accelerate 2015 q1

AccelerAteThe quarterly newsletter for the Conference Of Minority

Transportation Officials

Board Chair’s Message (cont.) PAGE 3

President’s Message PAGE 3

Our 2014 Successes PAGES 4-5

2015 & Beyond PAGE 6

44th National Meeting & Training Conference

Boston Kicks Off as Host CityPAGE 7

Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation

PAGES 8-9

COMTO Leadership Institute (CLI)

PAGE 10

TCRP Now Recruiting PAGE 11

Upcoming Events & Career Center

PAGE 11

CITY Intern Program Now Recruiting

Experience, Opportunities & Jobs

PAGES 12-13

DBE Corner: The Missouri Model

Keeping It Going PAGES 14-15

Stand Up For Transportation PAGE 17

COMTO Chapters on the Move PAGES 18-21

COMTO Members on the Move PAGES 22-24

Welcome New Members PAGE 25

In Her Honor PAGE 26

COMTO – Our Bridge to the Future

As we celebrate the New Year, let me first thank the

entire COMTO family for great work in 2014 on our

continuing journey from good to great. This was

indeed a year of transition and progress, yet 2014

also brought us sorrow. Losing our beloved President and CEO,

Julie Cunningham, has been painful for us all. Still, her passion

and extraordinary commitment to COMTO lives on in the many

programs and other good works she began, each offering great

promise for the future of our industry.

Special thanks to Linda Washington and Jim Paige for stepping

in to help keep us on course during this period of transition.

Their leadership has been both timely and critical as

we near the conclusion of our search for a new

President/CEO.

Our five year strategic plan is working well.

With great support from our Industry Partners,

Sponsors and Stakeholders, we have raised

the bar. As we prepare for the challenges of

2015 and beyond, let’s recap a few of our

many successes…

BOard Chair’s MEssagE Transition, Progress & Promise

Join President Obama to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march and the signing of the Voting rights act of 1965. For info, email [email protected]

Accelerate-01-12-2015.indd 1 1/23/15 10:04 AM

In 2014, as our remarkable members continued to move the nation, I have been moved by the many

uplifting and hopeful experiences COMTO has provided.

I was moved by the outpouring of respect and affection for our recently deceased CEO Julie Cunningham, who left us too soon. The newly dedicated Julie a. Cunningham Painesville Transfer Center, which serves more than 130,000 riders each year, will continue to keep her memory alive. Learn more on Page 26.

I am extremely pleased by the success stories of our Careers in Transportation for Youth (CiTY) interns, ashley Wiggins, Keith altamirano, asia robinson and garrison Ushery. These young

people gained experience, opportunities and jobs through our exciting program. Read about them on Pages 12 and 13.

So many of you contributed to COMTO’s many successes, and

to each of you, I say thank you. You are the lifeblood of COMTO, and together we will ensure COMTO

continues to make us all proud.

The opportunity to serve as your Interim

President and CEO is a blessing. As we begin 2015, I ask you to pause to remember the past, and also to think about the ways in which you, too, are blessed.

I am inspired by the outstanding women in transportation who will be honored at our 4th Annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Awards breakfast to be held on March 11. The event is featured on Pages 8 and 9. Save the date!

This year, let’s use the momentum that has been built to bring out the best in each other and work together to fulfill our vision, mission and goals.

“Some people may have greatness thrust upon them. Very few have excellence thrust upon them. They achieve it. They do not achieve it unwittingly, by ‘doing what comes naturally’; and they don’t stumble into it in the course of amusing themselves. All excellence involves discipline and tenacity of purpose.”

— John William Gardner

I know we all agree that COMTO has a worthy purpose.

With Warm Regards and Gratitude,

Linda J. Washington

Interim President/CEO

Board Chair’s Message (continued)

President’s Message

January 2015 | aCCELEraTE 3

Along with delivering our most successful National Meeting and Training Conference to date, we also conducted another excellent CEO Summit. We implemented several new programs and initiatives which include COMTO Studio 71 and the COMTO Leadership Institute (CLI). As well, our scholarship and intern numbers are up.

Julie’s brainchild, and now another COMTO flagship

program, Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation, was again a resounding success. As a fitting tribute to Julie’s legacy, we are implementing the Chairman’s Eagle award to salute a COMTO Emerging Leader who best exemplifies her leadership qualities and commitment to COMTO.

Our challenges continue. We need more and more supporters and new opportunities, especially for our DBEs and Small Business members. Increased funding for our leader development programs and an even stronger voice on Capitol Hill are both critical as we move forward.

This is an exciting time to be a part of the COMTO Family. Please join me to ensure that 2015 is our best year ever as we continue to move the nation.

robert Prince National Board Chair

HUBs

Professional development and Training

Membership growth and retention

Chapter growth and

development


4 COMTO | Moving the Nation

OUr 2014 Successes

This breakfast awards ceremony, now a COMTO Signature event, honored 10 industry leaders from all modes of transportation. Celebrated during Women’s History Month, the women were recognized for their outstanding contributions and influence. COMTO is proud to showcase these women in transportation who serve as role models for women everywhere.

3rd annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation

The CWWMN event was the brainchild of COMTO’s late President and CEO Julie Cunningham and the last major COMTO event she attended

COMTO Leadership institute (CLi)led by shirley deLibero, is a product of our succession planning efforts. CLI is our flagship education and training center for all members to include young leaders as they move from the classroom to the boardroom. CLI places all of our leader development programs under one umbrella.

l scholars Program received excellent support throughout the industry. This year COMTO provided nearly $400,000 in scholarships to our nation’s youth.

l CiTY interns expanded significantly with 3 year dedicated funding from the Federal Transit Administration along with funding from several private sector partners. Good news for the industry, better news for our nation.

l Emerging Leaders continues to prepare our young leaders for upper level management positions.

CLICOMTO

LeadershipInstitute

COMTO studio 71 is a great resource for training, education and keeping COMTO’s history alive for future generations. Part of CLI, studio 71 is helping to deliver training to members of that group.

studio 71 is named in honor of the year COMTO was founded

CLI Executive Director shirley deLibero (center) with CiTY team members and interns



The 43rd National Meeting and Training Conference

Co-hosted by COMTO Atlanta, it boasted the most attendees ever! It was a fitting tribute to COMTO’s late President/CEO Julie Cunningham. Her family was present for the announcement of The Julie Cunningham Legacy Fund which will provide scholarship opportunities for our youth.

