Accelerate - 2016 Fall

Fall 2016

A publication of the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials

www.comto.org

In this issue

National Conference Recap Celebrating Our CITY Interns Meet the COMTO Scholars TCRP Ambassadors Industry Awards Presented COMTO/CBCF Braintrust

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table of Contents comto Board of Directors

National Chair Warren Montague 1st Vice Chair Freddie Fuller II 2nd Vice Chair Dianne T. Mendoza, Ph.D. Secretary/Treasurer Loretta Kirk Member At-Large Tanya Adams Member At-Large Clinton Forbes

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Message From the Chairman

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Message From the President

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National Conference Recap

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TTA: Diversity is More N Than a Buzzword

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FW: Reflecting the D Community Served

Member At-Large Mark Gale Member At-Large Ruben Landa Member At-Large Emille Williams Council of Presidents Representative Meshelle Howard

10 CITY Internship Program

Council of Presidents Representative Frank Mesa

12 DART: Embraces Diversity, Creates Opportunity

Council of Presidents Alternate Gwendolen Gray

14 National Scholarship Program 16 Industry Awards 18 TCRP Ambassadors

Accelerate is a publication of the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO)

COMTO Mission Statement COMTO provides opportunities in the transportation industry for minority participation and advancement, through advocacy, training, and professional development.

19 COMTO/CBCF Transportation Braintrust 20 Julie Cunningham Legacy Fund 21 Become a COMTO Member

100 M St. SE Suite 917 Washington, DC 20003 202.857.8065 info@comto.org | www.comto.org Articles may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.

Publisher: A. Bradley Mims Editor: McMillon Communications Design: Gloria Marconi Illustration & Design © 2016 All Rights Reserved

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COMTO | Moving the Nation

From the Chairman

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Dear COMTO Family:

t is with great pride and confidence in COMTO’s vision for the future that I introduce our newly installed 2016-2018 Board of Directors and our interim President and CEO. With crystal clarity this team reflects COMTO’s commitment to represent the multi-modality of America’s transport systems.

They are First Vice Chair Freddie Fuller, Northeast Regional Portfolio Manager for CH2M in Washington, DC; Second Vice Chair Dr. Dianne T. Mendoza, VP Office of Diversity and Federal Compliance, DBE Liaison Officer for VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio, TX; and Secretary/Treasurer Loretta Kirk, Deputy General Manager-Finance and Administration for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) in Cleveland, OH. Our members At-Large are Tanya Adams, Assistant Vice President, Community Relations and Diversity for WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff in Chicago, IL; Clinton B. Forbes, Executive Director of Palm Tran Public Transportation in West Palm Beach, FL; Emille Williams, Operations Vice President for the Central Ohio Transit Authority in Columbus, OH; Ruben Landa, Vice President for K Strategies in Dallas, TX; and Mark Gale, Director for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in

Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Our Council of Presidents Representatives are Meshelle Howard, Director of Civil Rights and Fair Practices for the Maryland Transportation Authority in Baltimore, MD; Frank Mesa, Director, Operations Training and Development for the New York MTA Metro-North Railroad in New York, NY; and Council of Presidents Alternate Gwendolen Gray, President for G2B Consulting in Los Angeles, CA. Our Board includes representatives from engineering and public transportation businesses, and influential leaders in authorities for rail, highway, and bus transit systems from coast to coast. Learn more about each of them here.

I am also pleased to introduce our new interim President and CEO, A. Bradley Mims, who has served as a transportation professional in government and the private sector for more than 35 years. Read more about his very impressive background here.

Let’s revere our history, enjoy our present, and plan our future.

I

unity and collaboration

Warren Montague National Board Chairman

among all

forms of transport to achieve

From the President

a mission of maximum

Dear COMTO Friends and Colleagues:

am excited to begin my new role as interim President and CEO of this august and vital organization. I believe that minority participation in all areas of the public transportation industry is an essential issue and must be addressed with consistent and steady advocacy. I am proud to be in a position to contribute to achieving our organization’s mission and continue to reach out to young people and open their eyes to the rich and vast opportunities for careers in transportation.

I believe that easy access to low-cost public transportation should be a civil right, and COMTO will continue an aggressive push to encourage local and national governments to take action in favor of funding more and better public transport.

