Diversity in Motion Burke Retires from DART Ewing Named General Counsel Victor H

Home , DART Light Rail

Diversity in Motion Burke Retires from DART Ewing Named General Counsel Victor H . Burke, “My 20 years at DART were most Veteran public A graduate of Howard University Sr ,. Executive rewarding, and I’m confident I did my law attorney School of Law, Ewing has advised city Vice President best to help build one of the most Vincent C . councils, city administrators, city man- and General successful transit organizations in the Ewing was agers and elected boards and com- Manager of country,” Burke said. “Credit for our named General missions on issues ranging from gov- Operations for success at DART definitely goes to Counsel for AC ernment and fiduciary responsibilities the Dallas Area the operating team members that I Transit by the to matters of general law concerning Rapid Transit was fortunate to lead.” agency’s board land use, due process, the Brown Act, Victor H. Burke, Sr. (DART) in Vincent C. Ewing of directors. labor, risk management, city charters Gary Thomas, DART’s President/ Texas, recently and other public policies. Executive Director, said, “Victor As a former retired after having provided leader- joined DART after 28 years of ser- deputy city attorney for Los Angeles, Ewing has 12 years of California ship within the organization since vice to his country as a member of assistant city attorney for Santa Rosa, municipal law experience. He has 1991. In his most recent role, he the U.S. Armed Forces [Air Force CA, city attorney for East Palo Alto, CA, a highly successful litigation record managed the day-to-day operation of and Marine Corps] and had an and a prosecutor of violent crimes for and has provided impartial legal the agency, including an operating immediate positive impact on the the City of Los Angeles, Ewing brings analysis and administrative guidance budget of $203 million and just fewer performance of our agency.” vast experience in a variety of legal on a variety of ballot measures. than 2,300 employees. Managing the arenas, especially public law. Ewing holds a B.A. from UCLA and a largest unit within DART, Burke was Currently Burke is leveraging his J.D. from Howard University School responsible for the operation of 805 extensive background and experi- of Law. ■ buses, 180 paratransit vehicles and ence in military leadership, transit 93 light rail vehicles. His areas of operations and security as an execu- responsibility included bus and rail tive consultant with Fortress Mobile operations, maintenance, material Services in Charlotte, N.C., which management, paratransit and transit provides GPS and video surveillance Martin Spearheads Strategic police services. During his 20-year products and services for fixed route tenure at DART, Burke oversaw the transit, paratransit, student trans- Plan for the State University initial construction of the $841 million portation and aviation clients, as well DART Light Rail Project. as law enforcement, ambulances and System of Florida fire departments. ■ The Florida Board of Governors of the performance State University System recently voted indicators that to approve the “Board of Governors’ we will monitor O’Bannon Joins Perkins Coie Strategic Plan for the State University closely,” he said. System of Florida: 2012-2025,” fea- The Strategic turing an array of new or updated Planning LLP’s Airport Concessions Group components and performance metrics Committee that will revolve around three key Don T . O’Bannon food and beverage, news and gifts, worked on an themes–Excellence, Productivity and Frank T. Martin joins the Perkins duty free, bookstores and specialty aggressive Strategic Priorities for a Knowledge Coie’s Airport retail businesses. This includes coun- timetable to produce the document Economy–and reflect a major mile- Concessions seling on Airport Concessions by year-end in 2011. It includes such stone and achievement by the Board Industry Group as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises ambitious targets as increased of Governors, and its stakeholders and Counsel. He joins (ACDBE) certification issues; preparing degree production at all levels, partners in the effort. the firm in Dallas proposals for concession operators especially for minorities and STEM where he previ- and ACDBE partners; negotiating con- Frank T . Martin of Tallahassee was (science, technology, engineering and Don T. O’Bannon ously served as cession license, lease and sublease chair of the Strategic Planning math). The State University System of vice president of agreements, in addition to other Committee and is a global expert in Florida is already in the top ten and business diversity and development for responsibilities. transportation issues. He currently top six nationally for overall gradua- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. O’Bannon earned his J.D. from serves on several national transporta- tions rates and minority graduation “Don is well-respected throughout University of Virginia School of Law tion boards, including the American rates, respectively. The plan also rec- the industry for his experience with and received his B.A. from Dartmouth Public Transportation Association. ognizes and serves to increase the nationally competitive standing that supplier diversity initiatives and his College. Since 2008 he has served as “The work product of this committee the State University System has leadership in airport associations,” chairman for the Airport Minority during the past 18 months – with all attained in several areas, particularly said Joseph McCoy, Airport Advisory Council. He is also the former of the research, vetting and data research and development (R&D) Concessions Group co-chair. “His chairman of the board of directors for review from across the nation – is expenditures, and corresponding addition to the group will assist us African Chamber of Commerce, Dallas nothing short of extraordinary, and it commercialization opportunities that as we continue to expand our prac- Fort Worth and member of the advi- is also good public policy direction for produce dozens of new businesses tice on a national basis.” sory board for the Greater Dallas Asian the future of our public universities, Chamber of Commerce. ■ and jobs in Florida each year. ■ O’Bannon will focus his practice on providing us with new or amended providing guidance and counsel to air- continued on page 8 port concessionaires operating in the

4 COMTO ... Moving the Nation ACCELERATE Spring 2012 5 Spring 2012

The quarterly newsletter for the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials

COMTO National Hits the Road COMTO CEO and Board Members Visit Chapters Across the Country

