COMTO History Book (Preview Edition)

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43 Years of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry

The Color of Leadership: THE COLOR OF LEADERSHIP THE COLOR OF LEADERSHIP TO M CO of on” y o or s ist ing H m e o “Th c

Four Decades of Leveling 43 Years of Leveling the Playingthe Field Years of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry n the Transportation Industry Playing Field in the Transportation Industry

Please send your ideas for book cover and other comments to: COMTOHistory@gmail.com

Please send your ideas for book cover and other comm COMTOHistory@gmail.com

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Please send your ideas for book cover and other comments to: The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry COMTOHistory@gmail.com 1

Preview Edition

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Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in The Transportation Industry

The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry Four Decades of Leveling the Playing 2 Field in The Transportation Industry

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Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in The Transportation Industry

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The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 3

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Introduction COMTO is making an impact on the national stage. Our members are moving into senior leadership positions throughout the industry; we have expanded to more and more modes and most importantly, our members see value in being part of the COMTO Family.

Re: Dear Colleagues - Message (HTML)

11/2/2013

November 2, 2013 Dear Colleagues, As we celebrate COMTO’s more than four decades of service, we would like to have your input in helping to document our impact on the transportation industry.

To do so, we have commissioned writer, Anthony Parnell to help us “tell our story” in our own words.

The book title is The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry Anthony will be in touch with you soon to get your views. Please take a few minutes with him to share your thoughts. Your voice is the key to ensure we produce an outstanding product that tells the COMTO Story.

Back in 2013, Julie and I agreed that it was important to hear from our senior members, allowing them to tell their stories of challenges and triumphs in their own words. This book is our attempt to do just that.

Along the way, we lost Julie. This book is dedicated to her memory. The journey continues and we have lots more work to do. Hopefully this book will not only inform but also inspire others to join-and help COMTO continue to make a difference!

Bob Prince

Thanking you in advance.

Julie/Bob

. ganization r o w e n a rt need to sta at this “You don’t leverage wh to d e e n t se s You ju one. Becau d y d a e lr a nd on has nization a or ganizati a g r o e th f histor y o lf, of the rich itioned itse s o p s a h y rentl d as how it cur ld be viewe u o h s k o o r all this B OOK” fo B L A V I “A SURV on.” ansportati tr f o s e d o m

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“Success is not achieved by one, but by many who work collectively and united for a common goal.”

Terry Garcia Crews CEO & General Manager Metro

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The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 4

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Background I

n 1971 UMTA (Urban Mass Transit Authority) held the first national “Minorities in Transit” (Minorities in Mobility conference) on the campus of Howard University. That historic session culminated with the launch of the Conference of Minority Public Transportation Officials (COMTO).

Co-Founders, Reverend Jerry Moore and Mr. Harold Williams, sensed the timing was right for the organization to make an impact. Thus, in 1974, COMTO (later renamed COMTO) successfully picketed against the American Transit Association and Institute of Rapid Transit to gain more inclusiveness in the ranks of the transit industry. The impact was significant: the newly formed American Public Transit Association (APTA) received six years’ worth of support to implement inclusive policies in transit management. By 1978, COMTO had grown to six regional chapters and by 1985, 23 chapters.

In the mid-70s, under the leadership of Board Chair, Reverend Moore, COMTO, continued to gain momentum into the 80s. As such, in 1988, the decision was made to formally establish the position of National Executive Director – to be entrusted with a certain level of executive decision-making authority. Beverly Coleman Cooper was named the first Executive Director of COMTO. A few years later, in 1992, the first national office of COMTO was opened in Washington, D.C. It represented a time of greater structure being implemented in the organization.

Naming Julie Cunningham as the CEO/Executive Director in 2001 represented a new chapter in the life of the organization (in the life of COMTO). COMTO, had now been in existence for nearly three several decades and had gone through many stages of growth and development. Much

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like the Civil Rights Movement fueled the initial formation of COMTO, the landmark presidential election in 2008 of America’s first African-American President, Barack Obama sparked an entirely new age of growth and prosperity via a steady stream of new opportunities. COMTO. The White House invited COMTO to serve on President-Elect Barack Obama’s Transition Team and the DOT Agency Working Group. COMTO’s voice became stronger, FTA increased federal funding for the CITY internship program, FHWA partnered with COMTO on a series job focused DBE workshops and our leadership improved our relationship on Capitol Hill.

