Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials - COMTO

COMTO is excited to be at ReConnect Rondo's second annual Reconnecting Communities Summit, sponsored by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Today’s Opening Plenary “Put Collective Power to Work” was an inspiring start to the summit. Stay tuned for more insights on how agencies are working together to rebuild communities.

COMTO is advancing transportation with equity at its core. The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials welcomes three proven changemakers to our dynamic team! Policy expert Dwayne Morgan will advocate for fair and impactful government projects as our new Director of Federal Programs. Award-winning journalist Delia Gonçalves will elevate our mission and share our stories as the new Vice President, External Affairs. Our current Chief of Staff Nadji Kirby will drive collaborative public, private and community relationships as she advances to the role of Managing Director, Strategic Initiatives & Stakeholder Engagement.

“We are thrilled to expand our COMTO family with these three committed and passionate professionals,” said COMTO President & CEO April Rai, “Together, we will continue to work towards our mission of ensuring that transportation equity drives opportunity and meaningful change in the communities we serve each day.”

Read the Press Release here:

COMTO Headquarters Staffing Updates | COMTO For Immediate Release September 10, 2024 Conference on Minority Transportation Officials announces new appointments in their national office

Calling All Transportation Agencies and Organizations!

The 2025 COMTO CITY Internship Program Host Agency Application is NOW OPEN!
By hosting an intern, you'll provide students a meaningful work experience, expose them to diverse career paths in transportation, and offer valuable leadership and skill development opportunities.

Be a catalyst for the next generation of transportation leaders and innovators. Your organization can help shape their future while gaining fresh perspectives and talent!

Interested in hosting an intern? Let’s drive the future of transportation together! https://bit.ly/CITY-INTERN-HOST-FORM

Attention students! The 2025 COMTO CITY Internship Program applications are NOW OPEN.

This is your chance to secure a paid, hands-on internship in the transportation industry. Gain invaluable experience, explore diverse career paths, and develop leadership skills that will set you on the path to becoming a future industry leader. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact and jumpstart your career!

For more information about the program or to get involved, visit https://bit.ly/COMTO-CITY-Internship-Program. If you have any questions, reach out to Tiara Fisher, Sr. Manager, NextGen Programs, at [email protected]

Let’s drive the future of transportation together!

Mass Transit Magazine released the nominees for their program. Seven COMTO members are included on the list this year.

Congratulations to Alexis N. Majied of COMTO Hampton Roads, Yash Nagal of COMTO Palm Beach, Schneider St. Preux of The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials- Miami Chapter, Kendel Ortiz of COMTO New York, Anthony Harris of COMTO District of Columbia, Sam Sink of COMTO Hampton Roads, Ray Biggs, II of COMTO District of Columbia, and to all the nominees!

Read the issue here: https://www.nxtbook.com/endeavor/masstransit/july-august-2024/index.php #/p/14

An fireside chat featured Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials - COMTO CEO April Rai and U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Ann Shikany, moderated by Leslie Bienenfeld, Chair, APTA Transit Operations Planning and Scheduling Subcommittee; and Manager of Special Operations, SFMTA - San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. They discussed a broad set of community goals addressed though public transportation.

Transit’s connection to the Three Pillars of Sustainability (Environmental / Social / Economic) were discussed. The conversation highlighted access to opportunity; energy-efficient community design; vibrant, equitable neighborhoods; and universal access, each of which is a core outcome of transit service. Indeed, public transportation is a central strategy for achieving all of the above, and the work of sustainability planners, service planners, and transit schedulers is central to that mission.

Are you considering becoming a Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Ambassador? The application deadline is fast approaching—August 30! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow and connect within the transit industry. Here are three reasons to apply:

Industry Connector: Forge strong connections with professionals and access cutting-edge research that addresses critical transportation issues.

Networking and Presentation Opportunities: Engage in major industry events, and connect with your peers.

Practical Problem Solving: Receive training to support decision-makers addressing transit challenges.

Don’t wait! Learn more about the Ambassador Program and apply here: https://comto.org/programs-events/tcrp-ambassador-program

Thank you WTS DC for hosting a Coffee Chat with COMTO's President & CEO April Rai. It was great to hear from and speak with individuals across the transportation industry about current issues, solutions and personal triumphs. Special thank you to Sophie Guiny, WTS DC Chapter President!

📅 Mark your calendars! COMTO’s A View From the Hill returns on September 24-25, 2024, in Washington, DC! https://comto.org/programs-events/a-view-from-the-hill

🏛️Join us for an evening reception on September 24, followed by a full day of legislative activities on September 25, where you'll have the chance to meet and speak with your elected officials on Capitol Hill.

📢This is a members-only event. Not a member yet? Join COMTO today!

🔒Reminder: Register by September 4, 2024, to secure your spot.