OMTO President and CEO Julie Cunningham started this year embarking on a cross-country tour, visiting COMTO chapters to stress Cthe importance of consistency and alignment between the chapters and the national strategic plan. The tour, which started Jan. 19, will go through April 13, allowing Cunningham to make visits to 28 chapters around the country. COMTO National Board members will also participate in many of Julie Cunningham Stops at COMTO St. Louis on her Members of the Oregon/Southwest Washington Chapter with the meetings. Nationwide Chapter Tour President and CEO, Julie Cunningham “It’s all about our chapters. We want targeted time period. I look forward to national board and chapter presidents, challenges that the local leadership to work with them to strengthen them hearing from the chapters—as well as and the COMTO National Meeting and faces in order to successfully execute on the local level,” says Roosevelt working with our chapter leaders to Training Conference being hosted by their goals in alignment with the Bradley, COMTO National Chair. ensure we are all in sync.” COMTO Colorado State. national organization’s goals. Cunningham added, “It’s a great Discussion topics will include an update COMTO National’s visits to the Maria-Teresa Roman, COMTO opportunity to be able to visit such on national activities, organizational Chapters prompted discussion about Chicago President and Government and a large number of chapters in this goals, upcoming elections for the using local resources to address the Community Relations Officer at Chicago continued on page 9 COMTO Rallies Industry Professionals for White House Policy Briefing On March 14, COMTO along with other industry organizations, attended a White House transportation policy briefing. Individuals in attendance represented the following organizations: Airport Minority Advisory Council, National Association of Minority Contractors, Eno Foundation, National Transit Institute, Black Leadership Forum, Gamaliel Foundation and the Transportation Equity Network. Representatives from the White House Office of Public Engagement, Federal Highways, Federal Aviation and Federal Transit were on hand to provide a policy update. COMTO President and CEO Julie Cunningham ABOVE: Attendees of the March 14 Briefing said, “This was a great opportunity to get everyone in the room at the same time. LEFT: Members of Airport Minority Advisory Council at the March 14 Briefing We will continue working with our collab- orative partners and the Administration to address transportation issues.”

COMTO National News...... 2 Diversity in Motion...... 5 Conference Preview...... 3 COMTO USA...... 6 Women Who Move The Nation...... 4 New Members...... 11 COMTO National Developing the Next Generation of Leaders COMTO’s Scholars Program Focuses on Future Leaders

ast year, the COMTO Scholarship Committee from student members. The U.S. workforce will be Accelerate: What are some things that and the COMTO Youth Symposium Committee experiencing a tremendous amount of baby boomers the committee has planned that you’re Ljoined forces to create the COMTO Scholars retiring in the near future, leaving opportunity to excited about? Program. This new program will allow COMTO to introduce young professionals early and groom them Bessellieu: We have an awesome group of industry house all of their long-standing activities that range for succession. professionals with a true passion for working with from developing interest in From the 2015 plan, our long-term goals are youth serving on both committees. I am excited the transportation field to strategically aligned to support: about being able to leverage the joint energy and providing scholarship and efforts of the groups to maximize what we can offer internship opportunities and 1. Membership Growth and Retention youth members. We will be looking to step outside eventual employment in the Providing targeted and sustained initiatives at the the box this year and find opportunities that have industry under one umbrella. local and national levels to attract more youth not been available in the past. The Scholars Program will members to chapters. provide comprehensive pro- 2. Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) Accelerate: What do you want to see gramming that supports Tracey Bessellieu Partnering with our member HUBs to provide intern more COMTO members doing in regard to young professionals through- opportunities for our students. supporting up-and-coming young people out their journey, from infor- in the industry? mation to employment. 3. Chapter Growth and Development Bessellieu: I want members to know that they can Tracey Bessellieu, Vice Relationship building with all interested youth and support the youth in their local chapters by reaching President/Director of scholarship applicants by pairing them with local out to them and keeping in touch; making a special Engagement at Parsons chapters for mentoring and development over time. invitation to chapter meetings; adding an agenda Brinckerhoff, and Raynard 4. Professional Development and Training item that focuses on the youth; allowing for shadow Hughes, Southeastern Extend opportunities for youth to continually learn days with members; offering to be a mentor or Pennsylvania Transportation through local chapters, members and private coach; inviting them to business meetings; providing Authority, are co-chairs of the partnership. Additionally, we strive to create a Raynard Hughes intern opportunities; and donating to the National program. Bessellieu recently learning environment in our local areas. Scholarship Fund! spoke with Accelerate about the goals of the pro- Our short-term plans are to strengthen relationships gram and what COMTO members should be doing Accelerate: What is the message about to support transportation’s future leaders. with academic partners; expand 2011 pilot program transportation that you want to spread to with ITS America; build the CITY Internship Program young people interested in the industry? by identifying public and private support to host 10 Accelerate: What are the goals of the student interns in the summer 2012; continue to link Bessellieu: The range of opportunities in the trans- committee this year? scholarship, workforce development and other efforts; portation industry is limitless. A young professional can utilize any of their passions or interests to sup- Bessellieu: We have aligned our short and long-term develop a COMTO curriculum with a focus on leader- port the industry, whether it is through a technical plans to support COMTO’s strategic plan. We recognize ship, workforce preparation and industry skills; and or leadership path. Be curious, ask questions, and that 20 percent of the COMTO membership comes expand the youth symposium to include development find a mentor to talk to and learn more about the tracks for young professionals. tremendous opportunities available to them. ■

Update on the Surface Transportation Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — By a 293-127 vote on April 18, the Republican-controlled House extended transit and highway funding through September and passed a transportation bill that would advance the Keystone XL pipeline. The two-year $109-billion transportation bill is less than the five-year $260 billion package proposed by Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio). Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and others said the latest move by the House makes the hope of passing a transportation authorization bill highly unlikely before the November election, according to The Hill , a subsidiary of News Communications, Inc.

2 COMTO ... Moving the Nation COMTO National

COMTO’s 41st National Meeting and Training Conference | July 21–25

Join your COMTO friends and colleagues July 21–25 in Denver, Colo., at the Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown/Convention Center for the COMTO 41st National Meeting and Training Conference. This event brings together the industry’s top executives—including transit board members, chief executive officers, senior staff and management personnel—to collaborate with each other and share ideas, as well as to discuss the state of the industry and issues critical to the profession. This year’s conference will feature a comprehensive program offering a variety of educational and networking opportunities. If you have any Investing in the questions regarding the 2012 conference, please contact COMTO Workforce Administrative Office at 703 .234 .4072 . ■ Rebuilding theNation Register by June 21, 2012 and Save!