Being steadily moved by the winds of change, COMTO continues to level the playing field having been instrumental in mentoring and supporting a number of African-American and other people of color being named to high profile positions within the industry.

The spring of 2012 marked a momentous chapter for COMTO. Several long time senior leaders moved into the c-suites; Nat Ford to Jacksonville, Ann August to Birmingham, Bev Scott to Boston, Keith Parker to Atlanta and Ken McDonald to Long Beach. Additionally, four others received Senior Executive appointments; Lee Burner and Ferninand Risco Jr., MARTA, Debra Johnson, LA Metro and Kimberly Williams, Houston Metro.

Presently, having established a solid national presence, the organization maintains its focus on giving back, preserving its legacy of leadership through service, job creation and succession planning.

COMTO Founders

Rev. Jerry Moore & Mr. Harold Williams

The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 5

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Chapter 1

The Birth of COMTO:

The Challenge of Overcoming Racism and Sexism Shirley DeLibero’s story is one of great irony given she was somewhat of a late bloomer in the transportation field. She didn’t enter the transit business until she was 39 years old (in 1976). Further, she had never had any real ambition or desire to work in the transportation field.

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On the day of my interview, I was mentally prepared and optimistic.

However, I quickly sensed from the interviewer that he was not very open to hiring women or minorities. This stern Caucasian man was a retired Colonel who had worked on Air Force One. Despite trying my best to emphasize my resume, credentials and work ethic, it was not easy to win him over. Nevertheless, good fortune was also on my side when the boss, who was the Chief Mechanical Officer, walked into the room.

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...Somehow I talked him into hiring me. ...I was promoted to Superintendent of the Green Line in Boston.

Shirley DeLibero

“ Those who win the war write the histor y.”

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Phil Washin

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The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 6

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After its historic Howard University founding in 1971, but long before COMTO was welcome at the White House, a small group of courageous, dedicated Baltimore transit workers, at the risk of their jobs and future career opportunity organized to support and sustain the fledging organization.

They were passionately committed to its mission to educate, advocate and negotiate on behalf of professionals in the transportation industry. They fought for recognition and equity in an industry where minority workers and contractors, limited by tradition and the “concrete ceiling,” weren’t recognized, respected, or able to participate and be rewarded in proportion to their unacknowledged contributions.

Today’s highly-visible, successful and multi-modal national organization is the result of second generation pioneers such as Rita Holmes, Minnie Carter and Ronald L. Freeland who stepped up to the plate and supported COMTO when COMTO wasn’t “cool.”

Helen Dale

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Chapter 2

The Early Years: Revolutionary Times

The COMTO leadership team formulated an agenda that they planned to present to the American Transit Association (ATA) and Institute of Rapid Transit (IRT). The primary goals were to: ensure greater inclusiveness of Blacks (African-Americans) at all levels of management and participation in both organizations; and, to push for greater collaboration with COMTO by ATA and IRT particularly as it pertained to increasing the number of minorities in positions of authority within the transit industry. The objectives were clearly outlined as such: 1. Hire minority staff. 2. Select minorities to work with in all public programs. 3. Establish a Minority Affairs Committee that has full-timeadministrative staff to oversee its activities. 4. Increase minority representation on transit boards across the United States.

for citing times ex e er w s 0 rly 9 g for a 80s and ea oice speakin v “ The 70s, ew n a e the We wer ofessional in COMTO. r P ck la B to be mber of nger going growing nu lo o n e er w ustr y who ntracts” Transit Ind jobs and co t u o b a ll a was ignored. It oliver

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for OMTO, I pushed C of ir ha C as w I “When ting for e community advoca members to be in th at the chapters were transit. I believed th O. portance of COMT im e th of ht sig g losin more on our base, and focus We had to solidify rship.” growing our membe

Ronald Barnes

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“We were a a fledgling organization when we first started. We didn’t have resources. But over the years, COMTO has grown and is having an impact in leveling the playing field for minorities within the industry.”