As an organization, we will also work with our government leaders to prioritize investment in public transport infrastructure as a means to safeguard our collective future.

The industry is changing and I see a future where, more than ever, we need to diversify our

W

e need

outreach to multi-modal transportation systems.

We need unity and collaboration among all forms of transport to achieve a mission of maximum opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities of color. Together our impact will be more robust.

I have been a transportation professional in both government and the private sector for more than 35 years. It is labor that I love and it is an honor to represent COMTO members. I look forward to getting to know you. I am eager to work with to you to advance our organization, build our membership, and share information, training, education, and professional development. I will need your support to make a positive difference during my tenure.

In solidarity,

opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities of color.

—A. bradley mims

A. Bradley Mims President and CEO FALL 2016 | ACCELERATE

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21st Century Multi-Modal Transportation: The Future is Now! COMTO’s 45th National Meeting & Training Conference

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national conference recap

he Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) thanks the COMTO family for their support of our 45th National Meeting & Training Conference “21ST CENTURY MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION: THE FUTURE IS NOW!,” which was held in Dallas, TX, July 8 -12, 2016.

We put on an exceptional conference with more than 30 forums, workshops, symposia, panel discussions and tours; 72 guest speakers and presenters; seven networking events; and an Expo that featured close to 100 exhibitors. We also had high level representation from the U.S. Department of Transportation (FTA, FWHA and FAA), providing valuable information and effective training Our fun-filled CITY Intern program, our Youth Symposium, and our inspiring National Scholars Luncheon offered future transportation industry influencers a look at opportunities that they may not have imagined. Our Industry Awards

gala recognized the stellar achievements of our remarkable members.

Nearly 600 transportation industry professionals attended the event including delegates from all COMTO chapters; major transportation directors from all over the United States; political, governmental, and law enforcement officials; city infrastructure and multi-modal transportation planners and decision makers; CEOs from DBEs and businesses both small and large; representatives from U.S. transportation agencies, and individuals and organizations dedicated to ensuring equitable opportunities in every sector of our growing industry.

In the following pages we recap the event, with photos from our forums and panels and stories highlighting our CITY Intern program, our Scholarship Award winners and our Industry Award honorees.

COMTO Board Members and North Texas Conference Chairs start off the 45th National Meeting and Training Conference with the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

CITY Interns with COMTO member Delores Jenkins at the National Scholars Luncheon.

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COMTO | Moving the Nation

COMTO members pause for a photo in the Exhibit Hall.

national conference recap

“

Nearly 600 transportation industry professionals attended the event including delegates from all of our COMTO chapters...

“

COMTO Board Members enter the Opening Plenary.

COMTO members at the Dallas Welcome Reception hosted by the North Texas Chapter.

COMTO members and sponsors enjoy the Exhibit Hall Reception.

CITY Interns Melani Lopera and Roderica Grant share a hug.

Renaud Augustin receives The Julie Cunningham Legacy Scholarship.

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national conference recap

Opening Plenary.

COMTO mem bers

“

“

We also had high level representation from the U.S. Department of Transportation (FTA, FWHA and FAA), providing valuable information and effective training.

s Welcome

Reception.

Youth Symposium attendees at the Expo.

CITY Interns address Youth Symposium.

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at the Dalla

COMTO | Moving the Nation

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For NTTA, Diversity is More than a Buzzword Our Mission is Strength Through Inclusion

Anthony Coleman, Director of Diversity

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a word from our conference sponsors

he North Texas Tollway Authority, a Premier Sponsor of the 2016 COMTO 45th National Meeting & Training Conference, knows that diversity is more than just a buzzword in the transportation industry.

With billions of dollars at stake in the fast-growing and ethnically diverse North Texas region, NTTA, through its Business Diversity department, has a mission to strengthen the organization through the inclusion of Disadvantaged, Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned and Small Business Enterprises in the procurement of goods and services. Partnering with COMTO in 2016 is one aspect of a multi pronged approach to engage with the diverse community it serves and build relationships and alliances throughout Dallas, Fort Worth and beyond.

NTTA team members connected with an array of business owners and transportation leaders during the COMTO event in Dallas while discussing current trends and challenges and creating new avenues for business. Attendees at the Legislative Breakfast took the opportunity to engage with local and national industry officials so they could gain a greater understanding of the importance of interacting with key business communities.