Exciting Day at COMTO HQ! We welcomed Jordan, one of our 2024 CITY Interns! He had the opportunity to speak with the staff about his experiences interning with HNTB and what he enjoyed about . We are so proud to have such talented individuals like Jordan contributing to the transportation industry.

Learn more about the CITY Intern Program here: https://comto.org/programs-events/city-internship-program

COMTO Announces 2024-2026 Board of Directors

Washington, DC — The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is pleased to announce the newly elected Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term. This distinguished group of leaders will guide COMTO's efforts in advancing the transportation industry through innovation, equity, and sustainability.

2024-2026 COMTO Board of Directors:

Board Chair: Tanya Adams, Sr. Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity, WSP, USA

1st Vice Chair: Lester Woods, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer, Missouri DOT

2nd Vice Chair: Gwendolen Gray, Vice President, Program Management, HNTB

Treasurer/Secretary: Yetunde Olumide, Chief Financial Officer, WMATA

Member at Large: Kimberly Slaughter, Executive Consultant, Olivier Inc

Member at Large: Debra A. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Denver RTD

Member at Large: Sharon Jean-Baptiste, Vice President, JACOBS

Member at Large: Dave Wong, Vice President/Transportation Client Development Director, HDR

Member at Large: Johnell Bell, Chief Executive Officer, Espousal Strategies

Council of Presidents Representative: Steven Granson, Associate Vice President, Transit & Rail, HNTB

Council of Presidents Representative: Rich Watson, Senior Director, Labor and Employee Relations, MTA

Council of Presidents Representative Alternate: Edna Stanley, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, LA METRO

https://comto.org/news/comto-announces-2024-2026-board-directors

We're thrilled to announce that Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, will be the keynote speaker at COMTO's 53rd National Meeting & Training Conference!

Join us in Houston to hear Secretary Buttigieg explore the transformative impacts of once-in-a-generation infrastructure investments and the future of transportation.

Don't miss out on this opportunity—register today!

Thank you to Premier Sponsor HNTB for your support for the 53rd National Meeting and Training Conference. and for sponsoring the Opening Plenary Session.

Thank you to Premier Sponsor Bechtel Corporation for your support for the 53rd National Meeting and Training Conference and for sponsoring the Welcome Reception. See you at The Rustic! 🤠

COMTO’s Emerging Leaders Subcommittee is hosting a Know Before You Go webinar, for the 2024 National Meeting and Training Conference, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 2:30 pm EST. The webinar will feature a panel discussion about what you need to know before attending the annual conference, networking tips, a Q&A, as well as remarks from COMTO's President & CEO, April Rai.

More information here: https://comto.org/programs-events/comto-nmtc-know-you-go-webinar-presented-emerging-leaders-committee

It was wonderful visiting COMTO Hampton Roads and COMTO Richmond this week. We enjoyed meeting the new board of COMTO Hampton Roads and are excited to revitalize COMTO Richmond.

Thank you again to Sheryl Adams leading GRTC for the tour! Amazing to learn about the success of your fare-free program.

Kudos to Sheri Gill Dixon and Joe Dillard for your outstanding leadership!

Did you that becoming a TCRP Ambassador is a ticket to travel, connections, and impactful experiences? You're not just a representative, you are part of a dynamic community spreading the word about research that is shaping the future of transportation. The ambassador program allows you to forge connections with like-minded individuals, share research success stories, and inspire others.

Join us and experience the trifecta of travel, connection, and meaningful impact today! https://comto.org/programs-events/tcrp-ambassador-program

Are you seeking avenues to expand your professional network while showcasing groundbreaking research in transit? Look no further! The Transit Cooperative Research Program - TCRP, provides a dynamic platform for individuals like you to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and promote innovative research that shapes the future of transportation. Join us and seize the opportunity to propel your career forward while making impactful contributions to the transit community.

Click here to apply:

TCRP Ambassador Program | COMTO TCRP Ambassador Program TCRP Ambassadors participate in industry events and visit transportation providers in order to educate the public transit industry on the wide variety of solution-based research available from TCRP. The essential role of an Ambassador is to be a liaison between TCRP, its memb...

Seeking Solutions for Public Transportation Challenges? Are you passionate about transforming public transportation for the better? Submit your innovative ideas to the !

Join us in addressing pressing issues facing the industry today. The deadline for consideration in the FY 2025 program is June 14, 2024.

Submit your Research Problem Statement: https://buff.ly/44A1ZB4

Want to attend the 2024 National Meeting & Training Conference? Don't miss out on Early Bird pricing. Register by Thursday, May 9th for the lowest prices on conference registration.

Register today: https://members.comtonational.org/page/2024-conference-home

Thinking about becoming a TCRP Ambassador? Here are five reasons why you should apply:

1. Develop Leadership Skills: Refine capabilities in leadership.

2. Practical Problem Solving: Receive training to support decision-makers addressing transit challenges.

3. Industry Connector: Build connections between industry professionals and innovative research addressing critical transportation issues.