The TCrP ambassador Program

Held in partnership with APTA, it is a continuing success in marketing the latest industry research – information that drives innovation.

The 2014 Congressional Black Caucus/COMTO Transportation Brain Trust

Hosted by Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings, it drew a ‘standing room only’ crowd. The event was issue- focused and supported by Capitol Hill and other industry Stakeholders. U.S. Transportation Secretary anthony Foxx and his operating administration heads participated, as did former U.S. Transportation Secretary rodney slater.

A Year of Transition, Progress and Promise

Our dBE Pavilion at aPTa Expo

Held in Houston, Texas the APTA Expo was a huge success. We were able to showcase many of our DBEs and introduce COMTO to new potential sponsors and partners.

Other Noteworthy News

l A National search is underway for a new President/CEO and is nearing the finish line.

l COMTO’s newly elected Board of directors added additional Advisors to represent the various transportation modes.

l a Transportation Workshop was held in partnership with former U.S. Transportation Secretary rodney slater at Eastern Michigan University, his alma mater. Representatives from the Morgan State University Transportation Center also participated.

l COMTO added its voice to getting america to Work, a growing coalition calling for transportation infrastructure funding.


2015 and beyond

“2015 is a year of promise and challenge. We have a lot of work to do.” — Bob Prince, Board Chair

dBE support is one of COMTO’s Strategic Goals. Our HUB committee continues to develop strategies to ensure decision makers, primes and other stakeholders are more inclusive and supportive. Join us in February for Black history Month as we celebrate and focus on our DBEs.

The 4th annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN) awards Breakfast on March 11, at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, DC, will honor 13 outstanding women who are making a difference in the transportation industry. Representing a broad cross-section of transportation in both the private and public sectors – including aviation, highways, public transportation, and advocacy – these women are the definition of excellence.

New this year to CWWMN is the Chairman’s EagLE award, an award which will go to a COMTO Emerging Leader. This individual is one who best exemplifies the stellar leadership qualities of COMTO’s late President and CEO Julie Cunningham. Please join us in congratulating our first EAGLE Honoree,

india Birdsong of the Chicago Transit Authority.

Our annual View from the hill takes on special significance in 2015. We need to ensure our strategies are in line with a shifting political landscape across the country. Our voice must continue to be strong and heard!

We will continue our series of CEO summits as a venue for industry leaders to discuss major issues.

COMTO is pleased to partner with new aPTa Chair Phil Washington, as he

calls for a National day of advocacy for Transportation Infrastructure. Phil works to highlight the country’s need to repair, strengthen and/or build its transportation infrastructure.

The 44th National Meeting & Training Conference, co-hosted by COMTO Boston, will be held July 11–14, 2015, at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. Come and bring a friend!

The annual Congressional Black Caucus/COMTO Brain Trust gives us the opportunity to work more closely with our political leaders and other decision makers.

The history of COMTO, Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field, will be completed soon. If you have comments or input for this important new book, please send them to [email protected]


The road ahead



44th National Meeting

Boston Kicks-Off as host City

COMTO Boston kicked off its selection as the host city of this year’s 44th National Meeting and Training Conference with a lively breakfast celebration featuring Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. Mayor Walsh is 2015’s Honorary Chair of the event which will be held July 11-14 at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel.

COMTO Boston President

Celia Blue and Boston Mayor

Martin J. Walsh

In addition to the Mayor, COMTO Board Chair robert Prince, COMTO Boston President Celia Blue, MBTA CEO/General Manager Bev scott, and others joined in the celebration


Comto Honors women

4th annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation

What started as a forum to recognize women in transportation during Women’s History Month, is now an annual COMTO signature Event. Entering its 4th year in 2015, COMTO is proud to announce the honorees of its Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Awards Breakfast. These outstanding women, from all sectors of the transportation industry, will be recognized and saluted for their contributions to the industry on March 11, 8 am-11 am, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC.

New this year, Board Chairman robert Prince has implemented the Chairman’s Eagle Award to salute a COMTO Emerging Leader who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership qualities of COMTO’s late

President and CEO, Julie Cunningham.

“It’s a fitting tribute to Julie as Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation was her brainchild and the last COMTO event she was able to attend,” said Mr. Prince.

The first Chairman’s Eagle award goes to Ms. india Birdsong, Transportation Manager, Bus Supervision, Chicago Transit Authority. Ms. Birdsong is a TCRP Emeritus Ambassador and former COMTO Chicago President. She is described by Mr. Prince as a “total professional who reflects the essence of this award.”

She joins 12 other outstanding women, from all sectors of the transportation community, who will be recognized and saluted for their contributions to the industry.

The rev. Matthew L. Watley, Executive Minister of Reid Temple Church, is this year’s keynote speaker with noted television journalist doris McMillon serving as program moderator and Frank Oglesby as the “voice” of COMTO. Guests will also be treated to the wonderful notes of violinist Kendall isadore.

COMTO inaugurated its Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation awards in 2012, starting a new tradition of recognizing the accomplishments and influence of today’s outstanding women in transportation. This year’s list of recipients brings the total number of honorees to 47. As in years past, these leaders represent a broad cross section of the industry.

Please join COMTO on March 11 for our annual beakfast awards ceremony Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation, 8 am-11 am, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004.

For ticket and/or sponsorship information, visit www.comto.org


Ms. india Birdsong, Transportation Manager, Bus Supervision, Chicago Transit Authority


CelebratingWomen who move the nation

ThE 2015 hONOrEEs

Multimodalism

Ms. deborah hersmanPresident and CEO

National Safety Council

Chairman’s Eagle Award

Ms. india BirdsongTransportation Manager

Chicago Transit Authority

Legislator

The honorable Eleanor holmes Norton

Congresswoman

District of Columbia

Private Sector

Ms. Cynthia Jones ParksPresident and CEO

Jones Worley

Private Sector

dr. Joy rohadfox President and CEO

Rohadfox Construction Control Services Corporation

Lifetime Achievement

senator Barbara BoxerU.S. Senate

California

Aviation

Ms. Chellie Cameron Chief Operating Officer

Philadelphia International Airport

2015 honorees2014 Scholars and Industry Award Winners continuedin Transportation

Public Transportation

Ms. ann dawson-august Executive Director

Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority

Public Transportation

Ms. Ysela Llort Director

Miami-Dade Transit

Advocacy

Ms. Marcia Ferranto President and CEO

Women’s Transportation Seminar International

Public Transportation/Federal

Ms. Carolyn Flowers Senior Advisor

Federal Transit Administration

The Shirley A. DeLibero Woman Who Moves The Nation

Ms. Paralee shiversProfessor, Speech Division

Houston Community College


State Government

Ms. Polly TrottenbergCommissioner

New York City Department of Transportation



2014 Scholars and Industry Award Winners continuedComto Leadership Institute

In 2009 I attended the very first COMTO Succession Planning workshop. Led by shirley deLibero, COMTO Board Chair and Julie Cunningham, COMTO President and CEO, our focus then was to identify young “rising stars” so we could help them progress and eventually move into C-Suite positions. From that auspicious begining, the COMTO Leadership institute (CLi) has emerged.