Will Scott

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November 1981 Edition of Ebony Magazine Pressuring and prodding of transit industry officials triggered dramatic employment changes during the 70s as Blacks moved from a few jobs as drivers and motormen to become the majority of employees in large urban systems and eventually to become transit union presidents...

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13 Blacks became transit system general managers (In 1981, there were 686 local fixed-route transit operations in 279 urbanized areas)

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The fewer than 25 Blacks on transit boards in 1969 grew to today’s estimated 350 (in 1981)

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The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 9

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Chapter 3

Gaining Momentum:

Establishing a National Network

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ar y “With my appointment, I knew we had to most extraordin e th ad h e w , n io nton administrat nsportation be serious about our advocacy role in order “During the Cli Secretary of Tra e h T . ry to is h ederal American to be taken seriously in the transit industry. circumstance in he head of the F T a. eñ P o ic er called Fed inton. was a gentleman But, I never believed the organization was as Gordon L w n io at tr is in Slater.

Transit Adm ion was Rodney at tr is going to stay small. It had to be big, structured, in dm A ay dget of e Federal Highw The head of th e discretionar y bu th formalized and have an of th x si eon almost They controlled Executive Director. To s of America.” the United State fund an office, we created Gloria Jeff an agency fee for businesses and what happened was companies started paying a year up front. That gave us the money to hire an Executive Director and have an office on Connecticut Ave. in Washington, D.C. It was a “Even though I was a presidential appointee, major accomplishment.”

I had a hidden tool in my back pocket. Through

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Jackie Davison Reflections on the Power of the Extended Family Network

COMTO I had eyes and ears and my finger on the pulse of the everyday issues. Equally important, I received so much from the organization. It provided me the opportunity to be empowered while empowering others.“

Gordon Linton

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COMTO: Building People Who Build America

2004-2006 Board of Directors National Chair Loretta Kirk, Deputy General Manager Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Cleveland, OH

Congressional Leaders Speak Out

First Vice Chair Minority congressional leaders important issue for transportation is Shirley A. DeLibero, President & CEO told COMTO that the upcoming to make the transportation infraDeLibero Transportation Strategies, LLC Houston, TX election is extremely important and structure a priority. While confident2004-2006 Board of Directors lled Out the Red Carpet for COMTO National Meeting could change the course of the coun- that T-21 will be reauthorized, she National ChairSecond Vice Chair Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr., General Manager/CEO Loretta Kirk, Deputy General Manager try. “Let your vote Congressional be your voice,” was not sureSpeak when that would happen Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Leaders Out Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Cleveland, OH sful Youth During the Board of Directors Atlanta, GA said Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones as there is a stalemate in the ConferFirst Vice Chair Minority congressional leaders important issue for transportation is Vol. 11 • No. 4 • July/August 2004 l Chair’s meeting, two new chapters were Shirley A. DeLibero, President & CEO (D-OH). In the last election, only Secretary/Treasurer which isinfratrying to DeLibero told COMTO that the upcoming encetoCommittee make the transportation Transportation Strategies, LLC Roosevelt Bradley, Director with the approved—Colorado State and Houston, TX 5 percent of the African American amount of confident funding. election is extremely important andreconcile structurethe a priority.

While Miami-Dade Transit t and GenBirmingham, AL—bringing Second Vice Chair Cleveland Rolledthe Out the Red Carpet for COMTO National Meeting could change the course of the counT-21 will be and reauthorized, she agreed called for population aged 18-35 participated Rep.that Lee Miami, FL Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr., General Manager/CEO try. “Let your vote be your voice,” was not sure when that would happen g, the 2004 total chapter count to 34. Phil Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority members letConfertheir voice in the election,saidformer Democratic Starting with a successful Youth During the Board of Directors Atlanta, GA At-Large Members Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones COMTO as there is a stalemate to in the ing & TrainWashington, general Ann August, Executive Director Symposiumassistant and National Chair’s meeting, two new chapters were “You have ability Congressman (D-OH).