Travel Information Travel Options and Directions from Bus Service – Contact Hotel IMPORTANT DEADLINES Denver Airports to Embassy Suites Super Shuttle – $34.00 Early Conference Registration: Host Hotel www.supershuttle.com/Locations/ Denver International Airport June 21, 2012 Embassy Suites Denver Distance from hotel: 27 mi. DENAirportShuttleDenver.aspx Downtown/Convention Center Drive time: 36 min. Taxi – $60.00 Cancellation Deadline: 1420 Stout Street Directions: Exiting airport take Pena Blvd Air June 21, 2012 Denver, Colorado 80202 ramp, then merge onto I-70 West. I-70 West to United Airlines discounted flights are offered by Telephone: 303.592.1000 I-25 South, exit Colfax Ave, turn right onto calling reservations 800.426.1122 or online at Hotel Room Block Rate: Fax: 303.592.1001 Colfax Avenue. Turn left on Kalamath. Follow Kalamath underneath the convention center. www.united.com. Be sure to mention meeting Discounted rates are $179 A contemporary hotel, LEED certified. Hotel will be on right. code: ZMS6585190 (single/double, excluding taxes)

When making reservations, be sure to mention Train Industry Awards Deadline: you are with the COMTO 2012 National Meeting Centennial Airport Amtrak travel discounts are offered into Denver May 21, 2012 and Training Conference. A discounted rate of Drive time: 26 min. through reservations 1-800.872.7245 or online $179 has been secured for all registrants, Directions: North on S. Peoria St to E Broncos at www.amtrak.com for travel to Denver, excluding taxes. Visit comto.org/meetings for Pkwy. Turn left at E Broncos Pkwy to S Peoria Colorado between July 18-July 28, 2012. Be detailed travel information. St. Turn left at E Arapahoe Rd to I-25 North. sure to mention convention fare code X41J-943. COMTO Announces Take Colfax Ave exit and turn right towards First night stay will be charged to your credit downtown. Turn left on Kalamath to 14th. Hotel Car Rental CEO Roundtable Series card at time of reservation. will be on right. AVIS car rental reservations may be made at a discount by calling 1-800.331.1600 or online CEOs and Senior Administrators – How to Make Reservations: at www.avis.com and mention code #D510811. Make plans to join us onsite in Denver Online: http://bit.ly/Hxn6I7 Colorado Springs Municipal Airport These rates are available July 15–31, 2012. Phone: 303.592.1000 Distance from hotel: 82 mi. this July 21–25 for COMTO’s 2012 Be sure to mention the COMTO meeting code: COM Drive time: 1.5 hr. Hertz car rental reservations may be made at a National Meeting and Training Conference. Directions: Head south on Langley St toward discount by calling 800.654.2240 or online Check-In Time: 3:00 pm This year’s conference will feature a series Old Drennan Rd. Turn right at Old Drennan Rd www.hertz.com, mention code CV#022Q5528. Check-Out Time: 12:00 pm (noon) of roundtable sessions focused on topics and take the 2nd left onto E Drennan Rd. Take These rates are available July 11–August 1, 2012. Parking: Valet Parking Only $29.00 Daily the 1st right onto S Powers Blvd and turn left at specifically geared towards transportation E Fountain Blvd. Continue onto Martin Luther agency CEOs and senior administrators.

King Jr Bypass/US-24 W Please check the COMTO website at We expect the hotel room block will fill up quickly, don’t delay. Business attire is suggested. www.comto.org for more information.

2 COMTO ... Moving the Nation ACCELERATE Spring 2012 3 COMTO National Celebrating Women Who Move The Nation

OMTO recently hosted its first port authorities and airports are women. Women Who Move the Nation They have made great strides to be in the Breakfast Awards ceremony position they are today, and it’s important March 14 at the JW Marriott to pay homage to these women and their Hotel in Washington, D.C. accomplishments. Besides, that’s what CThe event, held during Women’s COMTO does—we honor those who History Month, honors the women have led the efforts in our industry as who have made grand strides in the we pave the way for the future leaders transportation industry. behind us.” Greer Gillis, Gillis said that there are many aspects Parsons of the event that she is excited about, Brinckerhoff, particularly the annual “COMTO Woman chair of the Who Moves the Nation” award which is event, said that in honor of Shirley A . DeLibero, long the women were time COMTO Member and industry icon. selected through “The committee wanted to give a various criteria. special honor to a woman who exem- Greer Gillis The awards plified leadership in the industry that 2012 Is An Election Year committee expands across all modes of trans- worked to select women from each portation,” she said. “This will be an mode of transportation (aviation, high- lections for chapter officers and the National Board are being held this award that will be given every year, ways, transit, advocacy, government, year, prior to the National Meeting & Training Conference. Please and thus will have special meaning at legislator and ports) with more than all of our future events. I am excited Econtact your local chapter president for information on elections for 15 years of experience and who had to see this award given out on the your chapter. Regarding the national elections, be on the look-out for made significant contributions to the 14th, but I am also excited about information regarding the nominations and election process. Members of transportation industry. The awardees what the reward truly represents.” also had to be well-known in the the National Nominating Committee are: Chair Will Scott, Co-Chair industry and considered experts in COMTO President and CEO Julie Wanda Oliver, April Henderson, Raynard Hughes, Christian Kent, their field and who had made contribu- Cunningham added, “This event was Brad Mims, and Ruben Landa. COMTO Chair Roosevelt Bradley stated, tions to COMTO and our membership a vision finally realized. Hosting the “Our nominating committee is very selective of our membership in terms of over the years. event in observance of Women’s History Month was more than appropriate, given multi-modalism, and the public and private sectors. Under Will’s leadership, “Women represent an important part of the significant accomplishments and the membership can be confident that this great cadre of representatives our transportation community,” Gillis said. contributions of each of our honorees. “Many of our nation’s leaders at state will do a fine job in overseeing our elections process.” ■ We are certain that this celebration will highway administrations, transit agencies, become an industry signature event.” ■

