Norman Mineta Honored by COMTO

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SPRING 2019 A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS

IN THIS ISSUE: Meet State DOT Directors Attending Our NMTC

Infrastructure Talks Stall in Washington

Advocating for Accessibility & Inclusion

Jon Alexander is COMTO’s Rising Star 2 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

COMTO BOARD OF DIRECTORS National Chair TABLE OF CONTENTS Freddie Fuller II

1st Vice Chair Tanya Adams

Secretary/Treasurer Loretta Kirk At-Large Members 3 Carmen Garcia MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Gwendolen Gray MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO Carla Williams Adelee LeGrand Mark Gale 4 Council of Presidents LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: INFRASTRUCTURE TALKS STALL IN WASHINGTON Representatives Ruben Landa India Birdsong 6 ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE ADVANCES COMTO MISSION Council of Presidents Alternate Beverly Green 9 Immediate Past Chair IT STARTS BY ASKING, “WHAT IF?” Warren Montague

Board Advisor Christian Kent 10 CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER READY TO WELCOME NMTC

ACC ELERATE is a publication of the 12-15 Conference Of Minority MEET AMERICA’S BLACK STATE DOT DIRECTORS Transportation Officials (COMTO) •PAUL AJEGBA, DIRECTOR OF THE MICHIGAN DOT COMTO MISSION •JACK MARCHBANKS, DIRECTOR OF THE OHIO DOT STATEMENT •SHAWN WILSON, SECRETARY OF THE LOUISIANA DOTD COMTO provides opportunities in the •OMER OSMAN, SECRETARY OF THE ILLINOIS DOT transportation industry for minority participation and advancement, through advocacy, training, and 17 professional development. JON ALEXANDER IS A COMTO RISING STAR

1330 Braddock Place Suite 203 Alexandria, VA 22314 18 NORMAN MINETA IS HONORED BY COMTO 202.506.2917 [email protected] www.comtonational.org 20 Articles may not be reproduced without the CWWMN RECAP publisher’s written permission.

Publisher: A. Bradley Mims Editor: McMillon 22 Communications MOBILITY FOR ALL – PRICELESS!

Design: Gloria Marconi Illustration & Design

A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 3 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR “

DEAR COMTO FAMILY: American State DOT directors will hen I began my tenure last fall attend our conference and share their

as Chair, I set an agenda that insights. You can read more about these includes four key goals. Those distinguished men on pages 12-15 of Wgoals have been adopted and this issue. Our goal to aggressively pursued by our strong Our goal to grow diversity in membership national team and we are beginning is demonstrated by raising awareness of our grow diversity to see rewards. Accessibility Committee’s activities to enhance The first goal is a focus on transportation inclusion and mobility for people with in membership...

technology. Our upcoming National Meeting disabilities. Read more about their work on page and Training Conference is themed to reflect that 6 of this issue and note their Workshop Track at to enhance emphasis: Intelligent Mobility – Transforming the conference. the Future of Transportation. The conference Succession Planning to attract energetic young inclusion and offers a variety of workshop sessions on such men and women to leadership roles in COMTO topics as Electrified Mobility and Preparing for is ongoing. Meet Jon Alexander on Page 17, a mobility for Next Gen Charging Stations; Connected Vehicles prime example of our success in that effort. in a Connected World and Accessibility and I look forward to seeing you all in July! people with Innovative Mobility, among others. All the best, “ A second goal is to become a more visible and disabilities. collaborative organization. To that end, we reached out to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) which represents state highway and transportation “ departments. As a result, the four African Freddie C. Fuller II MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

DEAR COMTO MEMBERS AND FRIENDS: our mission for HUB businesses to find a n today’s charged political climate, level playing field in their pursuit of contracts it appears that diversity is under fire and work. and inclusion is a word that should We are encouraged by the efforts of It is clearly time Ibe whispered. In fact, a recent our chapters that are raising considerable Gallup survey of major corporations indicated a sums to finance scholarships for students widespread anxiety about diversity issues in interested in transportation-oriented fields. for COMTO to the workplace. An initial example is the Southern California revisit our core It is clearly time for COMTO to revisit our core Chapter that recently surpassed a scholarship mission to ensure opportunities and maximum fundraising goal of $50,000! mission... participation in the transportation industry for I also draw your attention to our new HUB Small minority individuals, businesses, and communities Business Directory which aims to connect small of color. We must approach our vision with businesses with organizations looking for partners renewed energy and vigilance. and contractors. Sign up and get connected on We call on all organizations who have a similar page 24! mission in the industries and communities they I hope to see you all at our National Meeting and represent to do the same. Training Conference in Tampa. At COMTO, we are determined to make sure that Yours in Solidarity, the resources are available to multi-cultural young men and women so they can build solid career paths in the transportation industry. We reinforce Brad Mims “ 4 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

INFRASTRUCTURE TALKS STALL IN WASHINGTON

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE course of events, we have been

MAY 23, 2019: advised by Full Committee Chair Peter DeFazio’s staff that public OMTO National hearings are being scheduled continues to carefully The Green New at least once a month over the monitor legislative next year, and it is COMTO’s activities related to Deal is a bold C intention to be a high-profile promised infrastructure player in the conversation as the legislation in the 116th transformative committees proceed with their