RonaldInDellums said.only be heard: the last election, Secretary/Treasurer ence Committee which the is trying to to let Santee Wateree Roosevelt Bradley, DirectorReg. Transportation Authority expectations. manager, administration, Regional Celebration and ending with the approved—Colorado State and 5change, percent ofhe theadded.

African American everyone reconcileknow the amount of funding. the importance of That needs to Miami-Dade Transit Sumter, SC Industry Awards Banquet and GenBirmingham, AL—bringing the Ohio Transportation District—Denver, population aged 18-35 participated Rep. Lee agreed and called for Miami, FL Depart-ment “This is a in serious timeformer for our eral Membership Meeting, the 2004 total chapter count to 34. Phil Flora Castillo, Board Member membersoftoTransportation. let their voice the election, Democratic the COMTO At-Large Members well as the heads up the Colorado Chapter, COMTO National Meeting & Train-andWashington, assistant general Ann August, Executive Director New Jersey Transit your business. nation,” said Rep. SheilaRonald Jackson be is heard: “You have the ability to let Congressman Dellums said.That Santee Wateree Reg. TransportationNewark, Authority NJ of Cleveland, Barbara of Birmingham, L to R: Former Congressman ing Murdock Conference surpassed expectations. manager, administration, Regional Ronald everyone knowto thebe importance of That needsheard to change, heconadded.

Sumter, SC (D-TX).

“You’ve the “You need involved...The Lee The Cleveland-Northeast Ohio Transportation District—Denver, Dellums; COMTO Executive Director Julie d as excepserves as the president of the the Depart-ment of Transportation.

“This is a serious time for our Dr. Beverly Scott, General Manager Flora Castillo, Board Member Chapter of COMTO, as well as the headsCunningham; up the Colorado Chapter, troversy over nation,” the flaws in our intelliis heard,” Lee added.

Rep. Sheila and Jackson Lee (DNewSacramento Jersey Transit Regional Transit Authority That iswheel your business. said Rep. Sheila Jackson squeaky 00 COMTO Birmingham cities andChapter. transit agencies of Cleveland, Barbara of Birmingham, L to R: Former Congressman Ronald Newark, NJ TX); Murdock Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH); gence It pains It isheard the con-She and Rep. are both pushing (D-TX).me.

“You’ve “You needJones to be involved...The Sacramento, CA Dellums; COMTO Executive Director Julie system. Lee and Akron, as excepserves as the president of the traveled to At Canton the Council ofserved Chapter Dr. Beverly Scott, General Manager COMTO National Chair Loretta Kirk; and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (Dtroversy oversafer the flaws in our intellisqueaky wheelreauthorization. is heard,” Lee added.

Cunningham; Sacramento Regional Transit Authority tionalmeeting, hosts. More 18 thanCOMTO 500 COMTO Birmingham Chapter. devastating...We are no today, for a six-year Advisors d Roll Hall Presidents TX); Rodney Slater,offormer of Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH); gence system. It pains me. It is She and Rep. Jones are both pushing Sacramento, CA members and supporters traveled to At the Council Chaptersecretary COMTO Dr. Carol A. Lewis, Academic Advisor National Chair Loretta Kirk; and prior to 9-11.” than American Public Transportawork. chaptertherepresentatives shared grow- Presidents devastating...We are no safer today, for a six-year reauthorization.

Transportation.

Advisors home of the Rock and Roll Hall meeting, 18 COMTO Associate Professor, Center for Transportation, Rodney Slater, former secretary of Dr. Carol A. Lewis, Academic Advisor prior to American Public TransportaRep. Jonesthan turned to9-11.” the hottest tion Association (APTA) PresidentAssociate of Fame learn and network. rs were ing pains andtosuccesses.

In a changingchapter representatives shared grow- Transportation.

Southern University Professor, CenterTexas for Transportation, Rep. Jones turned and to the hottestWilliam tion Association ThreeNJ board members were successes.

In a changing Texas Southern UniversityHouston, TX issue regarding transportation Millar (APTA) agreed,President “It’s time to , NJ Transit; of the guard, Chapter’s Lawrenceing pains was and elected as the alternate represenHouston, TX issue regarding transportation and William Millar agreed, “It’s time to reelected: Flora Castillo, NJ Transit; of the guard, NJ Chapter’s Lawrence was elected as the alternate represenRobert H. Prince, Jr., Corporate Advisor said, “We need to stay together; we talk to your congressmen, senators mento tative.

