader across the country in developing forward-thinking solutions that make movement safer, smarter, and more connected for everyone.
Sarah Birdwell
Sarah Birdwell is a creative strategist and educator with more than 19 years of experience in design, marketing, and community engagement. A graduate of California College of the Arts, she has worked with top agencies and served as a design instructor at the Academy of Art University, where she’s inspired the next generation of creative professionals for over 15 years.
As Engagement Strategist at PLUM, Sarah leads outreach initiatives that empower seniors and individuals with disabilities to move with confidence. She also serves on multiple transportation committees, including the Paratransit Coordinating Council, where she continues to champion equitable mobility and independent travel.
Allanté Whitmore, PhD
Dr. Allanté Whitmore leads PLUM’s research and social impact initiatives, translating data and insights into strategies that shape the future of equitable mobility. With a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, she brings deep expertise in transportation systems, planning, and technology adoption — always focused on how innovation affects people and communities.
At PLUM, Allanté guides studies, evaluations, and workforce development programs that inform policy and practice across the country. She’s known for her ability to connect research with real-world results, helping partners make informed decisions that advance both innovation and inclusion.