“The conference provided an opportunity to discuss best practices used by various transit authorities across the country and gave NTTA access to additional tools to help strengthen our diversity program,” said Anthony Coleman, director of NTTA’s Business Diversity Department. “During the expo, we highlighted NTTA as an organization committed to diversity in our business alongside close to 100 other exhibitors, and we also met an array of D/M/WBEs from all across the country.”

Another benefit of sponsoring the Conference was the occasion to share information related to NTTA’s own D/M/WBE Program Compliance.

The exceptional conference featured interactive workshops, meaningful panel discussions and dynamic guest speakers and presenters. Another

highlight of the Conference was board approval of the new name for the COMTO Dallas chapter as it became COMTO North Texas. While subtle, the updated chapter name allows COMTO to market and advocate for the mission of COMTO on a regional level within the state, similar to NTTA. In North Texas, the foundation of NTTA’s business diversity efforts builds on outreach, networking events and the ROAD (Relationships and Opportunity Advancing Diversity) program, which equips D/M/WBE firms to compete for larger projects. For the past two years, NTTA has surpassed 30 percent combined total D/M/WBE participation (38.1 percent in 2014 and 30.1 percent in 2015), a strong showing that is based on the organization’s grassroots efforts, including the quarterly Vendor Outreach Symposium (VOS) and Business Chat Sessions.

The VOS is an event that travels throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, serving as a one-stop shop for information about upcoming NTTA projects.

Interested vendors are also able to meet with representatives from various NTTA departments and learn about certifications necessary for D/M/WBE status. On a monthly basis, NTTA invites business owners into the organization’s headquarters for Second Wednesday Business Chat Sessions to explain the bidding process and highlight upcoming procurement opportunities.

The ROAD Program, overseen by the Business Diversity Advisory Council, facilitates mentorprotégé relationships between prime contractors and consultants to foster D/M/WBE participation in large NTTA contracts. Since 2009, a total of 46 teams and 72 partners have completed the ROAD Program. Protégés have grown to become prime contractors, and most prime contracting firms, recognizing the benefits from new relationships formed during the Program, have renewed their participation in the ROAD Program several times.

The 2014-2016 class graduated in March, and the organization introduced the 2016-2018 ROAD program participants in January.

From both the regional and national perspective, NTTA stands ready and willing to address the mobility needs of both the citizens of North Texas and the business owners whose interests are directly related to the growth of the region’s transportation industry. COMTO is an organization whose mission speaks to both of these groups, and NTTA looks forward to continuing its long relationship with COMTO members, leadership and constituents. NTTA sends its appreciation to conference attendees for visiting Texas, and the team looks forward to another successful conference next year in Detroit.

NTTA ROAD Team

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COMTO | Moving the Nation

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a word from our conference sponsors

s the world’s third busiest airport, Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport serves more than 65 million passengers every year with flights to five continents around the world. While delivering on its mission to connect the globe to Dallas Fort Worth and grow air service to our home region, DFW Airport remains committed to business diversity and workforce diversity as a significant contributor to its future vision.

To this end, DFW provides numerous opportunities in contracting, construction, business and professional services, helping spark economic development within many communities in the greater North Texas area. DFW’s business diversity programs are a key component of the Airport’s overall. These programs help DFW maintain and expand the economic vitality of the region and provide an effective way to grow small businesses, which represent the backbone of any healthy economy.

For many years, DFW Airport has led or participated in efforts to build capacity and capability within the minority community in the Dallas Fort Worth area. In 2015, DFW Airport’s Business Diversity and Development Department (BDDD) participated in more than 134 business development outreach events in the M/WBE community. Over 2,000 individuals attended the various DFW-hosted outreach events throughout the year.

DFW regularly conducts workshops with sessions to share information with prospective businesses on how to do business with the Airport, and overviews of upcoming contract solicitations on various projects. The Airport also offers technical assistance and support services to minority/women-owned businesses that are currently doing business with DFW, workshops on building capital as well as efforts to connect needed legal services for small businesses and to build capacity in the legal field for minority firm representation.

