COMTO National Board of Directors At-Large Nomination Package Ruben Landa

Thursday, June 24, 2021

2021 Board Election Nomination Form

Nomination Package Checklist: Please complete the checklist below to ensure that all requested materials have been submitted. All items must be complete for consideration.

1. Nominations Package Cover Sheet – COMPLETE / SEE ATTACHED

2. Bio – COMPLETE / SEE ATTACHED

3. Resume – COMPLETE / SEE ATTACHED

4. Headshot Photo (High Resolution) – COMPLETE / SEE ATTACHED

5. Summary of Qualifications: UPLOAD PDF DOCUMENT – COMPLETE / SEE BELOW

Experience in, and knowledge of, the transportation industry. All modes welcome. (500-word limit)

Ruben is an experienced and accomplished leader in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. He has more than 21 years of experience in the transportation industry, and he is an expert in public involvement, public affairs, communications, and diversity program management. His career includes successful stints with STV Incorporated, HDR Inc., K Strategies Group, and now WSP USA. Ruben has participated in ten (10) transit projects worth a total of $45.5 billion, seven (7) aviation projects worth a total of $2.9 billion, and eight (8) heavy highway projects worth a total of $3.0 billion. Overall, Ruben has worked on twenty-five (25) projects worth a total of $51.4 billion. The following is a list of the projects for which Ruben has developed and implemented the public involvement and/or diversity program management programs:

• City of Dallas / Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) – Dallas Streetcar Project, Phase I & II – Dallas, Texas – $71 Million • Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Blue Line Light Rail Extension Project — Rowlett, Texas – $360 Million • Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Cotton Belt “Silver Line” Regional Rail – Dallas, Texas – $1.9 Billion • Dallas Love Field Modernization Program (LFMP I) – Dallas, Texas – $519 Million • Dallas Love Field Modernization Program (LFMP II) Parking Garage – Dallas, Texas – $250 Million • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – CMAR #3 Capital Program – DFW Airport, Texas – $350 Million • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Design and Design Management On-Call — DFW Airport, Texas – $22.5 Million • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program — DFW Airport, Texas – $1.5 Billion • Houston Airport System – Bush Intercontinental Airport Central Plant Upgrades Project – Houston, Texas – $30 Million • Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Master Plan and Multimodal Feasibility Study – $5 Million • METRO Red Line LRT Project – Houston, Texas – $324 Million • METRO Solutions Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) – Houston, Texas – $3.5 Billion • METRONext Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) – Houston, Texas – $7.5 Billion • Southwest Airlines Training and Operations Support (TOPS I) – Dallas, Texas – $120 Million • Southwest Airlines Training WINGS (TOPS II) – Dallas, Texas – $160 Million

• Texas High Speed Rail – Dallas to Houston – $30 Billion • TxDOT Horseshoe Design-Build Project – Dallas, Texas – $789 Million • TxDOT I-40 Schematic Design and Environmental Planning Project – Amarillo, Texas – $4 Million • TxDOT I-635 LBJ East Design-Build Project – Dallas, Texas – $1.7 Billion • TxDOT Rural Transportation Improvement Plan (RTIP) — El Paso, Texas – $4 Million • TxDOT SH 360 South Project – Mansfield, Texas – $330 Million • TxDOT SH 71 Express Project – Austin, Texas – $115 Million • TxDOT State Loop 335-Segment C-1 Schematic Design and Environmental Planning Project – Amarillo, Texas – $5 Million • TxDOT Wurzbach Parkway Schematic Design and Environmental Planning Project — San Antonio, Texas – $4 Million • Valley Metro Rail – Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail Project – Phoenix, Arizona – $1.5 Billion • Valley Metro Rail – Northwest Extension Light Rail Project – Phoenix, Arizona – $300 Million

Commitment to COMTO: Time, talent, fundraising, attendance, associations and affiliations relevant to COMTO. Please be specific by demonstrating your prior support to COMTO and any roles you may have served in (i.e., chapter leadership, committees, fundraising, etc.) and/or work you have done with organization(s) linked to COMTO’s mission. Please be sure to demonstrate your familiarity with board functions, including any boards on which you have served. Attach samples if applicable. (500-word limit)