Congress. All indications are fact finding. plan to equitably that both sides of the aisle – Democrat and Republican We have made formal requests transition to a – and both chambers of to have COMTO’s CEO A. Congress – the House and Bradley Mims testify before the clean economy, the Senate – are highly motivated to construct a Full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, bi-partisan agreement on infrastructure legislation. or its subcommittees’ hearings. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chair of the Transportation & attack the We understand the Democratic leadership Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and “ has met and is continuing to meet with White Transit is quoted as saying, it is her objective problems of House officials, Congressional Republicans and to bring together “… industry experts for a other members of the Administration to try dialogue with committee Democrats to increase climate change to forge a bipartisan plan to address national understanding of the emerging issues surrounding infrastructure policy and long-term funding for surface transportation throughout the country.” while increasing infrastructure improvements. Recent White House “ meetings reportedly resulted in an agreement access to high- It is important for COMTO to emphasize the on an approximately $2 trillion price tag for critical nature of “transportation” in the definition paying jobs, infrastructure investment. No agreement or details of infrastructure. Although Congress will certainly are available as to funding this investment were take the big picture approach when viewing economic made available. infrastructure needs in this country, i.e., water, power, pipelines, IT, etc., we must ensure that President Donald Trump stated in a letter to transportation and all its distinctive components development, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader remain at its definitive core. Charles Schumer that he thought Congress energy efficiency should act on the United States–Mexico–Canada Although no single piece of wide-sweeping Agreement (USMCA) trade deal before tackling legislation has yet been drafted in the current and an overhaul infrastructure. Despite his statement, further Congress, it is interesting to note that the meetings were scheduled to take place. Generating American Infrastructure and of the nation’s Income Now (GAIIN) Act, a bill introduced last However, the White House abruptly cancelled the November by Republican Congressman Mike most recent infrastructure talks after a contentious transportation Kelly, is garnering renewed attention. The bill exchange with Mr. Trump during which Speaker proposed that the federal government sell off a Pelosi accused the President of “engaging in a system. portion of its lease asserts to fund infrastructure coverup.” It is unclear when these White House projects specifically in impoverished inner city infrastructure discussions will resume. and rural communities. COMTO is reviewing the In the meantime, as part of the established details of this legislation and although it is said A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 5

REP. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, CHAIR OF THE TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS AND TRANSIT IS QUOTED AS SAYING: IT IS HER OBJECTIVE TO BRING TOGETHER “… INDUSTRY EXPERTS FOR A DIALOGUE WITH COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF THE EMERGING ISSUES SURROUNDING SURFACE TRANSPORTATION THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.” to have some bi-partisan support, a prognosis of to accomplish the goals and objectives identified GAIIN’s survival in Congress is unclear. in the resolution. We will keep our membership updated on these issues. We have received questions about the New Green Deal, what position COMTO might take and how it might impact our membership. In short, the Green New Deal is a bold transformative plan to equitably transition to a clean economy, attack the problems of climate change while increasing access to high-paying jobs, economic development, energy efficiency and an overhaul of the nation’s transportation system. The Green New Deal is not a single law. WRITTEN BY: It was presented to Congress as a non-binding Renee Banks resolution. The next steps will be to develop a Co-Chair, Legislative Council diverse collection of economic, social justice, COMTO National labor, and environmental policies and programs President & Chief Communications Officer G.W. Peoples (GWP)

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COMTO’S ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE ADVANCES OUR MISSION

or the Co-Chairs of opportunities within our industry. The Accessibility COMTO’s Accessibility COMTO’s mission is to break down Committee was Committee Christian T. barriers and level the playing field FKent and Monica Simon, for everyone, and that includes both experts in advocating for those with disabilities.” Drawing conceived in accessibility for people with from Kent’s extensive career disabilities in transportation, the experience serving people with 2017, when CEO COMTO mission is an ideal fit disabilities, Montague commissioned for their life’s work. Kent to develop a charter for a A. Bradley Mims proposed Accessibility Committee. Kent joined COMTO in 2007 at He subsequently appointed Kent to and then-Board the invitation of former COMTO President and the Board of Directors as Accessibility Advisor, CEO, Julie Cunningham. “I had found a place and co-chair of the newly formed Accessibility Chair Warren where everyone is welcome, and where diversity, Committee with another accessibility expert and inclusion, succession planning and leadership COMTO member, Monica Simon. Montague training, and equal opportunity are not only core values but also real outcomes,” he said. “This is When the concept of the committee was first emphasized truly an organization that believes that we are all introduced to COMTO, Kent said, “We were together better,” he added. delighted to discover that there was significant that accessibility interest from the membership. Nearly 50 people Kent’s role with COMTO has expanded signed up for our first presentation.” has a special significantly over the years. “Almost immediately, Julie pressed me into service on the nominating Simon agrees. “The passion and commitment of meaning for committee for officers and board members, and COMTO has given us a powerful forum to raise then she said she was not done with me.” She awareness and ensure equity for people with COMTO that shared her vision for an awards program to disabilities.” recognize the achievements of women in our Both Kent and Simon are uniquely qualified industry, and soon thereafter, Kent found himself needs to be as thought leaders in improving quality and on the planning committee of the tremendously understanding of the needs of the riding public, successful “Celebrating Women Who Move the conveyed. particularly as it relates to people with disabilities. Nation” event, and he served in this capacity for five years. With more than 32 years of experience in the public transportation “The Accessibility Committee industry, Kent is best known was conceived in 2017, when for his 12-year executive role as CEO A. Bradley Mims and then- accessibility chief for the nation’s Board Chair Warren Montague fifth largest paratransit service emphasized that accessibility has at the Washington Metropolitan a special meaning for COMTO Area Transit Authority. Kent that needs to be conveyed,” said now heads Transit Management Kent. “People with disabilities Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm have experienced many barriers, specializing in paratransit business both physical and political, not strategy, leadership training and only to public transit service, development, and executive but also to jobs and contracting recruitment. A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 7

