Milligan Welcomes Benton Tempas
We’re excited to welcome Benton Tempas as Milligan’s newest Project Director. With more than 25 years of experience in tolling operations and intelligent transportation systems, Benton brings deep technical expertise, executive-level management experience, and a collaborative spirit to the Milligan team. His career began when an unexpected IT job at Denver’s E-470 Public Highway Authority sparked a lifelong passion for tolling innovation—a path that’s since included leadership roles at E-470, Northwest Parkway, GO-PASS Mobility Services, and A-to-Be.
Benton is known across the industry for his hands-on approach and commitment to advancing technology that makes transportation smarter and more efficient. He’s led major system conversions, cybersecurity initiatives, and strategic modernization projects, and served eight years on the IBTTA Board of Directors. At Milligan, Benton is eager to help strengthen relationships, grow new talent, and continue building our reputation for exceptional service and innovation. Welcome to the team, Benton!
→ Read the full Q&A to learn more about Benton’s background, what drew him to Milligan, and his perspective on the future of tolling.
Tell me about your background and how you got into tolling?
I am a tinkerer at heart, figuring out how something works and trying to improve or adapt it for other uses, if possible. I fell into tolling by answering a help-wanted ad in the local newspaper for a Network Administrator position at E-470. I had just quit my job in Chicago and moved to Denver. I was looking for a quick, short-term job so I could then spend my time to figure out my next career path. Once there, I immersed myself with learning the toll system and never looked back.
What project(s) are you most proud of in your career?
The largest and most challenging project that I am proud of was the conversion and replacement of the entire toll collection system at Northwest Parkway, turning the road into a fully cashless operation. I am also very proud of the toll collection system we installed at the Southern Connector 2000 (in record time and with no downtime) when I was at A-to-Be.
What attracted you to working with the Milligan team?
The small company aspect, and knowing and enjoying the employees I already knew there. The entire team welcomed me and has such a great reputation in the industry…how could I say no?
What are you most looking forward to experiencing here?
I am looking forward to working in a small-group setting where we can all contribute, bringing new ideas to the transportation industry. I am excited to see us grow new talent in the industry.
You've been in tolling for a while. How have you seen it change? What do you hope for the future of the industry?
The most significant change is the inclusion. Back in the late 90s, Agencies kept the Vendors at arm's length, never really collaborating with each other. These isolated silos created friction and slowed progress. Today, it is much more of a partnership, knowing that everyone is ultimately trying to improve the industry as a whole. In the future, I hope that we will engage and collaborate more with outside stakeholders to further improve the transportation industry.
What recommendations do you have for someone starting out in tolling?
The first would be to make things relatable to your world—that way, you will be more interested. Next, find others you work well with or can learn from. If you don't find enjoyment in what you do, you will never succeed.
Tolling can be as boring or as exciting as you want it to be. If you work at it, any career can be very rewarding, even tolling. You will find some wonderful relationships, which is why the tolling industry is a wonderful place to work.
Get in touch with Benton at benton@milligan.co.