Over the course of the past few years, we have made great progress and, now CLi is open for all members.

Let me give you a quick update:

l We formally launched CLi in July 2014 during the 43rd National Meeting & Training Conference in Atlanta.

l COMTO Board Chair Bob Prince appointed Shirley as CLi Executive director.

l We have a management structure in place as we continue to develop our advisory Board of industry professionals to help guide us through the coming years.

l The CLi web site is up and powered by our industry partner, Parsons Brinckerhoff.

l CLi offers our individual members, HUBS, and DBEs an on-line resource center for training, professional development, mentoring and technical assistance.

l Our Youth Development and Leadership Programs (Scholars, CITY Interns and Emerging Leaders) are now under one umbrella. Within CLi, we can better monitor and mentor them as they move from the classroom to the boardroom.

We still have work to do. We need continued funding and full support from stakeholders across the industry. In addition, our early plans are to increase the number of scholarship opportunities using the Julie Cunningham Legacy Fund program as a platform to advance CLi. Visit comtoleadershipinstitute.org for updates.

By Tracey Bessellieu

Tracey Bessellieu CLI Dean of Curriculum COMTO Board Member

COMTO Succession Planning workshop

Now Open for Business!

CLICOMTO

LeadershipInstitute

CLI ADVISORY BOARD Invitees include:

ann august GM, Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority

gen. george Bowman U.S. Army (Retired)

antwanye Ford CEO, Enlightened Group

Nathaniel Ford GM, Jacksonville Transportation Authority

dr. Barbara gannon President, Gannon Consult

greg Kelly President/CEO WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff

darryl Johnson GM, Orange County Transit Authority

dr. Carol Lewis Director, Transportation Center Texas Southern University

Paul Larousse Director, The National Transit Institute, Rutgers University

Michael Melaniphy President/CEO, APTA

dr. Charles Ogletree,Jr. Dean, Harvard Law School

Jerry Premo Vice-President, AECOM

Terry ruhl President, Transportation Market CH2M HILL

rodney slater Former USDOT Secretary

deborah Underwood Program Manager Transportation Center NC A&T State University

Phil Washington GM, Denver Regional Transit District



2014 Scholars and Industry Award Winners continuedTCRP now recruiting

The Transit Cooperative research (TCrP) ambassador Program is a joint effort between the Federal Transit administration (FTa), the Transit research Board (TrB), the american Public Transportation association (aPTa), and the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). The program’s purpose is to develop a cadre of talented industry professionals who will serve as “Ambassadors” to enhance the understanding, acceptance and utilization of TCRP-sponsored research products.

What is an ambassador?TCRP Ambassadors are selected for their ability to effectively promote research which improves transit operations and service, and to motivate and instruct others on use of the research results or products.

What does an ambassador do?Ambassadors disseminate important TCRP research within the transit community. Examples include visits to transit properties;

presentations; seminars and workshops conducted at transit industry conferences; and participation in TCRP events.

how Can i Become an ambassador?Recruiting is now open for ambassadors for 2016-2017. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, april 24, 2015. To learn more about the program and to download an application, visit: www.comto.org/tcrp

Submit all questions and your application to [email protected]

You can also submit your application or nomination to:Conference Of Minority Transportation OfficialsAttn: TCRP Ambassador Program1875 I St., NW, Suite 500Washington, DC 20006Fax: 202.318.0364

We’re Looking for Ambassadors!

FebruaryMONTh OF FEBrUarY

garrett a. Morgan shadow day an event held by COMTO chapters on a day of their choosing. The chapters partner with local schools to raise awareness of transportation issues and career opportunities.

March TUEsdaY, MarCh 10

View From the hill 8:30 am – 12:00 noon Capitol HillWashington, DC

COMTO Mid-Winter Joint Leadership Team Meetings1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Board of Directors & Council of Presidents)St. Gregory Hotel & Suites Washington, DC

WEdNEsdaY, MarCh 11

Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation awards Ceremony8:00 am – 11:00 amJ.W. MarriottWashington, DC 20004

april ThUrsdaY, aPriL 9

stand Up for Transportation National Day of Advocacy

JuneMONdaY, JUNE 1

CiTY intern Program Launches

July saTUrdaY, JULY 11 – TUEsdaY, JULY 14

44th National Meeting & Training ConferenceBoston Park Plaza Boston, MA

Upcoming Events career center

For Local Events & activities go to: www.comto.org

Visit the COMTO Career Center and check out some of the latest, new features availablel Members can search through all postings and

resumes listed on the website.

l Members can subscribe to postings so they receive an update anytime there is a change

l Members can post their listings for FREE for 30 days. Non-members can post listings as well, for a $350 fee.

l Members can search using several different criteria, including department, salary, location and position.

To view the most recent listings, please visit:

https://comto.site-ym.com/networking/

Current and former ambassadors at COMTO Conference in Denver


City Intern program


Interns Join In 2011 ashley Wiggins became a CiTY intern. For 10 weeks that summer, the Morgan State University accounting and finance major worked in Washington, DC at the Federal Transit administration (FTa), where she learned in real time about the procurement process and contracts. As part of the program, she was paired

with a mentor, accountant Jovan Goldstein, who later became COMTO’s auditor. Over countless phone calls, cups of coffee, a master’s degree and two different jobs, the two kept in contact. Today, four years later, Wiggins now works for Goldstein.