4. Leadership Recognition: Acknowledgement and visibility as a leader in the transit field.

5. Networking and Presentation Opportunities: Participate in prominent industry events to showcase research, connect with colleagues and exchange findings.

Learn more about the Transit Cooperative Research Program - TCRP Ambassador Program here: https://comto.org/programs-events/tcrp-ambassador-program

We're thrilled to share that the 13th annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN) Awards Breakfast was featured on WUSA 9!

It's incredible to see the spotlight shining on these phenomenal women who are leading the way in the transportation industry.

Thank you WSUA9 for highlighting CWWMN and amplifying the voices of these inspiring women. To all those who attended, thank you for your support and celebrating with us.

Watch the coverage here:

www.dropbox.com

COMTO is seeking nominations for professionals across modes and disciplines to consider service as a member of the Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term! The Board of Directors works to establish and ensure adherence to overall organizational policy toward the successful fulfillment of COMTO’s mission.

Nominations are closing soon and will be accepted through April 23, 2024, for the positions of Chair, 1st Vice Chair, 2nd Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer and 3 At-Large Members. Self-nominations are encouraged.

The Board Installation Ceremony will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024, during the COMTO National Meeting & Training Conference in Houston, TX!

Click here to learn more: https://members.comtonational.org/general/custom.asp?page=2024-nominations-overview

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) in partnership with leading industry partners including AECOM, Accelerator for America (AFA), Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA), The MWDBE Training Academy, Inc. (MWDBETA), ReConnect Rondo, and 2Degrees.live proudly announce their selection by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to collectively support 16 communities as National Capacity Builders. This pivotal collaboration, backed by a substantial $4,250,000 grant under the FY 2023 Thriving Communities Program (TCP), aims to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in underserved areas across the United States.

Read the press release here:

Joint Press Release - Thriving Communities FY23 National Capacity Building Team Announcement COMTO, in partnership with AECOM, AFA, ITSA, MWDBE Training Academy, ReConnect Rondo and Two Degrees selected by USDOT to serve as National Capacity Builders to support 16 Networked Communities.

Thank you to all who attended the 13th annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN) Awards Breakfast. We are so proud of these incredible trailblazers for their contributions to the transportation industry. Congratulations!

See all of the CWWMN 2024 photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBm6eW

Today, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials honors 10 women for their outstanding leadership and exemplary dedication to the transportation industry at the Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Awards Breakfast. These women embody excellence and the significance of their contributions to advance and fortify our nation's infrastructure is unparalleled.

Congratulations to:
Monica Backmon, CEO, Northern Virgina Transportation Authority
Donna Berry, Deputy Director of Project Delivery and Chief Engineer, California Department of Transportation
Veronica Davis, Director of Cities Program, AtkinsRealis
Dr. Shelley Francis, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, EVNoire
Gloria Frank, Chief of Police, Port of Authority New York, New Jersey
Carmencita Mitchell, Chair, Palm Tran Service Board, Palm Beach State College
Rear Admiral, Ann C. Phillips, Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration
Yovannie Rodriguez, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Charlotte Shaw, Executive Director/CEO, MAX Transit, Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority
Janice R. Thomas, Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs, METRA

Introducing our final honoree, Veronica O. Davis, PE, Director of Cities Program, AtkinsRéalis. She will be honored at the 13th Annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN) Awards Breakfast.

She is a self-described transportation nerd and author of Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities. She believes everyone should have access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation. She is currently the Director of Cities Program for AtkinsRéalis.

Veronica has over twenty years of experience in civil engineering and planning. Under the Mayor Turner Administration, she was the Director of Transportation & Drainage Operations for the City of Houston. She is also the co-founder and former Managing Partner at Nspiregreen LLC. She is one of the co-founders of Black Women Bike (BWB).

That concludes our 2024 honoree introductions. Stay tuned for updates and announcements from this year’s CWWMN event on April 10th.

The 13th Annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN) Awards Breakfast is a week away! Today we are highlighting Charlotte Shaw, Executive Director/CEO, Max Transit, Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA).

Since 2021, Shaw has excelled in strategic planning, innovative project management, and fostering key partnerships with a wide spectrum of professionals, multidisciplinary teams, and stakeholders. Her background in capital improvements and contract management from roles at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and to their esteemed organizations, has been essential to her success at BJCTA.

In 2023, she was named the Executive Leader of the Year by the Minority Business Awards. In addition, she was elected as the Second Vice-President of the Transportation Association of Alabama (TAA)Board of Directors.

Follow COMTO to see the last 2023 CWWMN honoree announcement.

To round out , last week COMTO’s President & CEO, April Rai, was a panelist at the U.S. Department of Transportation's event, Examining New Opportunities to Advance Gender Justice Across the Transportation Sector. Thank you U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg and Director Irene Marion for creating the space for this group of women leaders to share their inspiring journeys, lived experiences, and how intentional they are being on issues of women, gender and equity.