Ruben has been an active member of COMTO for 21-years, having joined the organization in 2000. He has served on the Executive Boards for COMTO Houston, Arizona, and North Texas. He has also served as National Board Member for a total of 4.5 years, starting in 2016. He has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the local COMTO chapters, COMTO National organization, and numerous COMTO National Meeting and Training Conferences. The following is a breakdown of Ruben’s considerable contributions to COMTO:

COMTO Leadership and Membership • COMTO Membership (2000–Present) • Chapter Affiliations – Houston (2000), Arizona (2003), and North Texas (2010) • Arizona 2nd Vice President (2004–2006) • North Texas Chapter 2nd Vice President (2014–2016) • North Texas Chapter 1st Vice President (2016–2018) • North Texas Chapter President (2018–2022) • Council of President (COP) Representative (2018–2021) • National Board Member (2016–2017 and 2018–2021)

COMTO Committees • 45th COMTO National Meeting & Training Conference Chairman (Dallas 2016) • Southwest Regional Transportation Conference Chairman (Irving 2012) • Chapter Development Committee • Good-to-Great Committee • Leadership and Professional Development Committee • Legislative Committee • Strategic Planning Committee

COMTO National Meeting & Training Conference Speaker (Call for Papers) • Tampa 2018 • Dallas 2016 • Denver 2013 • Austin 2006 • Atlanta 2005

COMTO Accomplishments • Raised $300,000.00 during 2018–present while President and Chief Fundraiser of the COMTO North Texas Chapter • Distributed $42,000.00 in scholarship funds during 2018–present while President and Chief Fundraiser of the COMTO North Texas Chapter • Locally raised $300K for 2016 COMTO National Meeting & Training Conference – Dallas, Texas • Reinstated Chapters three (3) – Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Hampton Roads / New Chapters three (3) - Louisville, Toronto, Richmond, tenure as Council of Presidents (COP) Representative • Drastically improved lines of communication between COMTO National and the thirty-four (34) chapters • Revised the Chapter Development Manual for the COMTO National organization in 2019 • Developed the Leadership and Professional Development Training Program as part of the revised Good-to-Great Matrix in 2020

Resources Available: Please demonstrate how you will expand COMTO’s national network, through resources, influence, network, etc. Be sure to include how you will participate in fundraising and program activities to help meet COMTO National’s fundraising targets on an annual basis. (500-word limit)

As Council of Presidents (COP) Representative, the organization grew from twenty-nine (29) chapters to thirty-five (35) chapters and this was a result of Ruben’s leadership and management of an effective chapter development process. The thirty-sixth (36th) chapter (COMTO Minnesota) is poised to join the organization by July 2021. In addition, Ruben has managed the interest of an additional fifteen (15) existing and new groups who want to join the COMTO family. These groups include:

• COMTO Hawaii • COMTO London (International) • COMTO Louisiana • COMTO Memphis • COMTO Nevada • COMTO New Jersey • COMTO North Carolina • COMTO Northern Virginia • COMTO Quebec (International) • COMTO Rhode Island • COMTO Sacramento • COMTO Salt Lake City • COMTO San Diego

• COMTO Toledo • COMTO Upper New York

Ruben’s strategy is clear. More chapters equals more members, more money, and an expanded reach throughout the transportation industry. If elected, Ruben hopes to lead the Chapter Development in his At-Large role on the National Board of Directors. This will ensure that the current chapter development process will continue in earnest.

Additionally, Ruben is committed to growing our footprint by ensuring the COMTO National Meeting & Training Conference is held on the West Coast and internationally, as a means for expanding our reach to areas outside the East and Midwest regions. Again, the exposure will equal more members, more money, and an expanded reach throughout the transportation industry.

Finally, Ruben has considerable connections throughout all sectors of the transportation industry, which he could use to 1.) raise considerable sponsorships for nationally organized events, 2.) attract partners and supporters from other sectors outside the public transit industry, including heavy highway, aviation, and high-speed rail and, 3.) attract new interest groups to start chapters in markets where COMTO currently lacks a presence.