“I’m the fortunate one. She’s a gem,” said Goldstein, founder and Managing Principal of JT goldstein accountants and Business advisors, a full-service, certified public accounting and business advisory firm, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The firm specializes in performing auditing, tax, accounting, business consulting and engagements.

Keith altamirano began last summer as a CiTY intern, working at Ch2M hill in New York City. This month, Keith, an electrical engineering major at the City College of New York, starts working full-time for CH2M Hill.

At the program’s closing ceremony last August, CH2M Hill Vice President Thomas Klin noted how quickly and how

well Keith was able to master some pretty steep learning curves, working on a variety of projects. “That is what we are looking for,” said Klin, who added that he wanted “first dibs” on hiring Keith.

From across the country, the CiTY interns are brought together each year at COMTO’s National Meeting and Training Conference, where they get to meet and hear directly from the industry’s top professionals. Advice and business cards are exchanged in equal measure.

Together with its industry partners, stakeholders and the Federal Transit

Administration, COMTO offers students mentoring and hands-on experience

from transit professionals at both public and private firms serving the

transportation industry.

Over the next 10 years, a potential workforce crisis is brewing within the transportation industry as nearly half of today’s professionals will become eligible for retirement. This will leave a void of institutional knowledge and

experienced leaders for the workforce of the 21st century. The Careers In

Transportation for Youth (CITY) Internship Program addresses this

issue. The program’s ultimate goal is to ensure that the nation is equipped with

a diverse workforce, reflective of the country’s changing demographics,

and to face the tough challenges of the next century.

Each year, competition to get into the CITY program becomes tougher. For its

2014 class, COMTO received more than 400 applications for just 31 positions.

COMTO’s CiTY iNTErN PrOgraM INTRODUCES

AND ExPOSES TODAY’S UNDERREPRESENTED

COLLEGE STUDENTS TO THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY

AS A GOOD CAREER PATH TO FOLLOW.

“There’s a lot of information for interns

to absorb during the program’s short 10-weeks. We call it

“Sipping From a Fire Hose.”

— Jasmine Narcisse 2012 CITY Alum

& CITY Staff


During the CiTY Intern Program students learn the importance of nuanced information, of soft skills, of being able to communicate well, and most importantly, of listening. They learn the value of networking and establishing real relationships. It’s a bridge between the end of college and the real day-to-day world of work.

asia robinson, a civil engineering major at Temple University, calls the program ‘life changing.’ “Wow, when I first started, I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go in. This experience, this internship has given me that direction. This has been a life changing summer,” she said. Asia did so well, AECOM continued her internship.

garrison Ushery, a physics and engineering major at the University of West Georgia, interned last summer at the FTa in Atlanta. A standout in the classroom with a high GPA, and courted by several private firms, Garrison is also a standout offensive lineman on the football field. Named as a preseason Division II All American, Garrison hopes to turn pro.

CITY now recruiting!


To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Be from an underrepresented group.

2. Be U.S. citizens currently enrolled at an accredited institution of higher learning at the undergraduate level.

3. Be full-time students who will be juniors or seniors in the fall of 2015.

4. Possess a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or the equivalent.

5. Be available to attend COMTO’s National Meeting & Training Conference in July in Boston, Massachusetts.

6. Be able to pass a background check.

application deadline is February 27, 2015.

For more details, visit www.comto.org

recruiting for 2015 CiTY intern Class is underway.

This 10-week internship provides hands on experience and mentoring at transit agencies, private transit-related consulting firms, transportation service providers, manufacturers and suppliers in local COMTO Chapters across the country.

The internship program focuses on college junior and senior students with an interest in public transportation or a transportation related career. It pays $500 a week plus a $40/week travel stipend.

the Workforce

“This program is great! It has grown beyond our

wildest imagination.”

— Keith Parker General Manager/CEO, MARTA

The Divine Nine with MARTA’s Keith Parker (center)



THE MISSOURI MODEL: BUILDING ON LESSONS LEARNED

Reflections on the Missouri Model TodayCOMTO’s work in developing the very successful Missouri Model continues to pay dividends and offers lessons learned in best practices for DBEs and Small Businesses. As we move into the New Year, let’s take a brief look at progress in Missouri and elsewhere.

in Missouri, our lessons learned include: l All stakeholders must be involved,

heard, informed and willing to work together, in order to achieve workforce diversity goals.

l A Workforce Advisory Committee is key. Conversations about workforce diversity must include subcontractors in addition to prime contractors, and both should actively work to diversify the workforce.

l Pre-contract networking sessions between prime contractors and subcontractors are essential. Also, construction contracts should contain workforce diversity language and business owners should provide guidelines and expectations to subcontractors at the onset of the project.

We are on track and making progress. The I-64 Workforce Advisory Committee continued to meet and monitor the progress of all workforce diversity efforts on a bi-monthly basis throughout the life of the contract. Progress reports were made public twice a year at I-64 workforce roundtable meetings. Transparency was critical to the public’s understanding and acceptance of the project’s workforce diversity efforts.

Tracking participation and community involvement requires extensive focus. Therefore dedicating staff and other resources becomes crucial to such efforts. A particularly challenging area

for minorities and women is becoming familiarized with union culture. To help, one-on-one meetings and coaching can prove beneficial. Lastly, maintaining balance between recruiting trainees and retaining the existing workforce is critical.

So, “Where are We Now?” There are a number of organizations operating successful DBE and workforce programs, notably Nathaniel Ford with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Ford and his team have incorporated an innovative Business Development Academy, Workforce Utilization Program and an Owner Control Insurance Program (OCIP). Visit www.jtafla.com for more details.

The success of these and similar programs depends heavily upon continued funding for the transportation industry. As transportation funding diminishes and jobs become fewer in the industry, we found that many individuals find employment elsewhere, in other industries. This is a severe drain on our talent pool.

In an effort to maintain connectivity in the community and continue to build workforce diversity, MoDOT established Region Diversity Councils. These Councils receive advice and counsel from transportation industry stakeholders and update the community on continued efforts to increase diversity. MoDOT continues to provide pre-apprenticeship construction training and DBE/Supportive Services initiatives along with offering and providing Commercial Drivers License training.

Michigan DOT Fully Embraces the Missouri Model My fellow board member, Lester Woods and I will work with the COMTO HUB Subcommittee to advance our DBE program.