Significant Economic Impact

A Talented & Enthusiastic Workforce

Overall, the Airport’s economic impact is significant, now estimated at $37 billion annually in a recent study conducted by Perryman Group. DFW Airport also supports over 228,000 jobs in the North Texas region that produce a payroll of $12.5 billion.

However, the economic impact of DFW Airport isn’t only measured in jobs and economic spend — it is measured in the personal impact DFW has on so many businesses in our area, including the success and growth of small, minority and women-owned businesses. In fact the same study indicated that $1.2 billion is contributed to the North Texas economy by engaging disadvantaged, small, minority and womenowned businesses (D/S/M/WBE) in Airport work.

They also account for 7,500 jobs and $386 million in associated payroll.

Through our Champions of Diversity awards, DFW reaffirms our steadfast commitment to diversity and recognizes those businesses whose dedication to diversity aligns with DFW’s focus.

Honorees are selected based how they support advocacy organizations, as well as how nominees support diversity in every aspect of their business organization, operations and relationships.

Illustrating that fact, in 2015, DFW continued to achieve its ambitious Diversity goals. Supplier Diversity set record levels exceeding our goals in every category, especially in the area of small and emerging businesses. Expenditures for the year totaled $696 million within the diversity category.

This level of success in business diversity is only possible because of the talent and enthusiasm of the workforce at DFW Airport. Our employees reflect our community and contribute their uniqueness, diverse experience and perspectives to enhance our ability to become a global super hub.

DFW remains committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce while implementing strategies that promote employee engagement and develop a culture of inclusion. Our Airport team reflects the diverse community in which we live and the global travelers that we serve. Some 55 percent of DFW employees are women and people of color and 47 percent of senior staff are women and people of color.

DFW was proud to participate as a partner at the 45th Annual Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) National Meeting and Training Conference, held at the Dallas Omni Hotel, July 8 -12. DFW Airport was well represented at the COMTO event with presenters, volunteers, and conference attendees.

Below: Honorees of DFW’s Champion of Diversity Program

DFW Employees & Suppliers Reflect the Community Served Airport’s Economic & Personal Impact is Significant

Tamela Lee Vice President Business Diversity & Development Department

A Leader In ACDBE Concessions As the Airport’s Concessions program transforms the customer experience inside the terminals with new offerings, it also continues to be a global leader in participation by historically disadvantaged firms.

In 2015, Concessions achieved 43 percent ACDBE participation at DFW against an annual ACDBE goal of 34 percent, and Concessions revenues generated $355 million for ACDBE firms.

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The CITY Intern Program Celebrated at the COMTO Conference

city interns

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OMTO’s CITY (Careers in Transportation for Youth) Internship Program is a 10-week paid internship designed for college juniors and seniors with career interests in the transportation industry. Interns are placed in public transportation agencies or in private companies that do business in the industry.

They are exposed to a variety of transportationrelated careers.

The 2016 Internships were 100% privately funded. Eighteen Interns (six women, twelve men) from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds were placed in internships across the country. Internship locations included Tampa, FL; Chicago, IL; District of Columbia; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Detroit, MI; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; and Los Angeles, CA. All attended the conference where they enjoyed a full schedule. Their activities began with a kick-off Conference orientation, followed by a private lunch with COMTO’s Board of Directors hosted by Board Chair, Warren Montague.

Then, they participated in workshops, plenaries, tours, question and answer sessions and one-on-one interactions with transportation industry leaders.

2016 CITY Interns Central Florida

David White

city Intern Thomas Moore with COMTO member Deante Thompkins.

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Major: Occupational Therapy Tampa - Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA)

Chicago, IL

Melani Lopera Western Illinois University Major: Psychology & Spanish Regional Transportation Agency (RTA)

Xavier Camacho DePauw University Major: Communications Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

District of Columbia

Dante Flood University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Major: Computer Information & Systems Technologies First Transit

Maalik Howard Bridgewater College Major: Information Systems CH2M

city Interns Gregory Robinson, Raquel Harris and Roderica Grant.

city Intern Mouhamadou Sall.

city Interns with COMTO leadership.