Brett Tyler of Washington, HammDr. and Chicago Chapter’s Joyce Robert H. Prince, Jr., Corporate Advisor said, “We need to stay together; we talk to your congressmen, senators Beverly Scott, Sacramento Hamm and Chicago Chapter’s Joyce tative. Brett Tyler of Washington, Vice DMJMPresident, + HARRIS DMJM + HARRIS needreauthorization to push for reauthorization administration. It’s It’s a mission.

Regional Authority; the two of Philadelphia DC, and Steve Wells of Philadelphia need to push for of ofand and thetheadministration. a mission. Vice President, ity; and Coleman wereTransit elected as theand two Coleman DC,were andelected Steveas Wells Boston, MA Boston, MA ShirleyCouncil DeLibero,representatives DeLibero TransPresidents’ Council board representatives —outgoing — the transit bill.”

More than 50 percent of people using Stanley L. King, DBE Advisor bero Trans—outgoing representatives —board representatives Presidents’ the transit bill.”

More than 50 percent of people using L. King, DBE Advisor portation Strategies, LLC and former to the COMTO Board of Directors. were thanked for their leadership She added that the single most transit each day are people of color.”

President & CEO, S.L.Stanley King & Associates and former to the COMTO Board of Directors. were thanked their leadership Atlanta, GA & CEO, S.L. King & Associates She added that the single most transit each day are people of color.”

President president/CEO of Houston Metro.

Warren Montague fromfor Philadelphia during the past two years.

Atlanta, GA The Honorable Corrine Brown ton Metro.

Warren Montague from Philadelphia during the past two years.

Legislative Advisor

Vol. 11 • No. 4 • July/August 2004

NASA’s Julian Earls Inspires

TheDistrict, Honorable 3rd Congressional FL

NASA’s Julian Inspires Dr. Julian M.Earls Earls, director of For instance, he said, if you take

director of h Center at ng presentathe COMTO Speaking to h the scholars COMTO mbers, he ned, “The d to success ways under truction.You e to maneuver und obstacles.

“Life is not a tator sport.”

Corrine Brown

Legislative Joe M. Rivers, Transit Board Member Advisor Advisor Commission, Chatham 3rd Area Congressional Transit Authority District, Savannah, GA

FL “God gave everyone something,” NASA’s Glenn Research Center at he advised. “We have to respect physics and fail, you’ll be closer to Joe M. Rivers, Transit Board Member Advisor Presidents’ Council Representatives Lewis Field, gave a rousing presentaeveryone for what they bring to the the Nobel Prize in physics than if Commission, Lawrence Hamm Chatham Area Transit Authority “God gave everyone something,” For instance, he said, if you take Cable Express is a bi-monthly publication produced by the Conference of Minority Transportation tion as the keynoter for the COMTO you never took the course. table...It’s easy to be critical when NJ Transit Savannah, GA Officials (COMTO), 818 18 St. NW, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 530-0551. Articles Newark, NJ he advised.

“We have physicsScholarship and fail,Luncheon. you’ll beSpeaking closertoto you’re not the one in charge.”

“Sustaining change is the chal- to respect may not be reproduced without written permission from COMTO. Presidents’ Council Representatives Joyce Coleman both the scholars It’s important to acknowledge lenge.

Rededicate yourself; your inteseveryone for what they bring to the the Nobel Prize in physics than if Publisher: Julie A. Cunningham Graphics: Tina Offerjost Chicago Regional Transit Authority Lawrence Hamm and COMTO the people who have helped you, tinal fortitude must be your guiding Cable Express is aAdvertising: bi-monthly publication produced byEditor: the Pamela Conference of Minority Transportation Patrea Cheatham-Logan Valenzuela Chicago, IL table...It’s easy to be critical when you never took the course.

NJ Transit members, he and don’t assume they know Officials of your (COMTO), 818 18th St. NW, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 530-0551. Articles light,” he said.