Statement to COMTO Membership: This serves as your statement to the membership regarding your qualifications to fulfill the obligations of serving as a National Board member. If selected, this will be used as your platform statement for communications to membership. (250-word limit)

For the last 21 years, COMTO has made a significant difference in my career and I want to make sure I give back. I am committed to making COMTO the most diverse and leading multimodal transportation organization in America. There is no reason why we can’t achieve this with the immense talent and support that currently exist in the organization. I have the experience and drive to contribute to the overall success of COMTO through an innovative and strategic leadership approach. My commitment to COMTO is unquestionable and I ask that you support and vote for me as COMTO National Board At- Large Member.

Vision for COMTO • Full transition from COMTO National to COMTO International • Increase organization to 40 COMTO Chapters by 2023 • Host a COMTO National Meeting & Training Conference on the West Coast and in Canada • Raise LOTS of money

Ruben Landa Professional and Career Biography

Ruben Landa is an experienced and accomplished leader in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. He has more than 21 years of experience in public involvement, public affairs, communications, and diversity program management. His career includes significant time with STV Incorporated, HDR Inc., the Texas State Senate, K Strategies Group and now with WSP USA, where he is the Texas CPI Lead and Senior Communications Manager.

Ruben's professional career includes extensive experience developing and managing public involvement and diversity programs on many high-profile legacy projects in the states of Texas and Arizona. Ruben maintains an in-depth understanding of public policy, public administration and community factors that can affect decision-making on major public projects. This has allowed him to develop programs using a strategic approach that has produced positive results for both the client and the community.

Ruben has developed and implemented numerous effective public involvement and communication programs for major projects in the transportation industry. These included comprehensive public involvement programs for major investment studies, alternative analysis studies, draft and final environmental impact statements, and programs geared for design-build projects. The tools utilized for these projects have been far-ranging and innovative, and they have been widely accepted and adopted by major transportation authorities, such as the Texas Department of Transportation, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, City of Dallas, Houston METRO, Arizona Department of Transportation, and Valley Metro Rail in Phoenix.

Ruben also has significant experience in diversity program management in the transportation and construction industries He has a proven record of developing comprehensive and effective programs geared toward maximizing the participation of diverse firms on major projects. Ruben's range of expertise in this field includes DBE, M/WBE, SBE and HUB program development, as well

as public outreach, procurement, contract compliance, capacity building and mentor-protégé program development and implementation. He has successfully developed and implemented programs for the Texas Department of Transportation, DFW International Airport, Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, the City of Dallas and Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Through his considerable expertise, Ruben has developed strategic partnerships and maintains leadership roles with numerous advocacy organizations in the industry, including minority chambers, contractor associations and trade organizations. He is a committed industry leader and currently serves as President for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) North Texas Chapter and serves as the Council of Presidents (COP) Representative on the COMTO National Board of Directors. He is also the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board for the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA), Vice President of Programs and President- Elect for the Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC) and Vice President for the MBE Institute for Public Policy (MBEIPP). Ruben has been recognized for his leadership in the business community, including being named the Top Dallas Minority Business Leader by the Dallas Business Journal in 2014, the Honorable Ray LaHood Award Recipient for Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) in 2019, the GDPC President’s Award in 2018 and 2020 and COMTO President & CEO Award of Excellence in 2020.

A proud native Texan, Ruben has earned both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Political Science from Sam Houston State University in Texas. He is also an avid marathon runner, Spartan racer, yogi, and traveler.

RUBEN LANDA Texas CPI Lead / Senior Communications Manager

Years of Experience 21 Years

Education Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Sam Houston State University, 1995 Master of Arts in Political Science, Sam Houston State University, 1997

Professional Affiliations Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO): National Board Member and Council of President (COP) Representative – Washington, D.C. (2016-2017 and 2018-Present) Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO): President, North Texas Chapter (2018-2020) Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO): 1st Vice President, North Texas Chapter (2016-2018) Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO): 2nd Vice President, North Texas Chapter (2014-2016) Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO): Vice President, Phoenix Chapter (2004-2006) Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA): Immediate Past Chairman, Dallas, Texas (2020-2022) Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA): Chairman, Dallas, Texas (2018-2020) Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA): Vice Chairman, Dallas, Texas (2016-2018) Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA): Board Member, Dallas, Texas (2014-2016) Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC): President-Elect, Dallas, Texas (2020-2021) Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC): Vice President of Programs, Dallas, Texas (2018-2021) Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC): Board Member, Dallas, Texas (2017-2018) MBE Institute for Public Policy (MBEIPP): Vice President, Dallas, Texas (2017-Present) MBE Institute for Public Policy (MBEIPP): Board Member, Dallas, Texas (2011-2016) American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA): National Board Member, Baltimore, Maryland (2016-2018)