“AMONG OUR GOALS IS EDUCATING ORGANIZATIONS THAT COMPLYING WITH THE ADA IS NOT ONLY THE LAW, BUT THE RIGHT THING TO DO. I AM PROUD THAT WORKING WITH AND ADVOCATING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES HAS BEEN MY FAMILY’S BUSINESS.” — MONICA SIMON

Simon, who has been a member of COMTO the right thing to do. I am proud that working for more than twenty years, is Principal and with and advocating for people with disabilities Co-Founder of SIMON and SIMON Resources, has been my family’s business.” Inc. She and her mother, the late Dr. Rosalyn Simon, a renowned accessibility expert, created This year, at COMTO’s 2019 National Meeting the firm in 1999, to provide ADA training in and Training Conference, to be held July 12-July the transit industry. The firm quickly expanded 16 in Tampa, Florida, Kent and Simon will host a to include paratransit eligibility improvement meeting of the Accessibility Committee, and the plans, customer satisfaction measurement, and Accessibility and Innovative Mobility track will leadership training. offer increased visibility for the committee and its relationship to the COMTO mission. “Among our goals is educating organizations that complying with the ADA is not only the law, but 19-CTS-AD-COMTO HALF PAGE ACCELERATE HORIZONTAL-V1.pdf 1 5/6/19 1:25 PM

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he theme of the The facility, when The SunTrax 2019 National complete, will include infield includes Meeting and a 2.25-mile oval track scenario testing Training Conference, (construction for this for automated and T connected vehicle phase will be completed “Intelligent Mobility, technology with 11 Transforming the Future in mid-2019) on a 475- separate proving of Transportation,” could acre site and will test circuits for multiple not resonate more with self-driving vehicles in urban and suburban the curious and innovating minds at Jacobs! We simulated situations such as rain, fog and smoke. intersection get excited and energized to solve our world’s As master planner, Jacobs is developing the conditions. connectivity challenges: there are tunnels to dig, layout for 200+/- -acre infield area of the SunTrax tracks to lay, roads and bridges to build, airports facility that includes integrated services, complex and seaports to modernize and collaboration road network design and architecture from technologies to conceptualize. What does it take concepts through construction documents. You to transform the future of transportation? It begins can read more about it here: https://www.jacobs. with asking “what if” to surface new possibilities com/projects/SunTrax and harness technical experience to bring bold solutions to fruition. Our future depends on our commitment to inspiring minds and fostering study in these Technology is evolving rapidly, and the world’s critical areas of need in the transportation transportation infrastructure needs must now industry. Jacobs is so proud to partner with factor in the ability to support a myriad of COMTO and support three scholarships which disrupters from driverless vehicles and intelligent will be awarded to deserving candidates this traffic systems to automated container terminals summer. We share in COMTO’s mission and and airport drones and solar powered freeway vision to engage minority individuals, businesses, lanes and electric vehicle charging stations. These and communities of color through advocacy, emerging technologies produce massive amounts knowledge sharing, learning, education and of data to be harnessed and managed – data professional development. that must be translated into organizational knowledge and filtered through operational There will be so much to explore at the 2019 process and testing to deliver the next level of National Meeting and Training Conference in customer experience. Tampa! One of the conversations we’ll be leading is a panel entitled, “What if We are already making great We Showed You? Innovation, strides in the safe testing and Connectivity and Equity deployment of autonomous in Regional Transportation vehicles on public roads Service.” The discussion will Safety is a top focus on the latest trends in conjunction with the concern and a Florida Turnpike Authority and strategic investments in focus at SunTrax, and Florida Polytechnic innovation, digital disruption where testing will University, to design a test and technology across various help develop the facility called SunTrax with a modes of transportation. It technology to more-controlled environment is certain to be a lively and reduce the number to drive the technology insightful conversation of road accidents. forward. and we hope you will join us. 10 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER READY TO WELCOME COMTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE

hen Central Florida Tampa, Williams continues, also offers

Chapter President Carla a wealth of enjoyable sights and Williams welcomes experiences for attendees’ off hours. Wattendees to the 48th “I recommend a visit to the historic National Meeting and Training district of Ybor City, famous for its Conference in Tampa, she hopes hand rolled cigars and fresh-ground to leverage the warm atmosphere coffee as well as its vibrant character of the state to provide a stress-free and charming architecture,” she said. and productive experience. CARLA WILLIAMS She also urges a visit to the 110-year-

“Florida is noted as a vacation old Columbia Restaurant to enjoy their destination with a very relaxed feel, so I’m sure historic 1905 Salad. that will translate well for our attendees,” she Most exciting for said. “Plus, we are providing efficient and easy- Williams is the to-use guides and an app to our conference opportunity to showcase agenda that will reduce stress in identifying, COMTO and its mission finding and enjoying our valuable sessions, for Central Florida We hope to panels and seminars.” residents. “This is attract new “ Williams, who is Manager of Community our chance to tell the Relations for the Hillsborough Area Regional COMTO story,” she members to the Transit Authority (HART), is eager to show off said. “We hope to attract the advances in technology and environmentally new members to the COMTO family and sensitive transportation options available in the COMTO family – and it is truly a family -- and to area: “Everything from Tampa International our national mission to level the playing field for to our national Airport’s latest people mover ‘SkyConnect,’ to our multicultural professionals and business owners Downtowner ride share vehicles and our ‘Keeping in the transportation industry.” it Green’ CNG buses,” she said. And, she adds, mission to level Learn more and register for the conference here. proudly “Our streetcars are free 7 days a week!” the playing field for multicultural professionals “and business owners in the transportation industry. A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 11