Congratulations to This Year’s Women Who Move The Nation Honorees

The Honorable Corrine Brown Shirley DeLibero The Honorable Grace Napolitano Award: Lifetime Achievement Award: COMTO Annual Award: Legislator U.S. House of Representatives DeLibero Transportation Strategies, LLC U.S. House of Representatives Laura Barrett The Honorable Nuria Fernandez Dr . Beverly Scott Award: Advocacy Award: Transit Award: Transit Transportation Equity Network State of NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority The Honorable Marion Blakey Nene Foxhall The Honorable Beverley K . Swaim-Staley Award: Aviation Award: Aviation Award: Multimodalism Honoree Aerospace Industries Association United Airlines Maryland Department of Transportation Jane Chmielinski The Honorable Camille Hazeur Victoria Wassmer Award: Private Sector Award: Government Award: Aviation AECOM Tecnology Corporation U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration The Honorable Rina Cutler Paula Hochstetler Award: Highways Award: Aviation City of Philadelphia Airport Consultants Council

4 COMTO ... Moving the Nation Diversity in Motion Burke Retires from DART Ewing Named General Counsel Victor H . Burke, “My 20 years at DART were most Veteran public A graduate of Howard University Sr ,. Executive rewarding, and I’m confident I did my law attorney School of Law, Ewing has advised city Vice President best to help build one of the most Vincent C . councils, city administrators, city man- and General successful transit organizations in the Ewing was agers and elected boards and com- Manager of country,” Burke said. “Credit for our named General missions on issues ranging from gov- Operations for success at DART definitely goes to Counsel for AC ernment and fiduciary responsibilities the Dallas Area the operating team members that I Transit by the to matters of general law concerning Rapid Transit was fortunate to lead.” agency’s board land use, due process, the Brown Act, Victor H. Burke, Sr. (DART) in Vincent C. Ewing of directors. labor, risk management, city charters Gary Thomas, DART’s President/ Texas, recently and other public policies. Executive Director, said, “Victor As a former retired after having provided leader- joined DART after 28 years of ser- deputy city attorney for Los Angeles, Ewing has 12 years of California ship within the organization since vice to his country as a member of assistant city attorney for Santa Rosa, municipal law experience. He has 1991. In his most recent role, he the U.S. Armed Forces [Air Force CA, city attorney for East Palo Alto, CA, a highly successful litigation record managed the day-to-day operation of and Marine Corps] and had an and a prosecutor of violent crimes for and has provided impartial legal the agency, including an operating immediate positive impact on the the City of Los Angeles, Ewing brings analysis and administrative guidance budget of $203 million and just fewer performance of our agency.” vast experience in a variety of legal on a variety of ballot measures. than 2,300 employees. Managing the arenas, especially public law. Ewing holds a B.A. from UCLA and a largest unit within DART, Burke was Currently Burke is leveraging his J.D. from Howard University School responsible for the operation of 805 extensive background and experi- of Law. ■ buses, 180 paratransit vehicles and ence in military leadership, transit 93 light rail vehicles. His areas of operations and security as an execu- responsibility included bus and rail tive consultant with Fortress Mobile operations, maintenance, material Services in Charlotte, N.C., which management, paratransit and transit provides GPS and video surveillance Martin Spearheads Strategic police services. During his 20-year products and services for fixed route tenure at DART, Burke oversaw the transit, paratransit, student trans- Plan for the State University initial construction of the $841 million portation and aviation clients, as well DART Light Rail Project. as law enforcement, ambulances and System of Florida fire departments. ■ The Florida Board of Governors of the performance State University System recently voted indicators that to approve the “Board of Governors’ we will monitor O’Bannon Joins Perkins Coie Strategic Plan for the State University closely,” he said. System of Florida: 2012-2025,” fea- The Strategic turing an array of new or updated Planning LLP’s Airport Concessions Group components and performance metrics Committee that will revolve around three key Don T . O’Bannon food and beverage, news and gifts, worked on an themes–Excellence, Productivity and Frank T. Martin joins the Perkins duty free, bookstores and specialty aggressive Strategic Priorities for a Knowledge Coie’s Airport retail businesses. This includes coun- timetable to produce the document Economy–and reflect a major mile- Concessions seling on Airport Concessions by year-end in 2011. It includes such stone and achievement by the Board Industry Group as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises ambitious targets as increased of Governors, and its stakeholders and Counsel. He joins (ACDBE) certification issues; preparing degree production at all levels, partners in the effort. the firm in Dallas proposals for concession operators especially for minorities and STEM where he previ- and ACDBE partners; negotiating con- Frank T . Martin of Tallahassee was (science, technology, engineering and Don T. O’Bannon ously served as cession license, lease and sublease chair of the Strategic Planning math). The State University System of vice president of agreements, in addition to other Committee and is a global expert in Florida is already in the top ten and business diversity and development for responsibilities. transportation issues. He currently top six nationally for overall gradua- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. O’Bannon earned his J.D. from serves on several national transporta- tions rates and minority graduation “Don is well-respected throughout University of Virginia School of Law tion boards, including the American rates, respectively. The plan also rec- the industry for his experience with and received his B.A. from Dartmouth Public Transportation Association. ognizes and serves to increase the nationally competitive standing that supplier diversity initiatives and his College. Since 2008 he has served as “The work product of this committee the State University System has leadership in airport associations,” chairman for the Airport Minority during the past 18 months – with all attained in several areas, particularly said Joseph McCoy, Airport Advisory Council. He is also the former of the research, vetting and data research and development (R&D) Concessions Group co-chair. “His chairman of the board of directors for review from across the nation – is expenditures, and corresponding addition to the group will assist us African Chamber of Commerce, Dallas nothing short of extraordinary, and it commercialization opportunities that as we continue to expand our prac- Fort Worth and member of the advi- is also good public policy direction for produce dozens of new businesses tice on a national basis.” sory board for the Greater Dallas Asian the future of our public universities, Chamber of Commerce. ■ and jobs in Florida each year. ■ O’Bannon will focus his practice on providing us with new or amended providing guidance and counsel to air- continued on page 8 port concessionaires operating in the