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COMTO | Moving the Nation

city interns

Jacksonville, FL

Gregory Robinson Georgia Southern University Major: Logistics & Inter-modal Transportation Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)

New York

Kristopher Mizhquiri Columbia University Major: Civil Engineering & Structural Engineering CH2M

Mouhamadou Sall State University of New York, Alfred State Major: Electrical Engineering Technology SYSTRA Philadelphia, PA

Roderica Grant Savannah State University Major: Mass Communications Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)

Michigan

Chanel Mack Temple University Major: Civil Engineering AECOM

Southern California

Jamary Taylor Eastern Michigan University Major: Mechanical Engineering Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

Raquel Harris Michigan State University Major: Material Science Engineering Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Thomas Moore University of Michigan Major: Civil Engineering Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

Austin Phung California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Major: Urban and Regional Planning AECOM

city Interns at DFW Expo booth.

“

I was able to establish really great connections with professionals that can update me about conferences, events, and opportunities in my field. ­—Leslie Ortega CITY Intern

Bowen Liang University of California, Irvine Major: Civil Engineering Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (LA Metro)

Cynthia Santana-Ramirez California State University, Los Angeles Major: Mechanical Engineering CH2M

Leslie Ortega University of California, Riverside Major: Accounting Orange County Transportation Agency (OCTA)

“

My experience was fantastic.

If I had the opportunity to do this (internship) again, I would in a heartbeat.

“

Jeffrey Amoo Prairie View Agricultural & Mechanical University Major: Mechanical Engineering First Transit

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Houston, TX

­—Bowen Liang CITY Intern

CITY Interns and Youth Symposium attendees at Zachry Expo booth.

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201DART Embraces Diversity, Creates Opportunities

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“

DART consistently seeks new sources and ideas from its multicultural business community.

“

­ Michael Muhammad, — DART Vice President of Diversity

or more than 30 years, Dallas Area Rapid Transit has provided mobility, stimulated economic development, and improved the quality of life in North Texas. The agency’s extensive network of DART Light Rail, Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail, bus routes, paratransit services, and vanpools provides more than 92.5 million passenger trips annually across the agency’s 700-square-mile, 13-city service area.

This year, the agency is celebrating the 20th anniversaries of both DART Rail and the Trinity Railway Express. When DART Rail opened June 1996 and the TRE opened that December, many North Texans, who had never lived near trains, wondered how to incorporate DART into their lives. Today, people, businesses and developers now integrate their lives and work into DART. DART President and Executive Director Gary C. Thomas notes, “DART doesn’t just provide transportation, it provides a lifestyle.”

Embracing Inclusion

DART President Gary C. Thomas

DART does all that it does while embracing inclusion of the cultural diversity, ethnic diversity, racial diversity, and language diversity of the North Texas region it serves. For example, 38 percent of DART’s Executive Leadership Team is made up of persons from a mosaic of backgrounds, and the agency’s workforce is even more diverse. Diversity, however, is not limited to the workforce, it also extends to business relationships.

DART is a major economic engine that contributes to the economy through its ongoing operations and capital projects.

In FY 2014, nearly 60 percent of Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s procurement spending — more than $252 million — went to certified minority- or women-owned business enterprises. During each of the past five years, the agency achieved or exceeded its MWBE goal of 33 percent.

In July, COMTO members attending the 45th Annual National Meeting and Training Conference in Dallas were able to get a glimpse of the wide variety of projects and services DART provides.

“DART consistently seeks new sources and ideas from its multi-cultural business community,” said Michael Muhammad, DART Vice President of

12 COMTO | Moving the Nation

Diversity. “The agency’s corporate membership in COMTO, as well as active participation on the local and national level, has helped our staff identify qualified suppliers and inform them of contracting opportunities.”

While DART has a great track record for inclusivity in its procurement practices, the agency’s Diversity department has improved its visibility among minority- and women-owned businesses using focused outreach and training efforts. By increasing the number of companies registered in the supplier database — including minority and women-owned businesses — the agency benefits from greater competition for projects, which helps it get better pricing and higher product quality.

Helping Minority Businesses Grow DART sets aggressive goals for participation by minority and women-owned business enterprises.

Often DART facilitates minority owned businesses connecting with larger companies. Both, in turn, gain transit-industry experience working on DART’s major projects, which makes them more competitive locally and nationally.