Registrations International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) – Certified 2004 American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA), Certified Compliance Administrator (CCA) American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA), Master Compliance Administrator (MCA)

Key Qualifications Ruben Landa is an experienced and accomplished leader in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry with over 21 years of experience in public involvement, public affairs, communications, and diversity program management. His career includes time with STV Incorporated, HDR Inc., the Texas State Senate and K Strategies Group. He has extensive experience developing and managing public involvement and diversity programs on many high-profile legacy projects in the states of Texas and Arizona.

Ruben Landa

Public Involvement & Communications • Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Cotton Belt “Silver Line” Regional Rail – Dallas, Texas As Deputy Project Manager for the Project Program Management/Owner’s Representative (PMOR) responsible as Lead Engineering over the $1.1 billion, 26-mile regional rail system, Ruben developed and managed all public involvement activities, including the oversight of the DART Betterments and Arts & Design Program, public meetings and workshops for the project. Developed and managed all project collateral, site meetings, stakeholder meetings, Board and City presentations and briefings.

• METRONext Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) – Houston, Texas As Public Involvement Task Leader for the public involvement and communications for the 2040 Long Range Regional Transportation Plan in Houston, Ruben developed and implemented a comprehensive public involvement (PI) plan that included a wide range of traditional and digital PI tools and resources. Responsibilities included planning, scheduling, coordinating, conducting, and preparing all materials, both hardcopy and digital, for more than 25 open houses and public meetings. Managed the program that led to eventual successful passage of the $3.5 billion public referendum, which was approved 68% to 32%.

• Dallas Area Rapid Transit Blue Line Light Rail Extension Project — Rowlett, Texas As Public Involvement Manager on the $360 million, 4.5-mile light rail project in Rowlett, Texas, Ruben developed a program aimed at assisting businesses and residents during construction. Conducted presentations with updates regarding the progress of construction to various city council, community and organization meetings in Rowlett and Garland, and planned and coordinated the Downtown Rowlett Station Kick-Off Celebration which was attended by more than 150 dignitaries, community leaders and business owners from the Rowlett and Garland area.

• Valley Metro Rail – Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail Project – Phoenix, Arizona As Public Involvement and Business Outreach Manager on the $1.5 billion, 20-mile light rail project, Ruben’s primary responsibility was the development and management of a business outreach program aimed at assisting approximately 4,000 businesses impacted by the construction of the light rail project. The program included technical and financial assistance aimed at preserving and growing the impacted businesses. Also managed the public involvement process for the project, which included coordinating public meetings, conducting project update presentations, and directing one-on-one meetings with the businesses and residents impacted by project.

• Valley Metro Rail – Northwest Extension Light Rail Project – Phoenix, Arizona As Public Involvement Manager for the planning and design of the $300 million, 3.2-mile Northwest Extension light rail project, Ruben contributed to the development of FTA reports, PowerPoint presentations, minutes, memos and databases pursuant to the federally required Alternatives Analysis and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (New Starts Program). Also responsible for the management of the project’s public involvement program, which included coordination of public meetings, conducting presentations regarding scope of plan, and assisting the public with questions or concerns related to the proposed project. Worked closely with businesses and residents during the acquisition and relocation of their property.

• METRO Light Rail Project / METRO Solutions Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) – Houston, Texas As Public Involvement and Construction Mitigation Coordinator on the $324 million, 7.5-mile METRO light rail project, Ruben’s primary responsibility was assisting businesses and residents impacted by the light rail construction. Coordinated and presented at public meetings, one-on-one meetings, and community meetings to educate, promote, and build support for the METRO rail line. Also participated in the planning and coordination of the public involvement process for the $7.5 billion METRO Solutions Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), including the development and implementation of the METRO Solutions Speakers Bureau for the purpose of building consensus and support for the 2003 METRO Solutions Referendum, which was approved 52% to 48% by the voters of Harris County, Texas.