4 COMTO ... Moving the Nation ACCELERATE Spring 2012 5 COMTO USA Atlanta Ft. Lauderdale COMTO Atlanta Hosted Its First Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Seminar

nder the leadership of Joseph received in one state nationwide. Erves, the Atlanta chapter of This news was greeted with a hearty UCOMTO hosted its first round of applause. Historically Underutilized Business The Director of Equal Opportunity (HUB) Seminar and Networking Event. for the Georgia Department of This is an exciting time in the trans- Transportation, Michael Cooper, was portation history of Atlanta. The city is the keynote speaker. He provided buzzing with possibilities for HUBs HUBs with a significant amount of amid a visit from the U.S. Secretary of information on the trends in the Transportation, Secretary Ray LaHood, HUB certification process along with for the Atlanta Streetcar Kick-Off and details on how to approach the federal an upcoming vote regarding funding certifications. His presentation was for regional lists of transportation both enjoyable and informative, improvement projects. reflecting his 30 years of experience Our very own President and CEO, in the field of equal opportunity and Julie Cunningham visits COMTO Ft. Lauderdale Julie Cunningham made a special civil rights. trip to bring a legislative update to Attendees enjoyed networking at the event attendees. HUBs were informed conclusion of the event and provided about the removal of restrictions on several positive accolades about the personal net worth in addition to the value of the event. ability to transfer HUB certifications Northern California recent membership survey by portation policy depends on main- COMTO NorCal shows that taining a strong membership base A members want greater interaction that is engaged in our programs and with industry leaders and increased committed to ensuring transportation opportunity for career and professional development meets the needs of our Austin development. various communities,” said Debra Johnson, President of COMTO NorCal. his quarter COMTO Austin released our annual student scholarships More than 78 percent of respondents during the month of March. First Transit and Veolia have both reported career advancement and The survey queried members on a Tcommitted monies to fund two academic based and transportation development as their primary area of range of topics including optimum time focused scholarships for the chapter. The recipients will be announced in interest, followed by 64 percent who and locations of meetings, reasons for mid- April. Further, on March 28 COMTO Austin hosted the Expand Your want greater networking opportunities sponsoring events, participation on Borders Tour Event with the COMTO National President. We had a total of with transportation leaders. working committees and suggested 31 individuals attend the morning event. The audience was diverse as we The survey, conducted for the second ideas for chapter improvement. had both public and private sector individuals attend. consecutive year, is a key component When polled on key drivers for program of NorCal’s efforts to increase mem- or event participation, 69 percent of bership growth and participation and respondents said that subject matter ensure that the chapter’s long-term was the most important. strategy is aligned with priorities of its members. “On behalf of the executive committee, I want to thank our chapter members Engagement in transportation issues for completing the survey and we look is a core charge of COMTO at the forward to their input throughout the national and chapter level. “Ensuring year,” said Johnson. our ongoing ability to influence trans-

COMTO President and CEO Julie Cunningham addressing the Austin Chapter

6 COMTO ... Moving the Nation COMTO USA Philadelphia Youth Explosion n Saturday, March 17, the Philadelphia Chapter presented their 7th Annual Youth Explosion. This year’s event was geared to promoting Ocareers in the field of aviation. The students were given a plethora of information and insight to the various professions in the aviation arena. The panel presenters came from a variety of professional careers, from administrators to fight instructors. The highlight of this event was the presentation given by a Tuskegee Airman in the person of Dr . Eugene Richardson. Dr. Richardson kept everyone’s attention as he stressed the importance of staying focused and being committed. His message was essentially that education is vital for success. This event was very informative and educational for all.

Breakfast Networking Seminar

On March 2, COMTO-Philadelphia hosted the first in a series of networking The event was a huge success and the response was overwhelming. The event breakfasts intended to bring local Philadelphia businesses together to give MBE/ was held in downtown Philadelphia at the Hilton Garden Inn. The general con- WBE/DBE firms an opportunity to network with majority firms as well as other sensus among attendees was that the event was affordable, enlightening and MBE/WBE/DBE firms. The keynote speaker, Jeffrey Knueppel, SEPTA’s Chief they are looking forward to the next two events planned for the fall. Upcoming Engineer and Assistant General Manager, spoke about contracting opportunities keynote speakers include representatives from Amtrak, the Philadelphia Regional with SEPTA, explained the workings of SEPTA’s DBE program and answered Port Authority, South Jersey Port Corporation and Delaware River Port Authority. general questions from the attendees.

San Antonio

Dear Members: If you have any changes to your contact information, please be sure to update your profile online. www .comto .org COMTO San Antonio President James Coleman presents COMTO President and CEO Julie Cunningham with COMTO San Antonio’s — Thank you! Contribution to the COMTO National Scholarship Fund.

6 COMTO ... Moving the Nation ACCELERATE Spring 2012 7 Diversity in Motion (continued from page 5)

TRB Volunteers Honored in COMTO Scholarship Recipient New Class of National Associates Joins Reminger Law Firm of the National Academies Julian Emerson, a former COMTO scholarship recipient, recently passed the Ohio bar exam and The National Associates of the National Academies now practices as an attorney in Reminger’s Program was started in 2001 to recognize extraordinary Cleveland office. He joined the firm as a law clerk contributions made by individuals to the National in 2010. He focuses his practice in the areas of Research Council (NCR) through their volunteer service professional liability, general liability, trucking and on committees and panels of the NRC and the Institute of commercial transportation. As a recent graduate of Medicine. The NRC chair periodically designates individ- Temple University Beasley School of Law, Emerson Julian Emerson uals for this honor under guidelines established by the served as justice of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity NRC governing board. Robert Prince International and served on the executive board of the Black Law The 2011 class of National Associates includes 29 Students Association. individuals who have served the Transportation Research In 2004, Emerson received COMTO Philadelphia’s General College Board (TRB) with distinction and who had not previously Scholarship; in 2005, he received the COMTO National Rosa Parks been honored with this recognition. Among them are Scholarship; in 2006, he was the recipient of COMTO National’s Thomas Robert Prince, COMTO board member and AECOM Vice G. Newsom Scholarship; and in 2007, he was honored with the COMTO President, and Paul Larrousse, COMTO Partner and Philadelphia General College Scholarship. ■ Director of the National Transit Institute. Membership in the National Associates recognizes past service and is Paul Larrousse active for life. ■