As members of the State DOT community and COMTO Board, we offer a few tips to the COMTO Family.

l Work more closely with Federal Highways and State DOTs

l Attend AASHTO and similar conferences. Submit papers and participate in panel discussions.

l Invite your state DOT leadership to join COMTO.

l Place CITY interns with selected State DOTs. Michigan did so in 2014 and will do again in 2015.

l Revitalize FHWA/ COMTO workshops.

l Participate in the COMTO DBE webinar series

l Join the HUB Subcommittee.

Lester Woods (left), External Civil Rights Director for Missouri’s Department of Transportation, and greg Johnson, Chief Operations Officer for Michigan’s Department of Transportation, are both members of COMTO’s Board of Directors

By Lester Woods & greg Johnson



Origins of the Missouri Model

In 2006, the Missouri department of Transportation (ModOT) began planning a $535 million construction project on Highway I-64 in St. Louis. Based on previous experience, local community groups were concerned that the project would fail to provide fair job access to minority, women, and low-income workers, and that local DBEs would be largely blocked from participating in the project.

One potential solution was establishing a community partnering agreement to boost job access and training opportunities for minorities and women, and maximize DBE participation. The challenge, however, was negotiating among so many stakeholders: community groups, churches, MoDOT officials, prime contractors and subcontractors (DBE and non-DBE alike), and union representatives.

Enter COMTO. Recognizing COMTO’s work in the field, MoDOT asked COMTO President Julie Cunningham to mediate among the many stakeholders in the I-64 project. Negotiations were complex and sometimes contentious, but they ended in an unqualified success – the largest community partnering agreement in U.S. history.

it had three core components:

1 Devoting up to 30 percent of workforce hours to minorities and women;

2 Devoting 0.5-1 percent of the total project budget to job training; and

3 Maximizing dBE participation.

As a result, hundreds of low-income people were able to access good jobs and job training to build their careers and communities. DBE participation exceeded MoDOT’s official goals. And the project was finished 24 days ahead of schedule and $11 million under budget.

The USDOT took notice, as well. Federal highway administrator Victor Mendez asked COMTO to develop a series of one-and-a-half-day workshops to showcase the Missouri Model. Over the course of 2010, with assistance from Lester Woods and other stakeholders, COMTO developed the workshop curriculum, built a team of subject matter experts from Missouri, New York, Michigan, Virginia, Wisconsin and other states and conducted five excellent workshops, titled Partnering with Communities on Major Projects to Assure Success in DBE Participation, Diversity in Employment and Workforce Development.

The workshops expanded the potential application of COMTO’s Missouri Model from highways to transit, and provided a blueprint for how state and local DOTs can implement the model.

The Missouri Model — the largest community

partnering agreement in U.S. history!

hUB sUBCOMMiTTEE hOsTiNg dBE WEBiNars

COMTO’s HUB Subcommittee is hosting a series of six DBE Webinars over the course of 2015. Topics will include Bonding and Access to Capital, Small Business Mentoring Programs, Networking and Joint Venturing to name a few.

Visit www.comto.org for more details.



Stand Up for Transportation

COMTO Gearing Up For National Day Of Advocacy

Phil Washington Addresses COMTO CiTY Interns

Join Us april 9, 2015!COMTO proudly joins American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Chairman Phil Washington’s call for a National day of advocacy. Titled simply, ‘Stand Up for Transportation,’ it’s a call to everyone whose life is touched in any way by public transportation.

“We need awareness and we need action,” said Washington, who sees his role as touting all the economic benefits transportation brings. During a recent COMTO Studio 71 interview, he said: “We have to do a better job of telling our elected officials how transportation, jobs and education are all connected.”

COMTO is on board to support. Think about it. What would your community look like without public transportation? That train or bus taken every morning wouldn’t exist, making it more difficult and nearly impossible for commuters to get to work. Like dominoes toppling, not only would people’s daily lives become more difficult, but the economic health of areas would be greatly affected.

This country’s aging transportation infrastructure– its roads, bridges, railways and highways–is also a concern. A national consensus has emerged that an investment in transportation is one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to create jobs and boost economic growth.

In essence, public transportation – in all its forms – is a significant factor driving the economy.

l It attracts and helps businesses grow, which helps provide good paying jobs.

l It reduces pollution and road congestion, which helps commuters get to work faster.

Washington is General Manager of Denver’s Regional Transportation District. He leads one of the most dynamic transit expansion programs in the country. Recognized nationally and internationally, Phil Washington was awarded a White House Transportation Innovators Champion of Change award and in 2013 was named APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation Manager in North America. He is also a long time member of COMTO.

More than 20 cities are already on board to Stand Up for Transportation and that number is growing fast every day. Helping to lead the charge is Getting America to Work, a growing coalition of transit agencies, business groups and councils of government working to support increased federal funding for our nation’s transportation systems. COMTO is part of this coalition. (www.gettingamericatowork.com)

In addition to the Day of Advocacy, Washington is calling for a Summit Meeting “at the highest levels” to address these transportation, commerce, and education issues and sees APTA and COMTO as two national entities best suited to facilitate such a meeting.

In the meantime, save the date, April 9, 2015 and Stand Up for Transportation! Keep checking www.comto.org for additional details.

“We have to do a better job of telling our elected officials how

transportation, jobs and education are all connected.”

— Phil Washington



comto chapters…

COMTO CenTral FlOridaAs part of COMTO Week November 2014, COMTO Central Florida had a fundraising and membership recruitment luncheon. Held at the Central Florida Expressway Authority in Orlando Florida the luncheon topic was: “Building a Bridge to Resources & Access to Capital for Transportation Projects in the Central Florida Region.”

Guest speakers were: Presidential Appointee Cassius Butts, SBA Regional Administrator Region IV, adrianna Clark, SE Region Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, U.S. Department of Transportation, rodney renix, DBE/EEO Compliance Manager, skanska-granite-Lane and Carey shepard, Civil Rights Program Coordinator.

COMTO Central Florida was invited to a Tolling Industry Business Development Workshop for TEaMFL. Chapter President Carla Williams participated in a roundtable discussion, setup as a Business Match Maker that lasted for three hours.

TEaMFL membership is comprised of board members and executive staff of statewide expressway and transit authorities, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Transportation Commission and private sector transportation partners.