Ruben Landa

• TxDOT I-635 LBJ East Design-Build Project – Dallas, Texas As Public Involvement Task Leader for the $1.7 billion I-635 LBJ East Design-Build Project, which is the design and reconstruction of 11 miles of major interstate highway between US 75 and I-30, Ruben developed and implemented a traditional and digital approach for communicating to impacted businesses and residents in the North Dallas and Garland communities. Also utilized tools to communicate to hundreds of thousands of travelers every day in the corridor. Developed collateral and construction notifications while utilizing a website, mobile app, text messaging and social media platforms to communicate to the public. Also coordinated and hosted numerous public open houses, one-on-one meetings and briefings to key stakeholders and elected and local officials.

• TxDOT State Loop 335-Segment C-1 Schematic Design and Environmental Planning Project — Amarillo, Texas As Public Involvement Task Leader for the schematic design and environmental planning project aimed at expanding a 2-lane road into a 4-lane highway, Ruben participated and contributed to the environmental planning of the proposed expansion of the existing SL 335 alignment. Coordinated and conducted numerous meetings with affected property owners (MAPOs) and meetings with key stakeholders along the SL 335 Segment C-1 corridor. Planned, scheduled, and coordinated public open houses and developed required environmental summary reports and comments matrices for the project. Developed media packets and conducted media interviews.

• TxDOT Rural Transportation Improvement Plan (RTIP) — El Paso, Texas As Public Involvement Task Leader for the Rural Transportation Improvement Plan (RTIP) in West Texas, Ruben participated and contributed to the regional planning of the proposed expansion of the existing highways throughout the El Paso District. Coordinated and conducted numerous virtual meetings with affected property owners (MAPOs), key stakeholders, and elected and public officials. Also planned, scheduled, and coordinated virtual public open houses and developed all required summary reports and comments matrices for the project. Developed related fact sheets, notifications, exhibits, presentations and supporting collateral.

• TxDOT Wurzbach Parkway Schematic Design and Environmental Planning Project — San Antonio, Texas As Public Involvement Task Leader, Ruben performed PI activities for a schematic design and environmental planning project aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving safety along Wurzbach Parkway between the Lockhill-Selma Road and NW Military Highway intersections. Participated and contributed to the environmental planning of the proposed expansion of the existing Wurzbach Parkway alignment. Coordinated and conducted numerous MAPOs and meetings with key stakeholders within the Wurzbach corridor. Planned, scheduled, and coordinated two (2) focus groups, three (3) open houses and one (1) public hearing, and developed required environmental summary analysis and reports and comments matrices for each public open house and public hearing. Developed media packets and conducted media interviews.

• TxDOT I-40 Schematic Design and Environmental Planning Project – Amarillo, Texas As Public Involvement Task Leader for all PI activities for the I-40 schematic design and environmental planning project aimed at design enhancements to I-40, including a multi-level interchange at Loop 335, Ruben participated and contributed to the environmental planning of the proposed expansion of the existing I-40 freeway. Conducted numerous MAPOs and meetings with key stakeholders within the I-40 corridor. Planned, scheduled, and coordinated public open houses, and developed required environmental summary reports and comments matrices for the project. Developed media packets and conducted media interviews.

• TxDOT Horseshoe Design-Build Project – Dallas, Texas As Public Involvement Task Leader, Ruben performed all PI activities for the $789 million Dallas Horseshoe Project, which was the design and reconstruction of the I-30 / I-35 Mixmaster and design of the signature Margaret McDermott Bridge over the Trinity River. Developed and implemented a traditional and digital approach for communicating to impacted businesses and residents in Downtown Dallas and the Oak Cliff community. Also utilized tools to communicate to over a half million travelers every day in the corridor. Developed collateral and construction notifications while utilizing a website, mobile app, text messaging and social media platforms to communicate to the public. Coordinated and hosted numerous public open houses, one-on-one meetings and briefings to key stakeholders and elected and local officials. Ruben Landa

Diversity Program Management • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Design and Design Management On-Call — DFW Airport, Texas As DBE Program Manager on the $22.5 Million Design and Design Management On-Call (Federal) contract, which includes the design on SW End Around Taxiway (EAT) and the International Parkway Flyover Bridges Replacement, his responsibilities included developing and implementing a DBE program, managing the replacement of current and addition of new DBE firms during the course of the contract and managing the contract compliance process to ensure DBE contracts were paid and all issues were resolved; and creating detailed quarterly reports showing the progress of the project and the DBE program. The project goal is 34.1%, exceeding the contract goal of 31%.