Keith Britton, P.E., M.S., MBA Bradlink, LLC. E-10 Award

Appointed to DFW International The Houston Minority Supplier Diversity Council (HMSDC) Emerging (E-10) Awards Luncheon awarded Helen Airport Board of Appeals Callier, President of Bradlink, LLC, with the E-10 Top Minority Business Award in honor of Bradlink’s business The COMTO Dallas 1st Vice President was tapped success and small, minority, and women owned business to serve on the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport advocacy in the Greater Houston Area. Ms. Callier said, Board of Appeals (BOA). The Airport Board of Directors “I am grateful and inspired for HMSDC, one of the most formally installed the new members on April 11, 2012. Helen Callier recognized business diversity councils located in the fourth largest city in the U.S., to recognize Bradlink for Mr. Britton was also appointed to serve on the City of doing an outstanding job. On behalf of the Bradlink team, I am honored to Frisco, Texas Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also receive this prestigious award and it is our desire to continue to deliver and serves as a mentor for the Young Entrepreneurs “get it done” for the Houston region plus make a larger impact in our great Keith Britton Academy where high school students progress through country,” said Callier. a 30-week course. The course teaches the students Callier also serves as the Chair of the 2012 Houston Greater Procurement about entrepreneurship including developing a business plan, selling their idea to Conference Advisory and Planning Committee. While working previously in an investor panel, and starting their own businesses. the capacity as co-chair, she was able to provide hundreds of small and Mr. Britton is a progressive young professional under 40 who has a serious minority owned businesses an opportunity to meet key local, state and federal entrepreneurial spirit and is an active member of COMTO Dallas and the National agency and prime decision makers. This experience also served as an occasion Society of Black Engineers. He is the Principal of Iconic Consulting Group, a civil for Bradlink to better serve their existing clientele, and a way to connect with engineering consulting firm with headquarters in Dallas, Texas with offices in future, prospective clients. Bradlink’s client Frank Wengler, Vice President of AECOM, states, “I have had the privilege to watch Bradlink grow under Helen’s Houston, Texas and Denver, Colorado. ■ leadership, and I don’t know anyone who is more deserving of this distinguished award. I am a testimonial of her ‘living and breathing’ her clients and I look forward to a continued working relationship with Bradlink in the days ahead.” Callier was also instrumental in helping to revamp the City of Houston’s SMDBE Mentor Protégé Program. This blossomed to a larger program “Guiding Protégés to Success” that involves HISD, Port of Houston and METRO Transit and provides small businesses an opportunity to grow and develop their business through mentorship from large primes and agency involvement. ■

8 COMTO ... Moving the Nation Diversity in Motion COMTO National (continued from page 1)

COMTO CHICAGO Celebrates the COMTO CEO and Board Members Promotions of Members... Visit Chapters Across the Country Transit Authority, said that chapters’ focus on the national strategy will India Birdsong Illinois Capital Program. Eunice has benefit members by giving them a stake in one of the only Chicago Transit been a member of WTS for more than organizations that caters to their needs. Authority five years and a COMTO supporter for “It will give COMTO members an opportunity to make a valuable India Birdsong, was the same time becoming more involved with COMTO Chicago Chapter Board contribution to the only national organization that is invested in the recently promoted at community of color within the transportation industry,” she said. the Chicago Transit since 2009. India Birdsong Authority (CTA) to Roman notes that she is hoping the dialogue between COMTO a Transportation Brianna Hickman National and its local chapters continues throughout the year and that Manager in Bus Operations. Ms. Chicago State she is anticipating some of the new opportunities presented to Birdsong is a former TCRP Ambassador University engage the two segments and solidify the relationship. and the current Treasurer of the COMTO COMTO Chicago “I am looking forward to the implementation of a COMTO retreat or Chicago Chapter. Intern Brianna leadership development day or weekend hosted by National for the new Hickman left the chapter officers, who will be voted in this spring,” she said. “The retreat Eunice Brianna Hickman Arizona sunny should model a grassroots leadership training with an executive Mina Escobar weather for the transportation theme. Its agenda should include, but not be limited to, Regional Windy City to join the Chicago State the role of COMTO’s leaders within the industry and a plethora Transportation University (CSU), where she is a of ‘how-to’s.’ Authority Business Marketing Major and a “This should be a holistic leadership development program that would Successful, experi- member of the CSU Women’s Golf Team. aid local chapter members, particularly those in non-senior staff Eunice Mina Escobar enced public finan- Rovaughn Graham positions, to continue to want to invest in COMTO because COMTO is cial professional Chicago Transit making an investment in them, as opposed to looking to other with more than 20 years of increasing Authority professional organizations for development opportunities. An responsibilities primarily in the fields of interactive program such as this could help National enhance its public transportation and capital pro- Mr. Graham was relationship with local chapter presidents and simultaneously gram management who has success- recently promoted strengthen the chapter’s succession plan, under National’s directive. fully assisted in managing multi-million to General Manager Providing this type of guidance may assist local chapters with identi- dollar capital programs, Eunice Escobar Rovaughn Graham of the 77th Street fying successful candidates for COMTO sponsored programs and currently works for the Northeastern Garage in the CTA’s assist in the development of future leaders of transit agencies and Illinois Regional Transportation Authority, Bus Operations Department. members of service transportation boards.” where she has been promoted to Program Manager of Asset Management Ronald Ester Shirlyn A . Myles, COMTO St. Louis President and community liaison Oversight. Prior to working at the RTA, Chicago Transit for Missouri Department of Transportation, said that Cunningham’s Eunice worked for more than 15 years Authority (CTA) visit allowed her chapter to identify and strategically target specific at the Illinois Department of Mr. Ester has been organizations for membership using her visit as a chance to set up Transportation, Division of Public and appointed Vice- meetings with key leaders. The chapter has also already developed Intermodal Transportation as the pro- President of its goals for the remainder of the year as a result of the meeting, gram manager for the Northeastern Ronald Ester Rail Operations. ■ including regularly scheduled general membership meetings, fundraisers and networking events, scholarships for the HBCU in the region and more. “After this visit, we are specifically looking forward to acquiring new members, increasing participation and more members attending Eno/Robert H. Prince, Jr. conferences,” Myles said. Scholarship Awarded With the chapters focusing on COMTO National’s strategy, Myles believes that members will benefit through more organizational Congratulations to Barney McCoy the recipient of the structure and clarification, increased training and professional Eno/Robert H. Prince Scholarship. McCoy’s career in development, access to networking opportunities and scholarships, ■ transportation includes marketing and customer service and more officer and chair roles. within both the airline and public transit industries. McCoy is fluent in French and holds a Masters of Science degree in Transportation Planning and Management. ■