MEET AMERICA’S AFRICAN AMERICAN STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LEADERS

highlight of this year’s COMTO National Meeting and Training Conference is the attendance of all four of the country’s African AAmerican State Department of Transportation Directors and Secretaries. They represent Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Louisiana. They will participate on a panel introduced by Executive Director at AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) Jim Tymon and moderated by Rodney Slater, former United States Secretary of Transportation. In addition to their titles, all share the characteristics of charm, humor and amiability. They also share connections to HBCU’s – two attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, one attended Clark Atlanta University in Georgia and one attended Prairie View A&M University in Texas. On the following pages, we invite you to read their profiles and learn more about their backgrounds and their career paths to success.

12 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

MEET PAUL AJEGBA DIRECTOR OF THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION “ n initial unhappy realization Over the course of 28 years with At MDOT...you set Paul Ajegba on the the Department, Ajegba’s work path that has led him to has spoken volumes. For example, have power Areach the pinnacle of his during seven years in MDOT’s career: Director of the Michigan University Region, he oversaw over your own Department of Transportation his team’s involvement in the (MDOT). planning, design and construction destiny. You can Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ajegba of several major projects, including came to the United States in the the US-23 Flex Route — a project navigate your early 1980s at age 19 to study architecture. “My nominated for the America’s Transportation Award, neighbor in Lagos was a successful architect and I landing among the top 12 national finalists. Other own career. You admired him greatly,” he said. “I signed up eagerly notable projects include the I-94 rehabilitation for the studies.” project in Ann Arbor/Jackson, the I-96/US-23 interchange, and the I-75 freeway project. do your best “But,” he continued with a wry smile, “I soon discovered that I couldn’t draw! These were Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed him work and let pre- computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) Director of MDOT in January of this year and he software days, and architects were expected to immediately began to review and plan an overhaul the work speak produce clear and clean designs by hand,” he of the state’s aging infrastructure. “Our biggest explained. “I didn’t have the knack and I didn’t problem has been funding,” he said, “but we are “for itself. have the patience for it.” working to find ways to make improvements as well as squeeze out innovations to make our Fortunately for him, and the State of Michigan, he transportation system a 21st century model.” had also signed up for a civil engineering course. “I really liked it,” he said, “particularly the structural A COMTO member for many years, Ajegba has part. I understood the concepts easily. I got it and made significant contributions to the organization’s it got me.” mission. He was recently honored by the National Society of Black Engineers with a Lifetime Ajegba ultimately earned a Bachelor of Science Achievement Award which cited his creation degree in civil engineering from Prairie View of the MDOT Diversity Recruitment Program, a A&M University in Texas and a Master’s Degree in partnership between MDOT and Historically Black construction engineering from the University Colleges and Universities throughout the United of Michigan. States. The program offers valuable on-the-job A modest man with quiet charm and an amiable training and job shadowing to undergraduate honesty, Ajegba calls himself “a lucky guy” as students pursuing degrees he describes entry level work at a waste-water in engineering and other transportation- treatment plant, various consulting jobs in Detroit related careers. and then a successful career fair interview in 1990 For young men and women pursuing careers with the Michigan Department of Transportation. in engineering and transportation, some simple “MDOT has an engineering development program words of advice: “First, know your basics and where you are allowed to spend time moving look for ways to learn more. Then, understand about in various areas to see what is your best fit,” the power of teamwork and participate well. And, he said. “You have power over your own destiny. be respectful of, and attentive to, other people’s You can navigate your own career. You do your opinions at all times.” best work and let the work speak for itself.”

A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 13

MEET JACK MARCHBANKS DIRECTOR OF THE OHIO STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ack Marchbanks, Director of AE Group, Inc, an engineering, “ the Ohio State Department of architecture and construction We want to Transportation (ODOT), had, inspection firm. Jas a teenager, dreamed of a attract talented career as a lawyer and a world When he returned to ODOT, changer. “I wanted to work at Marchbanks was soon promoted people of all the United Nations and save the to Assistant Director for Business world,” he said with a chuckle. & Human Resources for the cultures to But his aspirations took him on department in July 2017. In this a different track, leading him to post, he was responsible for the mobility. And, transportation infrastructure. Now, he noted, “I’m overall management of the department’s 5,000 still trying to save the world, but it’s one traveler employees and the development of its $3.3 billion we want them at a time.” budget. He provided strategic direction to the statewide administrators of the agency’s finance, prepared for a Born near Muscle Shoals, AL, his family moved human resources, information technology, legal, to Dayton, Ohio where he grew up. There, he and communications divisions, as well as the multi-modal, was inspired by Cleveland, Ohio’s Mayor Carl opportunity, diversity and inclusion programs. Stokes, the nation’s first Black mayor. Later, while studying at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), he In January 2019, Ohio’s new Governor, Mike high tech met and admired Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first DeWine appointed Marchbanks as the Director of future. Black mayor. His dreams turned to politics and the Ohio Department of Transportation. “ the study of city infrastructure, planning “My number one priority for the department is and investment. transportation safety,” Marchbanks said. “We want Transportation became a specific interest after to build systems that are smart, high quality, and Robert Holmes, a political science professor at hard-wired for safety with world class materials.” CAU and State Representative, hired him as an An enthusiastic supporter of the COMTO intern to work on the planning study that set the mission, he is also committed to to working stage for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit with the organization helping small minority and Authority (MARTA). women-owned businesses gain contracts in the Marchbanks got his formal start in transportation transportation field and training diverse young in 1991, receiving an appointment to a regional people in a variety of transportation fields. “We administrator post. Through the years at ODOT want to attract talented people of all cultures to he worked his way up through the ranks at the mobility,” he said. “And, we want them prepared department, demonstrating an impressive record for a multi-modal, high-tech future.” of success in positions of increasing responsibility. Marchbanks, who is a staunch believer in As District 6 Deputy Director from May 1996 to life-long learning, recently earned a Doctor of January 2007 and again from June 2016 to July Philosophy degree from Ohio University. He 2017, he oversaw the investment of more than also holds an M.B.A. from Xavier University in $1.7 billion in surface transportation infrastructure. Cincinnati and a Master’s Degree from Clark- After leaving ODOT in 2007, Marchbanks moved Atlanta University. He is a graduate of the on to the private sector in Ohio as Business University of Dayton, where he earned his Development & Marketing Director for PRIME Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. 14 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