• City of Dallas / Dallas Area Rapid Transit - Dallas Streetcar Project – Phase I & II – Dallas, Texas As D/M/WBE Program Manager on the $71 million, 2.3-mile construction of an advanced streetcar system connecting downtown Dallas with the historic Oak Cliff community and Bishop Arts District, Ruben was responsible for developing and implementing the public outreach process for identifying capable and qualified D/M/WBE firms to participate in the project. Coordinated project information and business opportunities networkers, developed a vendor list of D/M/WBE firms for the Project Team, communicated bid opportunities to the D/M/WBE community and verified the certification status of interested D/M/WBE firms. Also developed reports showing the progress of the D/M/WBE program and conducted contract compliance to ensure all contractors were executing their contracts accordingly.

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program — DFW Airport, Texas As D/M/WBE Program Director on the $1.5 billion redevelopment of Terminals A and C and the construction of the Terminal A Super Garage and Airport Rail Station at DFW International Airport, Ruben’s responsibilities included developing and implementing a D/M/WBE program, public outreach program, marketing program and contract opportunities to the Dallas/Fort Worth community; developing policy and procedures related to the pre-bid and bidding processes; developing mentor-protégé agreements for subcontractors on the project; managing a contract compliance process to ensure D/M/WBE contracts were paid and all issues were resolved; and creating detailed quarterly reports and biannual newsletters showing the progress of the project and the D/M/WBE program.

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - CMAR #3 Capital Program – DFW Airport, Texas As MBE Program Director on the $350 million capital program, which included a DFW consolidated headquarters, water tower, Southgate infrastructure for future mixed-use development, and a Terminal E garage, Ruben’s responsibilities included developing and implementing an MBE program, public outreach program, marketing program and contract opportunities to the Dallas/Fort Worth community; developing policy and procedures related to the pre-bid and bidding processes; developing mentor-protégé agreements for subcontractors on the project; managing a contract compliance process to ensure MBE contracts were paid and all issues were resolved; and creating detailed quarterly reports and biannual newsletters showing the progress of the project and MBE program.

• Dallas Love Field Modernization Program (LFMP I) – Dallas, Texas As M/W/DBE Program Director on the $519 million reconstruction of Dallas Love Field Airport, Ruben’s responsibilities included implementing an M/W/DBE program, marketing the M/W/DBE program and contract opportunities to the Dallas construction community, coordinating pre-bid conferences and networkers, directing the development of a capacity building program, developing detailed quarterly and annual reports showing the progress of the project and the M/W/DBE program, assisting prime contractors with identifying 2nd-tier subcontractors to team with the general contractor, and assisting potential subcontractors with obtaining their M/W/DBE certification. Nearly $200 million in contracts were issued to M/W/DBE firms, achieving a 39% M/W/DBE total, which exceeded the established 30% goal.

Ruben Landa

• Dallas Love Field Modernization Program (LFMP II) Parking Garage – Dallas, Texas As M/W/DBE Program Director on the $250 million construction of a Dallas Love Field Airport parking garage, Ruben’s responsibilities included implementing an M/W/DBE program, marketing the M/W/DBE program and contract opportunities to the Dallas construction community, coordinating pre-bid conferences and networkers, directing the development of a capacity building program, developing detailed quarterly and annual reports showing the progress of the project and the M/W/DBE program, assisting prime contractors with identifying 2nd-tier subcontractors to team with the general contractor, and assisting potential subcontractors with obtaining their M/W/DBE certification.