Parliamentarian Newark, NJ © 2004 www.comto.org you’re not that theitone “Sustaining changewarned, is the “The chalEarls explained is rarein charge.” appreciation, he said. “Remindmay not be reproduced without written permission from COMTO. Cynthia B. Austin, Esq. COMTO Vision Austin & Austin Joyce Coleman of science road toyour successintes-that men and people how they helped you.”

It’swomen important toareacknowledge lenge. Rededicate yourself; Jacksonville, FL access to employment, career and Graphics: contract opportunities for minorities within the Publisher: Julie A. Full Cunningham Tina Offerjost asked to speak on a non-technical subis always under An advocate of helping young Chicago Regional Transit Authority transportation industry. people who have helped you, tinal fortitude must beconstruction.You your guiding ject, the Immediate Past Chair Advertising: Patrea Cheatham-Logan Editor: Pamela Valenzuela as he was for the Scholarship people, Earls started his own scholarChicago, IL Ronald L. Freeland, Vice President, Asset Mgt. COMTO Mission and don’t assume know your light,” he said. have to maneuver Luncheon.

He welcomed the they opportushipof fund, which rewards African Parsons Corporation The mission of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials is to strengthen the position Parliamentarian Baltimore, MD © 2004 www.comto.org around obstacles. nity to speak on a subject more related American students interested in sciof minorities within the transportation industry by: Earls explained that it is rare appreciation, he said. “Remind Cynthia B. Austin, Esq. Dr. Julian Earls “Life is not a to the human condition, as “science ence. He gives scholarships to B and Executive Director/CEO • Increasing the number of minorities appointed to executive positions; COMTO Vision speaks at Scholarship that men and women of science are will never people how they helped you.”

Julie A. CunninghamAustin & Austin spectator sport.” replace being human.”

C students, as well as A students.

• Identifying, recruiting, and developing emerging professionals for senior level positions; Luncheon.

Washington, DC Jacksonville, FL Full access to employment, and incontract for minorities within the • Assistingcareer communities the areas opportunities of education, awareness, ad service equity. asked to speak on a non-technical subAn advocate of helping young transportation industry.

COMTO – Building the people who build America 1 Immediate Past Chair th

ject, as he was for the Scholarship Luncheon. He welcomed the opportunity to speak on a subject more related to the human condition, as “science will never replace being human.”

people, Earls started his own scholarship fund, which rewards African American students interested in science. He gives scholarships to B and C students, as well as A students.

COMTO – Building the people who build America

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COMTO Mission2 COMTO – Building the people who build America The mission of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials is to strengthen the position of minorities within the transportation industry by:

Ronald L. Freeland, Vice President, Asset Mgt. Parsons Corporation Baltimore, MD Executive Director/CEO Julie A. Cunningham Washington, DC

• Increasing the number of minorities appointed to executive positions; • Identifying, recruiting, and developing emerging professionals for senior level positions; • Assisting communities in the areas of education, awareness, ad service equity.

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COMTO – Building the people who build America

The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 11

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Chapter 4

Reclarifying the Mission:

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“COMTO truly is about advocating for all and being a voice for the voiceless.

This is one of the many elements of what makes COMTO such a great organization.”

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National Appeal

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There’s always going to be a need for an organization that looks to promote the best and brightest in this industry. That’s what COMTO represents.

Joe Giulletti

Lester Woods

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COMTO Board Member External Civil Rights Director for the Missouri Department of Transportation

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“I always say that the strength of the wolf is in the pack, and that is a perfect analogy for COMTO. They gather the strength of the minority transportation community to make a positive impact on public policy.”

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Corrine Brown U.S. Representative for Florida’s 5th Congressional District

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Chapter 5

An Age of Growth and Prosperity

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“COMTO has been a major player in the realm of public and private transportation for the last 40 years and a book such as this is necessary so that those major accomplishments are not forgotten.”

Keith Parker GM, MARTA

“All of us at COMTO are excited about Julie’s opportunity to have served President-Elect Obama at the very early stage. To have our President/CEO appointed to the Transition Team is certainly indicative of the work that we have done and are doing nationally tolevel the playing field for minorities in the transportation industry. We know that Julie served our country well in this capacity.”