Barney McCoy

8 COMTO ... Moving the Nation ACCELERATE Spring 2012 9 COMTO National (continued from page 9)

CEO Corner: Carolyn Flowers | Charlotte Area Transit System

Company Name: Charlotte Area Transit System What goals are you looking to accomplish this year regarding CATS? Number of Constituents Served: My main goal is to secure a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for the FY2011 | 24.3 million rides Blue Line Extension. This is a commitment from the federal government to Number of vehicles: 322 pay half the cost of construction of the light rail line. We are also anticipating the State of North Carolina to sign a State Full Funding Grant Years in the industry: 20 Agreement (SFFGA) for 25 percent of the cost of building the line. This will keep us on schedule to start construction in 2013. We will also continue

Carolyn Flowers evaluating options to advance our 2030 Transit System Plan and focus on delivering quality service during the DNC. What would you say is your biggest accomplishment as CEO of Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)? How is the Charlotte Area Transit System planning to accommodate the traffic/travelers that this year’s Democratic Convention will I would say my biggest accomplishment is advancing the long-range transit bring? What do you think will be some of the challenges that may plan under the current economic climate. The Blue Line Extension (BLE) is arise with this event? How do you think the convention will affect moving forward into final design. We are also looking at innovative financing the City of Charlotte? options for the proposed Red Line in the northern part of the county. CATS has implemented many financial decisions to maintain a high quality of service and CATS has not been informed of any decisions that would impact the transit current service levels in this economy. system during the Democratic National Convention. We are confident that CATS services will be operational during the convention. ■

Farewell to a Friend The COMTO community mourns the death Winter Park Jazz Festival of founding member and staunch public Saturday, July 21, 2012 transportation advocate Daniel C . Lawson. 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Mr. Lawson began his transit career in 1975 when Houston Mayor Fred Hofheinz requested his services to help initiate the COMTO Colorado Chapter invites you to join them development of the city’s transit program. Daniel C. Lawson This led to the creation of the Metropolitan inside their tent for the Winter Park Jazz Festival Transit Authority of Houston. on Saturday, July 21, 2012. In 1979, Mr. Lawson started his own company, Lawson National Distributing, which was involved in the marketing and sales of Please see the COMTO Colorado Chapter website public transit vehicles. In 1986, Black Enterprises magazine for details: http://www.coloradocomto.org recognized Lawson National Distributing as the ninth largest for more information. African American company. In 1995, he created an innovative marketing process bundling financing, leasing, maintenance, vehicle procurement and facility Register with COMTO development in long-term 12 to 15-year contracts. This led to the Colorado prior to purchasing first nationwide Federal Transit Administration approved “turnkey” lease maintenance program for transportation systems through a your tickets unless you have your joint venture with the Roger Penske Corporation and GE Capital. own transportation . From 1997 to 2003, Mr. Lawson served as a key strategist and fundraiser in the successful elections of Dr . Lee P . Brown, To purchase tickets go to: Houston’s first African American Mayor. He was also a key adviser to Mayor Brown in the strategy, development and funding of the http://bit.ly/JpjqTR city’s light rail system built by Siemens. Mr. Lawson was a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he played football. He played professionally with the Washington Redskins after his graduation. OSU later inducted him into its Leadership Legacy Program and in 2005 named him the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. He is survived by his wife Johnnye, his son Daniel R. Lawson and a host of loving relatives and friends. ■ 10 COMTO ... Moving the Nation Welcome New Members COMTO welcomes members who joined the association between Nov. 8, 2011 and Feb. 15, 2012

Business Members Central Florida Dallas New Jersey Khadijah Hall Catondra Noye Desbuild Incorporated Sabina Mohammadi Isolina Byrd Portia Henry Clinton James Lydina Nunn Hyattsville, Md. Braden Carlton Elis Sosa Garrett Marsh Anna Padilla Chicago Enrique Garcia Naja Taylor John Milius Felix Perez Dima Mircheva Sally Ann Rigdon Academic Homa Ashouri Gerry Gilliam Michael Bastanipour Joy Morrison New York Myneca Ojo Shannon Roberts Institutions Phillip Beckham Micheal Williams Marva Brown Bijan Pashanamaei Laura Rubio University of Pennsylvania Countess Cary Alfreda Parker Kimberly Reed Pauline Vasquez Philadelphia, Pa. Jack Chalabian Delaware Esteban Varas Clarena Tolson Kevin Wilson Ronald Ester Tavon Cherry North Carolina Thoa Vu Daniel Hall Natasha Griffith Reginald Arrington Carlton Williams Southern California TaNesheha Harris Devon Hackett Jeannene Lynch Moises Young Randy Johnson Individuals Peter Ousley Darryl King Listed by Chapter Ronald Singleton Maryland Northern California San Antonio Paris Tyler Felicia Alexander Shirley Douglas Veronica Araiza Washington, D.C. At Large Iain Banks Michele Johnson Juana Borrego Sandra Candelaria Ferdinand Risco Cincinnati Dennis Dorsey Joe Wallace Elizabeth Campbell Darnell Grisby Bernard Smith Jerrod Huggins Kenneth Davison Natalie Wilkins Atlanta James Washington Tershia Moulden Philadelphia Shirley De Leon Carl Dreighton James Wong Colorado State Karen Alexander Stephanie Flint J. Chad Gilbert Michigan Taylor Bailey Michael Hightower Birmingham Freddie Hanns Oladayo Akinyemi Rosetta Bussie Craig LaFond Wytangy Peak Lloyd Herrera Darryl Daniels Deborah Carpenter Veronica Lopez Adrian Solomon Gregory Murphy Harold Gardner Gene Council Dianne Mendoza Benjamin Murray Vanessa Hansle David Didier Devoria Moore Timothy Miles Michelle Ehiriodo Boston Hubert Nelson Adler Eliacin Chelsea Shelling Nathalia Galarza Farewell to a Friend COMTO Council of Presidents: Your COMTO Chapter Contacts The following individuals represent active COMTO chapters on the prestigious COMTO Council of Presidents and are the principal contacts for the chapters. Each individual’s name, company, and email address are provided below. For expanded contact information, visit the “Chapters” link on the COMTO website, www.comto.org.