TEaMFL members discuss statewide issues in an effort to develop high quality roadway systems in all corners of the state. The Public Sector Group represents members of toll authorities, expressway authorities and bridge authorities. COMTO Central Florida received a very positive response and many expressed interest in joining the chapter.

Left to Right: Carla Williams, President COMTO Central Florida, Cheryl hawkins, 1st Vice President COMTO Central Florida, Cassius Butts, SBA Regional Administrator



On the mOve

COMTO CHiCagO

COMTO Chicago’s Leadership Team enjoyed a well attended networking and “Meet & Greet” event during COMTO Week. The event, held at Maggiano’s restaurant, offered food, music, and a great welcome from Chicago native Phil Washington, General Manager and CEO of Denver RTD and newly elected Chairman of APTA.

COMTO COlUMBUsCOMTO Columbus received more than 100 canned goods and 25 coats for families in need at Buckeye Middle School during the Chapter’s December campaign called Two Cans and a Coat.

COMTO FT. laUderdaledBE Program information session – Lunch & LearnCOMTO Fort Lauderdale hosted a DBE program. The session covered changes in the program over the last few years, and how the program benefits minorities doing business in the transportation industry. More than 30 members, including representatives from minority businesses, participated in the Lunch & Learn event. COMTO Member Marie Jarman, Administrative Compliance Officer with the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority gave the presentation.

small and disadvantaged Business Forum COMTO Fort Lauderdale hosted its first Small & Disadvantaged Business Forum in partnership with the south Florida regional Transportation authority (SFRTA). Over 75 attendees had the opportunity to learn about South Florida contracting opportunities and how to do business with agencies of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties along with the SFRTA.

Highlights of the event included a presentation by Ms. Joanne Brooks, Vice President & Counsel with the Surety & Fidelity Association of America who spoke about “Why Bonding Matters,” and Ms. adrianna Clark, Southeast Region Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization with the U.S. Department of Transportation, who provided an overview of the U.S. DOT Bond Education Program. Both presentations helped to demystify the process and focus on the benefits of Bonding for minority businesses. The Forum also provided an opportunity for networking between prime contractors and minority businesses.

Pictured are Board Treasurer, Nicole L. Mcallister and the Buckeye Middle School Guidance Counselor, rhonda Clark

Former COMTO Chicago President Maria-Teresa roman and current President Eunice Escobar



comto chapters…

COMTO HOUsTOnCOMTO houston hosted a DBE Networking reception during the 2014 APTA Expo. The event was sponsored by COMTO members and DBE firms, BradLiNK, swayzer Engineering incorporated, and Webber. Special thanks are extended to all sponsors and to event coordinator goodwill Pierre.

The bright atmosphere at Julia’s Bistro was well suited to encourage attendees to partake in lively conversations centered on new opportunities, networking and renewed commitments. The restaurant located at 3722 Main Street allowed for a great view of the Metro Red Line which runs down Main Street.

The event was well attended and participants were able to converse with several noteworthy attendees: Interim COMTO President/CEO Linda Washington, COMTO Strategic Advisor Col. (Ret.) Jim Paige, 2nd Board Vice Chair Freddie Fuller, Board Member Mary ann Collier, Secretary/Treasurer renee Edwards, dr. Carol Lewis, Director of the Center for Transportation Training Research at Texas State University and several local elected officials.

COMTO indiana

For the past 4 years, COMTO indiana has honored transportation trailblazers and recognized the achievements of local Indianapolis students at its annual recognition and student achievement Breakfast. More than 100 attended this year’s event, including students and administrators from three Indianapolis schools.

COMTO Indiana partners with school districts in Indianapolis, Perry and Pike. Young people from these districts participate in COMTO student activities. Since the partnership began, $8,500 in scholarships have been awarded.

“This event is our way of connecting transportation professionals from all walks of life to these students so they connect the dots with people working in the industry,” said Michael Terry, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (“IndyGo”) and this year’s premiere sponsor.

Each year, COMTO Indiana brings a high school student to COMTO’s National Meeting and Training Conference. Julio Lopez thanked COMTO Indiana for this past year’s opportunity, noting it had been his first time on an airplane. He also acknowledged how much he learned networking with students and mentors at the conference. He plans to study engineering in school, and is currently attending Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This annual event helps to fund student activities scheduled throughout the year.

Students and award recipients

recognized at COMTO Indiana’s

September 16, 2014 breakfast

event in Indianapolis

COMTO Indiana student Julio Lopez (2nd from right) attended COMTO’s National Meeting and Training Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. He is pictured here with COMTO Board Chair robert Prince, COMTO’s CITY Interns and APTA President Michael Melaniphy



On the mOve

COMTO new YOrkCOMTO New York honored several transportation professionals of Hispanic descent in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. More than 150 guests attended this cultural celebration at Don Coqui Restaurant on City Island in the Bronx.

This was COMTO New York’s first event under the able leadership of newly-elected President, Yvette Janniere-houlder of Metro North Railroad. gregory Bradley of Metropolitan Transportation Authority Headquarters and Chapter Executive Vice President, served as the Master of Ceremony.

The many guests in attendance included Joseph giulietti, President and CEO of Metro North Railroad, who gave warm greetings to the honorees as well as union representatives and district council members from Queens, New York. Also, eight past presidents of COMTO New York were in attendance.

Four honorees were presented with an award for their contribution to the diverse communities:

l danny Camacho has been with NYC Transit and the MTA for over 26 years. Danny currently serves as Manager of Business Programs with a focus on Diversity and Civil Rights.

l Eric Fantauzzi is currently in his 28th year in transportation. This year, Eric was appointed General Superintendent in the Division of Rapid Transit Operations.

l Maria garcia is a bilingual transportation professional with 28 years of multimodal experience as an Analyst and Project Manager with the Regional Transportation Planning group at the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council.

l Edwin “Eddie” Melendez started his career in transportation as a Bus Operator in 1978. Currently, Eddie is the Chief Officer of Transportation Support, with direct oversight of the Bus Command Center, Bus Situation Room and all transportation support functions.

COMTO New York Wins award

COMTO New York is the winner of a $100 American Express gift card, courtesy of COMTO National and Interim President/CEO Linda Washington. The award is for having the most new members join during this last quarter.

Congratulations COMTO New York!



avery Promoted to region EngineerKimberly avery has recently been promoted to Region Engineer for the Southwest Region at Michigan Department of Transportation. She will be responsible for the nine counties in SW Michigan, handling all the multimodal transportation programs.