Shirley DeLibero

Map 21 Signing at White House | July 6, 2012 Dr. Kendra Taylor, CH2M Hill Robert Prince, COMTO National Chair Michael Melaniphy, APTA CEO Freddie Fuller, Cubic Greer Gillis, Parsons Brinckerhoff

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Still today, there is a lot more work that needs to be done as it relates to availability of business opportunities, hiring opportunities and things of that nature. That’s what I think we need to make sure people continue to clearly see; that this is what COMTO is about.

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That this is COMTO’s role.

Nat Ford

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Chapter 6

Giving Back:

Preserving the Legacy & Values of COMTO

“COMTO is much more than just a membership organization.

We are an “extended family” of professionals, committed to a legacy of service to the transportation industry.”

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“COMTO personally groomed and mentored me from student intern role with the organization as a high school student to a full-time employee of our sister organization APTA”

Warren Montague

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Mariah Stanly

COMTO Board 1st Vice Chair

CITY Interns

“The Extended Family Value System”

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The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 14

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Chapter 7

The Road Ahead:

Moving into the Future

ACCELERATE COMTO – Our Bridge to the Future BOARD CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Transition, Progress & Promise

A

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

“We’ve come so far. Yet, we still have so far to go. At the end of the day, if the person in the seat doesn’t have theinternal fortitude (political fortitude) to bring people of color on board, then Succession Planning and Workforce Development doesn’t mean a thing.”

Frank Martin

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…

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 africanamericans@who.eop.gov

Accelerate-01-12-2015.indd 1

2011 Succession Planning Meeting

1/23/15 10:04 AM

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The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 15

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CLI

COMTO

71

Studio

COMTO Leadership Institute

Celebrating Women who move the nation A Breakfast Awards Ceremony Hosted by the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

JW Marriott Hotel 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004

About COMTO The Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is the nation’s only multi-modal advocacy organization for minority professionals and businesses in the transportation industry. COMTO is in a unique position to be involved and speak on behalf of minority professionals and businesses on the cutting edge transportation issues that are sweeping the nation.

Since its inception, COMTO has continued to evolve to become the premier organization for the training, education and professional development of minority transportation professionals.

The true measure of how far COMTO has come is revealed by the talent, tenacity and accomplishments of the members who have joined forces to correct the inequities of the past and chart the direction of the future.

Promote Your Corporate Brand During Women’s History Month

CITYINTERNS

SponSorShip opportunitieS

Celebrating Women

Moving the Nation

The founders, leaders and dedicated workers whose original vision formed the foundation of the organization would be proud of where COMTO stands today.

With thirty-nine (39) chapters across the country and members encompassing individuals, organizations, transportation agencies, non-profits and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), efforts have ensured that members of COMTO now serve in every sector of the transportation industry.

Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials Administrative Offcie 12100 Sunset Hills Road, Ste 130 Reston, VA 20190 www.comto.org

Helping Young Leaders

who move the nation

CLIMB

THE LADDER OF OPPORTUNITY

A Breakfast Awards Ceremony Hosted by the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials Moving the Nation

About COMTO The Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is the nation’s only multi-modal advocacy organization for minority professionals and businesses in the transportation industry. COMTO is in a unique position to be involved and speak on behalf of minority professionals and businesses on the cutting edge transportation issues that are sweeping the nation.

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Promote Your Corporate Brand During Women’s History Month

Moving the Nation

The founders, leaders and dedicated workers whose original vision formed the foundation of the organization would be proud of where COMTO stands today.

With thirty-nine (39) chapters across the country and members encompassing individuals, organizations, transportation agencies, non-profits and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), efforts have ensured that members of COMTO now serve in every sector of the transportation industry.

SponSorShip opportunitieS

Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials Administrative Offcie 12100 Sunset Hills Road, Ste 130 Reston, VA 20190 www.comto.org

Since its inception, COMTO has continued to evolve to become the premier organization for the training, education and professional development of minority transportation professionals.