MEET SHAWN WILSON SECRETARY OF THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT

or Dr. Shawn Wilson, He began working for the Secretary of the Louisiana DOTD in 2004 and soon became Department of Transportation essential to the efficient operation and Development (DOTD), of the agency. From 2006 to 2016, “ F thoughtful planning and the he provided executive services provision of efficient and to the department, supporting DOTD has excellent services are “the core three successive Secretaries as of government.” This philosophy confidential assistant and then increased its has formed the base of his Chief of Staff. success as a leader throughout DBE goals and is life. Wilson was appointed Secretary of the DOTD by Governor John Bel Edwards on January 11, 2016. advancing more Born in New Orleans, Wilson said that his family has always been interested in politics. “My father, Since his appointment, Wilson has been a multi-cultural mother and brother encouraged me to pay tireless advocate for new revenue, maximizing attention to the basics of service to community federal dollars available to Louisiana, advancing representation through government leadership,” he said. a balanced and comprehensive transportation In high school he served as Student Council policy for Louisiana, and ensuring the among President and in college he was Student Department is more collaborative in its work Government President. at every level. professionals Ultimately, he earned a B.A. in Urban and Also, under his leadership, DOTD has been able Regional Planning from the University of to assist communities with alternative fueled and leadership Louisiana and holds a Master of Public transit assets, to focus efforts on advancing Administration degree, as well as a Ph.D. in passenger rail, and to help launch bike share in throughout the Public Policy from the Nelson Mandela Baton Rouge, LA. He is currently working toward “ developing rapid transit between Baton Rouge School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at agency. Southern University. and New Orleans. “In the course of my studies and the government In addition to his attention to funding and jobs that followed,” he notes, “I realized that building, Wilson has made a point of enhancing while running for, and serving in, high office is diversity and inclusion in his agency. “DOTD has important, real and effective policy is made at the increased its DBE goals and is advancing more agency level.” multi-cultural representation among professionals and leadership throughout the agency,” he notes. His interest in transportation policy evolved naturally from an understanding of the impact “I’m a solid supporter of COMTO’s mission,” he of transportation infrastructure on the prosperity added, “particularly as it relates to encouraging of communities. “It became clear that providing diverse young men and women to consider a excellent transportation options adds value career in transportation. We need a strong bench to a community and has a positive impact on in order to put more people in the game.” poverty,” he said. Smart and articulate, Wilson has been touted as a “problem solver” by the government officials he has worked with in the course his career. A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 15

MEET OMER OSMAN SECRETARY, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT)

llinois Department of by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2019. Transportation (IDOT) His role as secretary reflects Secretary Omer Osman three decades of experience Ishares his enthusiasm at the Illinois Department of for transportation and its Transportation in engineering infrastructure with contagious and management. “ energy. He has spent his career learning to understand Moving through the IDOT ranks This country is and helping to shape an gave him unique insight into industry that he says “impacts department operations and truly the land everything.” scope, funding challenges and opportunities, as well as the need for strategic Osman was born in a Kerma, a small village maintenance and infrastructure growth to of opportunity. in Northern Sudan, to parents who had little support economic development and travel for education but big ambitions for each of their Illinois residents. With hard work, 11 children, he said. “They taught us about our ancestors who were of the Nubian Empire. “I am enormously excited about this new a dedication They were scramblers, hard workers, and they challenge,” Osman said. “I feel the burden, the did what it took to make sure that all of us got massive responsibility, but I have a strong team to doing the a higher education degree,” he said with pride. around me with differing strengths and specialties “That’s the foundation I come from.” that can advise and support.” right thing and He said that growing up in a third world country He notes that throughout his career he has had just a bit of also solidified for him the need for infrastructure the excellent counsel of mentors and friends in and transportation to drive a strong economy. the industry that have helped guide his decisions luck, anyone “Transportation linkages are the start of along the way. For example, his experiences with everything,” he asserts. “They drive investment, COMTO have strengthened his commitment to can achieve his the economics…they push a society forward.” diversity and inclusion in the department as well “ as the need for providing training to the next dreams. With that dedication, Osman came to the U.S. generation of leaders. in 1984 to study civil engineering at Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, “At my first conference, I was particularly Louisiana. He also earned a master’s in civil impressed by a panel of women who all held of engineering with an emphasis in construction high positions of leadership in the transportation management at Bradley University in Peoria. industry,” he said. “That scene stays with me and crystallized for me the value of inclusion And, he fell in love with America. “That is my at all levels.” second strong foundation,” he said. “This country is truly the land of opportunity. With hard work, Under his leadership, IDOT will continue to a dedication to doing the right thing and just a bit champion diversity. “I am an advocate for of luck, anyone can achieve his dreams.” eliminating barriers and increasing access to IDOT partnerships with Disadvantaged Business Osman was appointed Transportation Secretary Enterprises and minority- and female-owned businesses.” he said. Accelerate_SEPTA_050719 orange.pdf 1 5/10/2019 12:13:02 PM 16 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