Avery has 25 years of experience at MDOT, most recently as deputy region engineer for Metro Region. She is involved with several initiatives and teams, including the Autonomous Vehicle Implementation Team, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Great Lakes Regional Transportation Operating Coalition and the Commercial Vehicle Steering Team.

In addition, she is a member of the Detroit Greenway Coalition, the Detroit Engineering Society, and is president of COMTO Michigan.

dale honored by greater Baltimore Committeedr. grady dale, Jr. was honored as a Bridging the gap award finalist, part of the greater Baltimore Committee’s 11th annual Bridging the gap achievement awards. Dr. Dale, Jr. is president of the American Institute for Urban Psychological Studies, Inc. and a member of COMTO’s Board of Directors.

The awards honor minority and woman-owned firms for business achievement and others for their efforts to strengthen minority business development.

Bridging the Gap is a minority business development initiative of the Greater Baltimore Committee, the region’s most prominent organization of business and civic leaders.

Dr. Dale has major interests in improving the lives of those he serves in his community while delivering competent clinical practice in a variety of settings. He holds a doctorate in counseling psychology and has practiced in the Baltimore area for more than 30 years.

Ferrell Named CEO & general Manager of Cincinnati Metro The southwest Ohio regional Transit authority has appointed dwight Ferrell as Cincinnati Metro’s Chief Executive Officer & General Manager, effective Jan. 5, 2015.

Ferrell most recently served as County Manager of Fulton County, Georgia, where he led more than 5,000 employees. Prior to that, he served as Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), managing day-to-day operations for the ninth largest transit system in the United States.

Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 17 million rides per year.

comto members…



On the mOve

Ford Elected to Transportation and Expressway authorityNathaniel P. Ford sr., Chief Executive Officer of the Jacksonville Transportation authority, has been elected treasurer of the Transportation and Expressway authority Membership of Florida. The organization was formed in 1997 to facilitate the exchange of information among toll agencies and the transportation industry.

With more than 29 years of transportation experience, previously Ford headed two of the country’s largest transit agencies: San Francisco Municipal Transit (SFMTA) and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

howard honored as Black history heroMeshelle howard is being saluted as a Black History Hero. Maryland Live! Casino, in association with Md. Washington Minority Companies association, is honoring 16 of the region’s heroes, February 24 at the Rams Head Center Stage at Maryland Live! in Arundel Mills, Maryland.

Howard is Director of Civil Rights and Fair Practices for the Maryland Transportation authority. She also serves as an alternate Council of Presidents’ Representative to COMTO’s Board of Directors. Howard is president of COMTO Maryland.

Jones Named Metro Public relations ManagerThe southwest Ohio regional Transit authority has promoted Brandy Jones, APR, to Public Relations Manager of Cincinnati Metro. Jones will serve as a Metro spokesperson, responsible for media relations, public relations, social media, and community relations efforts.

With more than eight years of public relations and communications experience, Jones most recently served as Metro’s Employee and Customer Communications Coordinator. She previously worked at Kevin Wilson Public Relations Agency as an Account Coordinator.

Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 17 million rides per year.

Jones Elected to aCCa BoardNina Jones, Vice President of COMTO Oregon/SW Washington was elected to the american Contract Compliance association (aCCa) national Board of Directors.

Established in 1986, ACCA’s mission is “To deliver ongoing comprehensive training and certification to practitioners working within the fields of Affirmative Action, Contract Compliance, Minority/Women/Disadvantaged/Small/Emerging Business Enterprise, Labor Compliance, Economic & Business Development and Equal Employment Opportunity.”

Jones will build upon COMTO Oregon/SW Washington’s national reputation as “we continue to strengthen opportunities for minority and small businesses.”



comto members On the mOve

Mims appointed to Metro airport Boarda. Bradley Mims has been appointed to the Metropolitan Washington airports authority Board of directors by the Governor of Maryland. He also serves as a Legislative Advisor to COMTO’s Board of Directors.

Mims has served as a transportation expert in government and the private sector for more than 35 years in the areas of multi-modal transportation and aviation. Currently, he serves as the transportation and infrastructure advisor to the Mid-Atlantic Laborers’ Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET), a group that advocates the interests of labor and management in the transportation and infrastructure construction sector.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, established in 1987 by the governments of Virginia and the District of Columbia, manages and operates Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International airports.

MarTa Mentee receives Eagle awardCorporate Environmental risk Management (CErM) recently received the Eagle Award from the State of Georgia’s Mentor-Protégé Program. The event was held at UPS World Headquarters. Former Spanx CEO Laurie ann goldman provided the Keynote Address.

The Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection (MPC) is a business development program. The Eagle Award goes to the protégé who has exhibited superior leadership qualities and presence in civic engagement.

The Metropolitan atlanta rapid Transit authority (MarTa) served as CERM’s mentor and sharon shuttlesworth, EEO/DBE analyst at MARTA, participated in the December ceremony.

The ultimate goal of the Georgia MPC program is to create jobs and spur economic growth throughout the state of Georgia by building the capacity of small business firms. Sponsors of the Georgia MPC include MarTa, georgia Power, JE dunn Construction Company, UPs, The Coca-Cola Company, Lockheed Martin, aFLaC, dun & Bradstreet, Johnson Controls and a host of others.



ariZONaAlice Maro

aTLaNTaRhonda Allen Atlanta Beltline, Inc.Kenyatta Barrett-ShawJane Bonner Ursula BradleyJane BonnerGregory EdwardsGreg GambleDiane HamiltonKenya HammondAlisa JacksonSantresa LamarDemarcus PetersMarsheia Smith

aT-LargECasey LewisBrindley Pieters

aUsTiNEric Bustos

BOsTONDezyre AkinsHarry Louis-JacquesHimanshu PatelOmotunde OlorunwunmiSamuel MathewAnnette Gonsalves-Byner

CENTraL FLOridaKatherine ThieVicki Monroe

ChiCagOSeyi AdeoluMarcus ArnoldDonald BondsOmar BrownSteven GransonDonisha LewisLawrence Richardson

CiNCiNaTTiLaQuita Miller Natasha Williams

welcome new membersCLEVELaNdDenise PinderCraig Smith

COLOradORon AboSpinhead Media Inc.– DBA: Zone Crew Adrina GibsonJoni GoheenLauren GroshPaul JordanMica ManieceDarison OrungLuana ScottAlan Wiskus