Arizona Cincinnati Houston New York Southern California Paul L. Garvin Carole E. Senior Kimberly Williams James “Tony” Dandridge Kathie Allen Don Todd Associates, Inc. SORTA/Metro METRO-Houston New York City Transit Authority Los Angeles County Metro Transit [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Authority [email protected] Atlanta Cleveland Indiana North Carolina Joseph Erves Danielle Bennett Juan Battle Ramond Robinson St. Louis Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Indianapolis Public Transportation Charlotte Area Transit System Shirlyn Myles Authority Authority Corporation [email protected] Missouri Department of [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Transportation Northern California [email protected] Austin Colorado State Jacksonville Debra Johnson Blanca Juarez Walter Bembry James Warren Jr. San Francisco Municipal Utah University of Texas-Austin LTK Engineering Jacksonville Transportation Transportation Agency Edward Lewis Jr. [email protected] [email protected] Authority [email protected] ISIS International, Inc. [email protected] [email protected] Birmingham Dallas Oregon/Southwest Walter Howlett Jr. Renee Edwards Kansas City Washington Washington, DC A.G. Gaston Construction Co. Inc. Dallas Area Rapid Transit A. J. Byrd Debora Leopold Hutchins Venkat Subramanian [email protected] [email protected] Missouri Department of Tri County Metropolitan Angarai Transportation Transportation District of Oregon [email protected] Boston Delaware [email protected] [email protected] Roma McKenzie-Campbell Luther Wynder Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Delaware Transit Corporation Maryland Philadelphia Editor’s Note: [email protected] [email protected] Adrienne Barnes Raynard Hughes This list does not include COMTO Department of Transportation, City Southeastern Pennsylvania chapters that have pending officer Central Florida Fort Lauderdale of Baltimore Transportation Authority [email protected] elections (Columbus, Hampton Alison Hewitt Renee Matthews rhughes@septa.org Hillsborough Regional Transit South Florida Regional Roads, New Jersey, South Carolina) Authority Transportation Authority Miami San Antonio or are inactive as of this writing [email protected] [email protected] Kenneth Jones James Coleman (Dayton, Gary, Northern Virginia, Miami Dade Transit VIA Metropolitan Transit Pittsburgh). Chicago Fort Worth [email protected] [email protected] Maria-Teresa Roman Albert Johnson Chicago Transit Authority Fort Worth Transportation Authority Michigan [email protected] [email protected] Terrance Hicks Michigan Department of Transportation [email protected]

10 COMTO ... Moving the Nation ACCELERATE Spring 2012 11 1875 I Street, NW, Ste. 500 Washington, DC 20006 202.857.8064 o 202.318.0364 f Administrative Office: 12100 Sunset Hills Road, Ste. 130 Reston, VA 20190 703.234.4072 o 703.435.4390 f

Investing in the Workforce Rebuilding theNation

COMTO’s 41st National Meeting and Training Conference | July 21–25 Register by June 21, 2012 and Save!

COMTO National Leadership National Chair Board Members Founder and Roosevelt Bradley At-Large Honorary Chairman President and Frank Martin Chief Executive Officer Emeritus Accelerate is a quarterly newsletter published by the Senior Vice President United Brake & Clutch Service, LLC The Rev . Jerry Moore Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Post, Buckley, Schuh and Medley, Fla. Washington, D.C. 12100 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 130, Reston, VA 20190 Jernigan, Inc. (PBS&J) Tallahassee, Fla. 703.234.4072 1st Vice Chair Co-founder and Cheryl McKissack Robert Prince Honorary Historian info@comto .org, www .comto .org Chief Executive Officer Vice President and Harold Williams McKissack & McKissack Articles may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. General Manager Bitely, Mich. AECOM New York, N.Y. Publisher: Julie A. Cunningham Boston, Mass. John Lewis Board Advisors Editor: Bill Carney Chief Executive Officer Mary Ann Collier 2nd Vice Chair Central Florida Regional Swayzer Engineering Inc. Lester Woods Jr . Transportation Authority (LYNX) Dallas, Texas © 2012 All Rights Reserved External Civil Rights Director Orlando, Fla. Gabriele Mack Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Council of Presidents Vice President for Business COMTO Vision Statement Diversity and Strategic Markets, Jefferson City, Mo. To see the diverse faces of America equally reflected in all levels of Representatives Office of Government Relations the transportation industry. Secretary/Treasurer Renee Edwards Jacobs Engineering Group Technical Services Administrator Arlington, Va. Warren Montague Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) COMTO Mission Statement Director, Service Operations A . Bradley Mims Dallas, Texas Partner To ensure a level playing field and maximum participation in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Venkat Subramanian Federal Advocates Inc. transportation industry for minority individuals, businesses, and Philadelphia, Pa. President and Washington, D.C. communities of color through advocacy, information sharing, Chief Executive Officer Deborah Underwood Angarai International Inc. training, educational, and professional development. Immediate Past Chair Program Manager Shirley DeLibero Largo, Md. North Carolina A&T State University President and Greensboro, N.C. COMTO Core Values Chief Executive Officer President and Chief Debra Simmons Wilson COMTO’s core values are embodied in how we conduct business DeLibero Transportation Executive Officer Strategies, LLC Managing Principal Julie A . Cunningham and how we interact with our stakeholders, including our members, Boston, Mass. Engaging Solutions, LLC customers, partners, and supporters. We affirm and are committed to Washington, D.C. Indianapolis, Ind. the following core values: Advocacy, Diversity, Excellence, Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity, and Service.