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JON ROSS ALEXANDER

IS COMTO’S RISING STAR

on Ross (J.R) Alexander, COMTO college scholarship. 30, Operations Program “ Manager for Apple Inc., Alexander’s pleasing developed a passion for personality, obvious J intelligence and ease of the transportation industry at an early age. self-expression attracted the attention of mentors who, he “We never had a car at our said, “made sure I was ‘on house,” he recalled with a point’.” Today, he serves on smile. “If we wanted to get COMTO’s National Emerging somewhere we depended on Leaders board. I believe the the bus. I got familiar with, and fascinated by, the whole With the support and public should process of public transport and city encouragement of those mentors, he shaped infrastructure planning.” his personal ambitions in the industry. “My goal have the best is to one day run a major transit agency,” he Alexander was raised in South Central Los said. “I believe the public should have the best transportation Angeles in a single parent household where transportation options they can get, no matter he was taught the value of hard work and what their income level.” options they can smart life choices by his mother, grandmother and aunt. Along the way, he developed a As Apple’s Operations Program Manager, he get, no matter keen understanding of the value of public is responsible for the day to day operations, transportation as it relates to quality of life and planning and scheduling for employee coach what their community prosperity. shuttle service. He manages the quality assurance and maintenance oversight of vehicles for Apple’s After graduating from California State University, transportation partners. income level. San Bernardino, Alexander’s transportation career started at LA Metro where he worked in Additionally, Alexander has developed and social media then made his way over to service maintains a holistic, and expansive safety planning. This led him to study and obtain his monitoring program for all commute operations that includes periodic auditing and 3rd party “ Master of Science in Transportation Management from the Mineta Transportation Institute through verification. He handles the commute program San Jose State University. portfolio of strategic transportation suppliers to provide the highest levels of safety, compliance He began working for Apple after gaining and on time performance. experience in the public sector for Metro, Santa Clara VTA in San Jose and AC Transit in Oakland This collaboration with suppliers, he notes, helps in various Operations and Service Planning roles. to ensure the safety and efficiency of a staff of more than 120 drivers. His interest and experience in transportation led him to join COMTO. “I participated in activities “I guess I’m essentially running a ‘mini-transit at both the Northern and Southern California agency’.” he said. chapters,” he said. “I got the chance to meet Alexander firmly believes that a strong work ethic CEOs and COOs of transit agencies, business is key to success at any level. “I come to work owners -- men and women who are opinion everyday determined to be the best I can be.” leaders and change agents.” He also earned a 18 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

COMTO SALUTES NORM MINETA FOR ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

As a member of Congress for the next twenty- orm Mineta, a long-time and the family settled in San supporter of COMTO, has Jose, where his father owned and one years, he accomplished many firsts operated a successful insurance Nfor our nation. He was the agency. The family was living sponsored or first Asian American mayor of the American dream until after a major U.S. city, the first Asian the outbreak of WWII. Then the co-sponsored 479 American member of Congress Minetas were forcibly removed to from the mainland and the first an internment camp at Santa Anita bills, including Asian American member of a presidential cabinet racetrack in Arcadia, and in November, 1942, to just to name a few. the Heart Mountain camp in Wyoming. the Americans Now thanks to a new documentary, more They were released after the war, and returned to with Disabilities Americans and future generations will know San Jose in 1946 at which time his father was able his story. Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An to resume his insurance business and they move Act of 1991 and American Story is now streaming on PBS.org. back into the family home. Mineta graduated The documentary follows his experience as a from San Jose High School and the University of the Intermodal Japanese American inside a U.S. concentration California, Berkeley. He served as an intelligence camp to his rise to prominence making him one officer with the U.S. Army in Japan during the Transportation of the most influential Asian Americans in Korean War from 1953 to 1956. Upon returning to U.S. history. San Jose after the war, he joined his father in the Efficiency Act insurance business. Mineta’s story began on November 12, 1931 in Encouraged by his father to become active in of 1991. San Jose, California where he was the youngest community service, Mineta became involved in of five children born to Kunisaku and Kane the Japanese American community in San Jose. Mineta. Both parents immigrated from Japan His civic career took off when he was appointed to the San Jose Human Relations Commission in 1962 and then to the municipal Housing Authority Board in 1966. He was elected to the San Jose City Council after serving briefly in an appointed position, and in 1971 was elected mayor of San Jose, the first Asian Pacific American to serve in such a capacity in a major American city.