Many of these companies, such as Dallasbased Dikita Enterprises, have grown into larger enterprises and prime contractors as a result of doing business with DART. COMTO member Dikita Enterprises, a certified disadvantaged and minority-owned business, has held contracts for DART’s data-collection and light rail vehicle inspection services since the early ‘90s. President and CEO Evalynn Williams said the company’s 26-year relationship with DART has helped win other contracts and grow her family’s company from a four-person operation to one employing more than 60.

In 2013, DART selected the joint venture of Dikita and HNTB Corporation as the lead designer for the South Oak Cliff Corridor Blue Line Extension project, which will open in late October. The joint venture team managed the $13.8 million design services contract, which included engineering, architectural design services and construction management.

Learn more: DART.org/Diversity

“ We’re connecting the business community.” “ DART provides mobility, stimulates economic development and improves quality of life. We’re proud to bring together people from all walks of life and connect them to places they want to go.”

Gary C. Thomas President/Executive Director, Dallas Area Rapid Transit

214.979.1111 DART.org

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COMTO’S National Scholarship Winners Promoting, Strengthening, & Expanding the Roles of Minorities in All Aspects of Transportation

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scholarship program

OMTO offers a variety of scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 to deserving students nationwide with a career interest in transportation and related fields.

Selections are made annually by a team of industry professionals and representatives from academia.

The National Scholarship Program supports the mission of COMTO by promoting, strengthening, and expanding the roles of minorities in all aspects of transportation.

The annual Scholarship Luncheon at the 2016 Conference was held to honor recipients and present their awards. Speaker Miguel Solis, Dallas Independent School District Board Trustee, introduced Kevin Lee, a Paul Quinn College student, whose moving presentation led to a standing ovation from the crowd.

The Scholars Committee is co-chaired by Tracey Bessellieu, American Museum of Natural History, and Raynard Hughes, Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

Austin Douglas Angelo State University Major: Kinesiology Enlightened Scholarship Brianna Lawton Morgan State University Major: Civil Engineering Jacobs Engineering Scholarship Chase Roberts Hampton University Major: Finance Enlightened Scholarship Deja Jackson University of Florida Major: Civil Engineering WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff Women in Leadership Scholarship

Award winners:

Derron Ledbetter Western Michigan University Major: Business Jacobs Engineering Scholarship

Agoberto Guerra Wayne State University Major: Industrial Engineering WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff Engineering Scholarship

Dezyre Akins University of Massachusetts Amherst Major: Engineering Carmen E. Turner Scholarship

Amaris Adams Prairie View A&M University Major: Business Enlightened Scholarship

Jamary Taylor Eastern Michigan University Major: Mechanical Engineering WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff Golden Apple Scholarship

Atiena Branch University of Virginia Major: Electrical Engineering Atkins North America Achievement Scholarship

Joyrie Dickerson Hampton University Major: Chemical Engineering Thomas G. Neusom Scholarship

National Scholarship winners with COMTO leaders and National Scholars Committee.

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COMTO | Moving the Nation

scholarship program Julien Clarke Jackson State University Major: Computer Engineering WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff Golden Apple Scholarship Mara Hayes Georgia Institute of Technology Major: Industrial Engineering CH2M Industry Partner Scholarship

Sylvia Morales Salinas Houston Community College Major: Business Management Trailblazer Scholarship Tatum Phillips Vassar College Major: Travel Journalism Rosa Parks Scholarship

Marcus Johnson Western Michigan University Major: Civil Engineering Infrastructure Engineering Scholarship

Theodore Stevens North Carolina A&T State University Major: Business Administration North Carolina A&T State University Matching Scholarship

Renaud Augustin Barry University Major: Organizational Learning & Leadership Julie Cunningham Legacy Scholarship

Tyler McSwain Kennesaw State University Major: Architecture LTK Engineering Scholarship

Schneider St. Preux Florida International University Major: Public Administration First Transit Scholarship

I

am proud to be in a position to reach out to young people and open their eyes to the

vast and rich opportunities for careers in transportation. ­ A. Bradley Mims — Comto President

Keynote speaker Kevin Lee with his proud mom.

WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff Scholarship winners with WSP’s Tanya Adams.

National Scholars Committee

Keynote speaker Miguel Solis.