COLUMBUsKarmin BaileyCurtis ClarkTerri Elder Barbara DunlapGlenn TaylorMelissa Thomas

daLLasEdmond NarteyBianca Sandoval

FT. LaUdErdaLEIan Rairden

haMPTON rOadsKeisha Branch Erick Wilkes

iNdiaNaJennifer A. Pyrz

JaCKsONViLLE

Deborah K. Thompson

MarYLaNdVincent DabneyRuth Anne GigliottiLynnea GreenAlfred Isaacs Darrell Mobley Morgan State University National Transportation CenterShawana Overby Curtis L. ThomasMiaMi

MiaMiMyrna Valdez

MiChigaNOlukayode AdefesoVictoria EdwardsRobert Gorski Mia GrillierAngelica JonesWilliam MurphyMichael StanbroughPeter Voorhees

NEW JErsEYJoy CharlesKim Samad-Speed

NEW YOrKKatherine Befries-KendallCarmen BiancoLorenzo BiagiHemchandra BissesarLydia ByerGena ChineaNancy CottoAntonio DelValleJoel EgipciacoRudolf GedeonDane HenryHarry Hernandez Darryl IrickIndra KingstonHeidi LemanskiSandra MontalvoShelley PrettymanAlberto RichardsonDarpan TelwalaMayela Velez

NOrThErN CaLiFOrNiaMaisha EverhartJennifer HuynhShawn Jackson Natalie LaconsayMarc Majors

OrEgON/sW WashiNgTONDion Graham

PhiLadELPhiaAyanna MatlockSteven MendozaDianna MontagueThomas MunlynMiranda MyersE. Mitchell Swann

saN aNTONiOLester BryantSharon GangolSergio GonzalezSylvia MendezDerrick PattenAshley RamirezEddie Weddington

sOUThErN CaLiFOrNiaDeneise GloverTasha HigginsDana Jones Orange County Transportation Authority

WashiNgTON, dCTheodore AdamsRoderick BelcherSteven BoneyRobert Hicks Ian SwainKenyatta Uzzell

Visit www.comto.org for a frequently updated list of new members.


In her honor

The Julie a. Cunningham Painesville Transfer CenterThe newly named Julie a. Cunningham Painesville Transfer Center serves more than 130,000 riders each year. Dedicated on Dec. 1, 2014 in honor of COMTO’s late President and CEO, the Center sits across the street from the Lake County Administration Center and next to the county’s Job and Family Services Department in Painesville, Ohio.

“Strong willed and passionate, Julie was dedicated to providing minority professionals a voice in the transportation industry,” is inscribed on the station’s plaque. Julie was a former Painesville resident who served on the Laketran Board of Trustees for three years before being appointed to head the D.C.-based national association. Under her direction, COMTO expanded its advocacy role and the organization to include highways, aviation, port authorities and state transportation departments in addition to public transit.

Laketran officials note that the new location connects riders to important county services such as its senior centers, health and human service agencies and educational venues such as Lake Erie College in Painesville and Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, said Laketran Board of Trustees President Kevin Malecek.

The dedication ceremony coincided with the 59th anniversary of civil rights activist Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama.




At Parsons Brinckerhoff, diversity is more than a buzzword. We believe diversity is essential to our work in providing strategic consulting, planning, design, and construction management services on infrastructure projects. We’re a group of approximately 14,000 engineers, managers, and technical professionals working on transportation worldwide.

Diversity is ourchoice...

For career opportunities and/or more information, please visit pbworld.com

Parsons Brinckerhoff is an equal opportunity employer.



NaTiONaL Chairrobert h. Prince, Jr.AECOMBoston, MA

1sT ViCE ChairWarren MontagueDetroit Department of TransportationDetroit, MI

2Nd ViCE ChairFreddie FullerCUBIC Transportation Systems, Inc.Arlington, VA

sECrETarY/TrEasUrErrenee EdwardsDallas Area Rapid TransitDallas, TX

ChaPLaiNLester WoodsMissouri Department of TransportationJefferson City, MO

iMMEdiaTE PasT Chair roosevelt BradleyUnited Brake & Clutch Service, LLCMiami Lakes, FL

BOard MEMBErs aT-LargE Tracey BessellieuParsons BrinckerhoffNew York, NY

Mary ann CollierSwayzer Engineering, Inc.Dallas, TX

dr. grady dale, Jr.The American Institute for Urban Psychological Studies, Inc.Baltimore, MD

greg JohnsonMichigan Department of Transportation Lansing, MI

dr. dianne T. MendozaVIA Metropolitan TransitSan Antonio, TX

COUNCiL OF PrEsidENTs rEPrEsENTaTiVEsEmille WilliamsSoutheastern Pennsylvania Transportation AuthorityPhiladelphia, PA

dan PearsallDenver Regional Transportation DistrictDenver, CO

COUNCiL OF PrEsidENTs rEPrEsENTaTiVE aLTErNaTEMeshelle howardMaryland Transit AuthorityBaltimore, MD

iNTEriM PrEsidENT aNd ChiEF ExECUTiVE OFFiCErLinda Jacobs WashingtonWashington, DC

FOUNdEr aNd hONOrarY ChairMaN EMEriTUsThe rev. Jerry MooreWashington, DC

BOard adVisOrsdebra Carter Corporate Advisor

shirley deLibero CLI Executive Director

aisha Eccleston Maritime Advisor

a. Bradley Mims Legislative Advisor

Col. (ret.) Jim Paige Senior Advisor & Chief Strategist

deborah UnderwoodAcademic Advisor

Accelerate is a quarterly newsletter published by the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO)

1875 I Street, NW, Suite 500Washington, DC 20006

[email protected] | www.comto.org

Articles may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.

Publisher: Linda J. Washington Editor: Jacqueline Burrell

© 2015 All Rights Reserved

COMTO Vision statementTo see the diverse faces of America equally reflected in all levels of the transportation industry.

COMTO Mission statementTo ensure a level playing field and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, businesses, and communities of color through advocacy, information sharing, training, educational and professional development.

COMTO Objectives— Membership Growth and Retention— Training, Education and Professional Development— Advocacy and Public Awareness— Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs)

AccelerAteCOMTO LEadErshiP


accelerate 2015 q1

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