In 1974, Mineta was elected to the U.S. House of Representative to represent California’s 13th District. He was also the first Japanese American from the mainland to be elected to Congress. As a member of Congress for the next twenty- one years, he sponsored or co-sponsored 479 bills, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 and the Intermodal Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. He served as Democratic A young Norm Mineta. deputy whip of the 97th Congress, and became A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 19

HIS NAME WILL LIVE ON VIA THE NORMAN Y. MINETA SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND THE NORMAN MINETA TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE AT SAN JOSE UNIVERSITY.

a member of the Democratic Steering and and the Norman Mineta Transportation Institute Policy Committee. He also served as chair of at San Jose University. California State Highway the House Public Works and Transportation 85 was also renamed in his honor. Given Committee (1992-94), the Aviation Subcommittee his contribution to the transportation industry, (1981-86), and the Surface Transportation it is fitting that he is celebrated through Subcommittee (1989-91). In 1994 he co-founded such landmarks. the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and served as its first chair. Mineta’s leadership Mineta currently resides in Annapolis, Maryland role was crucial in the passage of the Civil with his wife Deni. He continues to mentor Liberties Act of 1988 which granted reparations to aspiring political leaders and holds speaking Japanese Americans who had been interned by the U.S. government during World War II.

Following his resignation after twenty-one years of service in Congress, Mineta was later appointed by President Clinton to serve as his Secretary of Commerce at the end of Clinton’s second term, thereby becoming the first Asian American to serve on a presidential cabinet. With the election of George W. Bush in 2000, he was appointed as secretary of transportation for the Republican administration. As Secretary of Transportation during the 9/11 attack, he directed all civil aircraft over U.S. airspace to land shortly after the third plane attacked the Pentagon. Shortly thereafter, he instructed all airlines to refrain from racial profiling against Middle Eastern or Muslim passengers. Over the next year, the newly formed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was placed President George under his department, and his team oversaw engagements across the country W. Bush Presents its mobilization before the TSA moved to the and internationally. To learn more riveting Norman Y. Mineta Department of Homeland Security in 2003. details about Mineta’s life, visit PBS.org and with the Presidential stream Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An Medal of Mineta’s legacy has been marked by many American Story. Freedom in the accolades, including the Presidential Medal of East Room of the Freedom awarded to him by President Bush in White House in 2006. In 2007, he was given the Grand Cordon, Article references: 2006. Order of the Rising Sun by the government of Sharon Yamato. “Norman Mineta,” Densho Japan. He also received the Distinguished Medal Encyclopedia https://encyclopedia.densho.org/ of Honor for Lifetime Achievement and Public Norman%20Mineta (accessed May 24 2019). Service from the Japanese American National The Mineta Legacy Project, http:// Museum in 2012. His name will live on via the minetalegacyproject.com/ Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport 20 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO MOVE THE NATION RECAP

OMTO’s Celebrating Women Who Move contributions of women who are advancing the Nation Breakfast was a sold-out American transportation. The March event is hit! More than 400 attendees convened hosted in Washington, DC in observance of Con Wednesday, March 20 at the Omni Women’s History Month. Awards are presented Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC to honor to women from all modes of transportation, ten phenomenal women. Their leadership and representing all sectors of the industry. commitment have had a positive impact on the transportation industry. Since the CWWMN program was initiated in 2012, COMTO has honored 75 women with this The annual award recognizes the outstanding prestigious award. THE 2019 CWWMN HONOREES

TRUDY BARTLEY MESHELLE HOWARD GABRIELE M. MACK JANNET WALKER JACQUELYN Associate Vice Director of Civil Vice President FORD DUPONT-WALKER President of Local Rights & Fair Economic Vice President & Board Member Government Practices Inclusion and General Manager, Los Angeles & Community Maryland Supplier Diversity Eastern Region, County Relations, Transportation Jacobs Americas Metropolitan The Ohio State Authority Cubic Transportation University Transportation Authority Systems

HONORABLE DEBRA JOHNSON ELSA ORTIZ CAROL WISE J. SOMER SHINDLER JOYCE BEATTY Deputy Chief Board President Executive Vice Managing Congresswoman Executive Officer AC Transit President Director, (D) – Ohio Long Beach Transit Chief Operations Planning And Officer Development, DART Corporate Real Estate (CREE), United Airlines A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 21

For more Information on these women and their accomplishments visit our website. To view photos of the event, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHskPUaQSe

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METRO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WE VALUE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES. WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS TO APPLY. WE ARE COMMITTED TO PRO-EQUITY AND TO PROVIDING ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL.

22 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

MOBILITY FOR ALL: PRICELESS BY WALTER E. ALLEN “ he Federal Highway paired with the Green New Administration says, “There Deal will help address climate is a consensus among change and renewable energy. Teconomists that congestion Congestion pricing will be the pricing represents the single most foundation for making the viable and sustainable approach transition from a car-worshipping to reducing traffic congestion.” society to a car-less society that Since adding more roadway is good for the environment and lanes in or around city centers is our mental health. It can be one Many people do very difficult, and highways are facing increasing of several tools that governments and private demand, it makes sense that charging a premium entities employ to improve mobility for all. not understand to use limited roadways will reduce congestion. AV technology But does congestion pricing only help the rich? MAAS APPEAL How do we support both the “haves” and and are scared At face value, the “haves” can afford to pay to the “have-nots” as transportation continues drive in a less-congested toll lane, while the to evolve and fewer people own vehicles? of the “have-nots” are stuck in traffic. Yet moving Mobility as a Service (MaaS), integrating modes vehicles out of the congested lanes into toll of transportation, is another way to improve unknown. lanes decreases congestion in the “slow” lanes, mobility equity. Rail lines, bus rapid transit and and when more people choose to share rides high-usage bus lines need improvement. These and take transit vs. pay a fee, everybody wins. high-ridership lines will continue to move the Revenue goes toward maintaining and increasing highest volume of people throughout the urban the efficiency of public highway systems in core. Look at the sheer number of travelers who addition to the billions of dollars already invested cross the San Francisco Bay Bridge, New York’s in our street and highway systems, infrastructure Brooklyn Bridge and travel throughout the Los and parking. Angeles city center. “ A new congestion pricing study by Connecting transportation choices with public TransForm featured in Streetsblog USA transit at the center of MaaS encourages greater describes even more benefits. Revenue from use of transit and allows for transportation congestion pricing can be reinvested and “lead innovations that may come and go and can to more frequent and affordable public transit, help sustain the system. For example, the transit safer pedestrian and bicycle routes, and improved industry as a whole is facing a driver shortage, health outcomes for vulnerable communities from public transit to transportation network — all important components of an equitable companies (TNCs) to delivery services. This transportation system.” labor shortage has people leaving rural areas to drive in urban centers as professional drivers or Congestion pricing should get many drivers TNC contract staff which puts more cars on the thinking about the true cost of owning and road. The current TNC model is not sustainable. operating a car in the U.S. out of their single- Both major ride-hailing organizations are losing occupancy vehicles and into public transit money. The investment community is no longer or shared vehicles. Letting others pay for the excited and is losing interest in the 2019 IPOs. pleasure of driving in the fast lane will result in Uber is diversifying into other areas of delivery greater investments in public transit and when and mobility to slow the losses. What happens A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 23