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COMTO Industry Awards Recognizing Individuals, Organizatons & COMTO Chapters WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff executive Tanya Adams, 2016 Corporate Executive of the Year.

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industry award winners

or more than 30 years, COMTO’s Industry Awards have recognized individuals, organizations, and COMTO Chapters who have made outstanding contributions to the transportation industry.

Industry Award honorees come from all sectors of the industry, are nominated by COMTO members, and vetted by a dedicated committee of industry professionals.

“On behalf of the Industry Awards Committee, I congratulate all recipients of our 2016 Industry Awards,” said Committee Chair Adrienne Barnes of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation.

“You represent the best of the best!”

“I would also like to thank everyone who submitted nominations to honor the good work that individuals, groups and businesses are doing in the transportation industry every day,” she continued. “We look forward to seeing everyone again next year and presenting more awards to our shining stars!”

Award Winners: 2016 Best Community Engagement COMTO Jacksonville 2016 Best Membership Recruitment & Retention COMTO New York

2016 Chapter of the Year COMTO New York 2016 Corporate Executive of the Year Tanya Adams, WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff 2016 Emerging Chapter of the Year COMTO Cincinnati 2016 Emerging Leader of the Year Deveron Sanders 2016 Gerald A. Anderson Service Award Rhonda Hogan-Brock 2016 Harold B. Williams Game Changer Award COMTO Ft. Lauderdale 2016 Historically Underutilized Business of the Year Richard Crockett, Capital Transportation 2016 Industry Innovation Award Jacksonville Transportation Authority 2016 Reverend Jerry Moore President’s Leadership Award Yvette Janniere Houlder 2016 Thomas G. Neusom Founders’ Leadership Award Dwight Ferrell

Shirley DiLibero (center) with Industry Awards ceremony attendees.

Board members, past and current, say ‘Farewell’ to former CEO Mioshi Moses.

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COMTO | Moving the Nation

Ruben Landa and North Texas chapter members celebrate at the Industry Awards.

industry award winners North Texas chapter leadership presents check to National Scholarship Fund.

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are honoring the good work

that individuals, groups and businesses are doing in the transportation industry every day. —Adrienne Barnes Industry awards Chair

COMTO Jacksonville, 2016 Best Community Engagement award.

Richard Crockett, 2016 Historically Underutilized Business of the Year award.

COMTO New York’s former Chapter President, Yvette Janniere Houlder, accepts award.

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tcrp Ambassador program

2016-2017 tcrp AMBASSADORS

Have

T

TRANSIT Questions?

?

??

Get

?

FREE Research Reports

@

tcrponline.org The Transit Cooperative Research Program would like to thank all of our users who have taken advantage of the great resources our program provides. You have demonstrated that research is valuable to the public transportation industry, and we truly appreciate your support of the program!

Whatever your challenge, whatever you want to know, chances are The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has already studied and researched it. We’ve compiled over 500 reports and products on a broad range of subjects in public transportation. Get the information you need to make your critical decisions. The resources are here. Use them.

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COMTO | Moving the Nation

he TCRP Ambassador Program was developed in 1998 as a joint effort of COMTO, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP).

The TCRP Ambassador Program assists the TCRP Program in reaching an expanded segment of the transportation community that would otherwise have limited access to these resources.

The Ambassadors are a diverse group, representative of various professions and transportation communities in the United States.

Christina Arthur Senior Manager, Traffic Planning Chicago Transit Authority Chicago, IL Jessica VargasAstaiza Transportation Planning Manager South Florida Regional Transportation Authority Pompano Beach, FL Brent Boyd Senior Transportation Planner& Rail Operations Analyst San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, San Diego, CA Alva Carrasco Vice President of Transportation VIA Metropolitan Transit San Antonio, TX

Desmond Cole Manager of Engineering – New Equipment Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Philadelphia, PA Ryan I. Daniel Executive Director St. Cloud Metro Bus St. Cloud, MN

Paula Haskin Director of Flexible & Contracted Services Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, Indianapolis, IN Reeny James Madathany Senior Performance Analyst, Office of Management & Budget Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Atlanta, GA RJ Palladino Director, Intermodal & Interagency Coordination NJ Transit Newark, NJ Jamaal Schoby Transportation Planner KFH Group Bethesda, MD Brian S. Waterman Transit Planning Manager StarMetro Tallahassee, FL

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news from the hill

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation/COMTO Transportation Braintrust was conceived over 20 years ago to provide a forum during the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) for the top-level exchange of information and ideas between key leaders and experts in the transportation industry. Since the turn of the century, the program has grown significantly under the guidance and sponsorship of U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and COMTO leadership.