The true measure of how far COMTO has come is revealed by the talent, tenacity and accomplishments of the members who have joined forces to correct the inequities of the past and chart the direction of the future.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

JW Marriott Hotel 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004

Connect

Moving the Nation The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 16

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The Decades at a Glance 1971 l

1988

MTA holds the first national Minorities in Mobility U conference. The meeting culminates with the organization of the Conference Of Minority Public Transportation Officials (COMTO).

1974 l

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OMTO successfully pickets against the American C Transit Association and Institute of Rapid Transit to gain more inclusiveness in the ranks of the transit industry. ewly formed American Public Transit Association N (APTA) receives six years’ worth of support to implement inclusive policies in transit management.

irst national office of COMTO opens in F Washington, D.C.

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orman Y. Mineta first Asian American to serve N as Secretary of Transportation.

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ulie A. Cunningham becomes new chief executive J officer and begins strategic planning

2003

everend Jerry A. Moore replaces Gerald R Anderson as head of the newly named COMTO.

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Thomas G. Neusom becomes chair of COMTO.

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rthur E. Teele, Jr. is named first Black A UMTA Administrator

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everly Coleman Cooper becomes first B executive director of COMTO.

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MID-1970s l

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New National Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

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umber of FTA Grants increase including COMTO’s N Inside Track Program, and Garrett A. Morgan Youth Symposium

The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 17

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The Decades at a Glance 2005 l

2012

TA and COMTO celebrate the 50th Anniversary F of the Montgomery Bus Boycott

2006 ODOT Public & Community Involvement M (Missouri Model)

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TA awards COMTO funds for Careers in F Transportation for Youth intern program

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enews Strategic Plan, lay foundation for COMTO R Leadership Institute

OMTO contracts with FHWA to deliver DBE C workshops, nationwide (based on Missouri Model)

2011 l

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FTA awards $600,000 grant to COMTO to expand CITY Program

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ITY Program expands from an initial number C of seven to forty five interns

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COMTO Awards more than $400,000 in scholarships, nationwide

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Atlanta Conference honors Julie.

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COMTO Leadership Institute Launched

Julie joins Obama Transition Team

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enver Conference honors the D late Mr. Harold Williams

2013

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2015 l

COMTO conducts search for new CEO

Initiates Women Who Move the Nation Program

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The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 18

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Acknowledgments COMTO is much more than a professional membership organization. It’s a family. For this reason, the experience of putting its more than forty year history in book form has been a life changing experience for me. I feel as though I too am now part of the COMTO family.

Ms. Cunningham and Mr. Prince directed me to work with COMTO’s Board of Director Advisor, COL Paige. By phone and in person at COMTO’s National Conference in Atlanta, I interviewed dozens of longtime COMTO members and supporters (thirty plus) from across the country. It immediately became apparent to me that - much deeper than the facts and dates of events - there was an equal need to preserve COMTO’s ongoing (cultural) values of an extended family network; of an unwavering commitment to giving back; and of leadership through service.

This book is based primarily on minutes and interviews with a number of individuals who have been connected with COMTO during its 40 plus year history. The publishers appreciate the contributions of all those individuals who have devoted their time to the process. Of course, the recollection of individuals may be, and often are, colored by such factors as the passage of time, the nature and the level of personal involvement, and the perspective of each individual. The publishers have taken these factors into account in creating this book. We apologize in advance for any errors, misinterpretations, or omissions. And we invite members to let us know about any errors, misinterpretations, or omissions as they may perceive them.

Anthony Parnell

Special thanks to Ms. Debra M. Simmons Wilson for her support and help. Much of this work is based on COMTO’s initial history booklet date, which she Ms. Wilson produced.

This is just a preview of the full book.

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Copyright© All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA by Doyle Printing & Offset Company.

The Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials Organization Author: Anthony Parnell Design: Micki Francis Copyeditors: Jacqueline Burrell, Howard Jean Project Manager: COL (RET) Jim Paige

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Photo Credits: The photos used in the making of this book are from a variety of sources, including individuals, periodicals, newspapers, members’ personal collections of members and photographers used by COMTO over the years. COMTO would like to thank all those whose images contributed to the storytelling of this book and apologizes to all whose images were not included, either unintentionally or due to space or other limitations.

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The Color of Leadership: Four Decades of Leveling the Playing Field in the Transportation Industry 20

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