CONNECTING TRANSPORTATION CHOICES WITH PUBLIC TRANSIT AT THE CENTER OF MAAS ENCOURAGES GREATER USE OF TRANSIT AND ALLOWS FOR TRANSPORTATION INNOVATIONS THAT MAY COME AND GO AND CAN HELP SUSTAIN THE SYSTEM.

after Uber changes or goes away? A new type needs educating about transportation advances. of transportation organization could emerge to Justin Erlich of Voyage also commented that improve MaaS for all. senior citizens will lead the AV revolution. The app GoGoGrandparent lets those without POLICIES THAT SUPPORT NEW TECHNOLOGY smartphones use TNCs. Early AV adoption is Backed by public advocates, governments and expected in gated retirement communities that businesses will need to set policies and work have simple street layouts, less traffic and great together to move forward the development weather such as Arizona, California, Florida and of new technologies including electric and Texas. Home owner association members will autonomous vehicles (EV/AV). According have the option to increase their monthly dues to to Amos Haggiag of Metro Magazine, local pay for this service. governments and agencies are already funding the addition of electric buses to fleets. His top Even if retirees get on board prediction is that more electric buses can be with AV/TNCs, mobility for expected in the U.S. and Europe. all will not come overnight. Being stuck in traffic, greater AV shuttles and other vehicles serve as much- vehicle ownership costs needed first-/last-mile solutions for access to and loss of productivity transit, including commuter rail, but cities and will continue to try our transit agencies must learn how to manage AV patience before significant pick-ups and drop-offs from TNCs or other transportation transformation private mobility providers. How will cities occurs. By working in regulate their streets and curb space? Transit tandem, congestion pricing, MaaS and policies that agencies, airports, hotels and convention centers An autonomous face similar issues around stations and feeder support transportation for all people will result in vehicle of the lines. Will state and local governments tax all better public transportation infrastructure, more future. vehicles or charge for vehicle miles traveled? egalitarian access to transit options, affordable or There is time to work out EV/AV policies and free services and a healthier environment. logistics. We are years, if not decades away, from reaching fully automated AVs or Level 5 driving A little education will go a long way toward (fully autonomous self-driving), so like paper and greater acceptance of mobility options that can cash, drivers are not going away in the improve transportation for all. Let’s spread short term. the word.

EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT INNOVATIONS WALTER E. ALLEN For the past two decades Walter Allen, president Many people do not understand AV technology and CEO of Acumen Building Enterprise, Inc., and are scared of the unknown. The New York has worked as an infrastructure consultant with Times article “Wielding Rocks and Knives, extensive experience in transportation systems, Arizonans Attack Self-Driving Cars” makes this technology implementation, cost engineering, case. Alternatively, at a recent AV conference in project planning and smart card technology. He Palo Alto, Alex Epstein of the National Safety follows transportation trends and writes about Council stated that 40 percent of Americans improving mobility. You can find him on Twitter believe they can buy a car today that can drive @AcumenTransit. itself without safety drivers. The general public 24 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

Get Connected to COMTO’s HUB Small Business Directory!

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and its Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Sub-Committee is pleased to announce the development of a comprehensive, searchable, small business database. This Small Business Directory will be available to multi-modal transportation industry corporations, municipalities and ancillary large contractors, giving them quick and easy access to our COMTO MWDBE members. We urge you to seize this opportunity to create a business profile with pertinent information about your company, its products and services and be included in the Directory!

NEW OPPORTUNITIES Connections with Potential New Clients VISIBILITY National Visibility to Corporations, Municipalities and Large Contractors MARKETING Marketing Support to Win Contracts and Develop Partnerships

ENROLL TODAY!

If you need assistance or have questions, send an email to [email protected]

COMTONATIONAL.ORG A PUBLICATION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | 25

HNTB IS PROUD TO SUPPORT COMTO AND ITS MISSION

Together, HNTB and COMTO continue to partner developing opportunities and encouraging inclusion among minority individuals, businesses and communities of color in the transportation industry. Learn more about HNTB’s social responsibility work: hntb.com

The HNTB Companies Infrastructure Solutions hntb.com 26 | A CCELERATE | MAY 2019

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! COMTO provides opportunities in the transportation industry for minority participation and advancement, through advocacy, training and professional development.

GET INVOLVED!

• Renew your membership • Join a committee • Sponsor a small business or individual membership

VISIT COMTONATIONAL.ORG