The Braintrust brings together the best minds and brightest thinkers in the field to discuss issues of particular relevance to the collective peoples of color in transportation, including economic development, community participation, public safety, universal access, and business opportunity.

These experts come together annually and represent both a consolidation of the public and private sectors and a collaboration of diverse disciplines in the transportation industry. The free flow of thought-provoking questions and subsequent discussion of the issues in a public setting can lead to an ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders. This will significantly assist the COMTO leadership in its efforts to both develop a

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx addresses the CBC Foundation.

consensual agenda and devise a strategic plan for the chapters and for the membership at large.

This year more than 150 stakeholders attended and heard presentations by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), and Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

A panel discussion followed, moderated by Rhonda Briggins, Senior Director, External Affairs, Metropolitan Atlanta Transit Authority.

Panelists (in order of seating from left to right) included Honorable T. Bella Dinh-Zarr, PhD, MPH, Vice Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB); Michael J. Garner, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, State of New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); Duane Callender, Director, U.S. DOT Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Program; Margaret McKeough, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA); and Lucinda Lessley, Democratic Policy Director for the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Office of Congressman Elijah E. Cummings.

Kudos to our new COMTO Legislative Committee Chairs: Karen Campblin and Renee Banks.

Congressional Black Caucus/ COMTO Transportation Braintrust A Forum for Exchanging Information & Ideas from Key Industry Leaders

A. Bradley Mims, Rep. Elijah Cummings and Warren Montague.

FALL 2016 | ACCELERATE

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The Julie Cunningham Legacy Fund Honoring a Profile in Courage & Leadership

T

honoring julie’s Legacy

he Julie Cunningham Legacy Fund (JCLF) honors the memory of former Executive Director of COMTO, Julie Cunningham, who led the organization through unparalleled growth and development (“from good to great”) for 13 years.

Her untimely passing in 2014, coupled with the respect and love COMTO family members, the transportation industry, and government entities had for her, inspired the creation of the JCLF. The fund will be used to continue the work that Julie loved and to support the people she worked tirelessly to serve. The JCLF supports the annual Julie Cunningham Legacy Scholarship.

To Donate: Visit: www.comto.org/julie

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MARSHALL AIRPORT

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COMTO | Moving the Nation

Join COMTO General Memberships Individuals

An employee or a policy board member of a public agency (transit agencies, airports, State DOTs, port authorities, rail companies, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and Federal agencies); an employee of a business engaged in the transportation industry; an employee of a business engaged in the supply of transportation goods and services.

Students

A full-time high school, college undergraduate or graduate student with a major or minor in transportation, planning or a related field.

l Networking, mentoring, professional development, and continuing educational opportunities l Invitations to exclusive local COMTO meetings and events

istorically Underutilized H Businesses (HUBs) All General Member benefits, plus: l Up to 2 memberships l Logo listed on the COMTO website lO ne quarter-page ad in an issue of Accelerate

Academic institutions

lO ne quarter-page ad in the National Conference program

Nonprofit Organizations

lR eserved seat on the Corporate Advisory Committee

Colleges, universities, and vocational schools.

501(c3), 501(c4), 501(c6) and metropolitan planning organizations.

BENEFITS l Subscription to Accelerate (COMTO’s industry publication) l Access to COMTO’s members-only directory of transportation industry professionals and businesses l Unlimited searches and postings in COMTO’s members-only Career Center and RFP Board l Member discounts for COMTO national conferences and events

rivate Sector & P Transportation Agencies All General Member benefits, plus: l Up to 4 memberships l Logo listed on COMTO website lO ne half-page ad in an issue of Accelerate lO ne half-page ad in the National Conference program

Join COMTO Today!

Gain Access to an Exclusive National Network of Transportation Leaders, Decision Makers & Professionals Click here to download the application.

FALL 2016 | ACCELERATE

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