• Houston Airport System - Bush Intercontinental Airport Central Plant Upgrades Project – Houston, Texas As DBE Program Director on the $30 million reconstruction of the Bush Intercontinental Airport Central Plant, Ruben was responsible for the implementation of the DBE program, which included marketing the DBE program and contract opportunities to the Houston construction community. Developed detailed quarterly and annual reports showing the progress of the project and DBE program, assisted prime contractors with identifying 2nd- tier subcontractors, and assisted potential subcontractors with obtaining DBE certification.

• Southwest Airlines Training and Operations Support (TOPS I) – Dallas, Texas As M/WBE Program Manager on the $120 million construction of the SWA Training and Operations Support project, Ruben developed and implemented an M/WBE program, which included strategic planning for communicating bid package opportunities to M/WBE firms in the North Texas region. This plan included the creation of a vendor's list of trades and services for the project, coordination of pre-bid conferences and the verification of M/WBE certifications. Also conducted contract compliance efforts that included assisting M/WBEs with contract issues, conducting site meetings, confirming that M/WBE firms were performing work that they had been contracted to do, and developing reports summarizing the progress of the M/WBE program.

• Southwest Airlines Training WINGS (TOPS II) – Dallas, Texas As M/WBE Program Manager on the $160 million construction of the Southwest Airlines WINGS training facility and corporate campus expansion project, Ruben developed and implemented an M/WBE program, which included strategic planning for communicating bid package opportunities to M/WBE firms in the North Texas region. This plan included the creation of a vendor's list of trades and services for the project, coordination of pre-bid conferences and the verification of M/WBE certifications. Also conducted contract compliance efforts that included assisting M/WBEs with contract issues, conducting site meetings, confirming that M/WBE firms were performing work that they had been contracted to do, and developing reports summarizing the progress of the M/WBE program.

• Texas Department of Transportation – Dallas Horseshoe Project – Dallas, Texas As DBE Program Administrator on the $798 million design-build of the Dallas Mixmaster and I-30 and I-35E bridges, Ruben’s responsibilities included developing and implementing the DBE program; creating a mentoring and job training program; directing the public outreach and communication efforts on the project scope and opportunities; assisting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with ensuring that the execution of the DBE plan was consistent with the policy and procedures established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and TxDOT; overseeing the development of reports; and conducting contract compliance methods to ensure all contractors were executing the contracts accordingly, including the conducting of Commercially Useful Function (CUF) reviews and one-on-one meetings with DBE contractors on the project.

• Texas Department of Transportation – SH 71 Express Project – Austin, Texas As DBE Program Administrator on the $115 million design-build of the SH 71 connecting to Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Ruben’s responsibilities included developing and implementing the DBE program, creating a mentoring and job training program, directing the public outreach and communication efforts on the project scope and opportunities, assisting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Strategic Planning Division with ensuring that the execution of the DBE plan was consistent with the policy and procedures established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and TxDOT, and overseeing the development of DBE program reports to TxDOT and McCarthy Construction.

Ruben Landa

• Texas Department of Transportation – SH 360 South Project – Mansfield, Texas As SBE/HUB Program Administrator on the $330 million design-build of the SH 360 South Project, Ruben developed and implemented the SBE/HUB capacity building program, including mentoring and technical assistance, directing the public outreach and communication efforts of the project scope and opportunities, and overseeing the development of SBE/HUB program reports to TxDOT and the Lane-Abrams JV team.

• Texas Department of Transportation – Speakers Series Speaker / Trainer – Texas Statewide As Speaker and Trainer for the Texas Department of Transportation, Ruben was charged with educating and training DBE firms in various regions of the state to help educate and strengthen DBE, Minority- and Women- Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) on how to do work with TxDOT and how to be a successful firm in the heavy highway industry. The program included important topics aimed at growing the capacity of firms, including: Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Program and Certifications; How to do Business on Heavy Highway Projects; Marketing and Business Development; and Peer Partnerships: Joint Ventures and Strategic Partnerships. The trainings were conducted in San Angelo, El Paso, Austin, and San Antonio, and they were attended by DBE, M/WBE and HUB firms offering a wide range of professional and construction services.

Awards • 2020 Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC) President’s Award • 2019 Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) Honorable Ray LaHood Award • 2018 Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC) President’s Award • 2014 Minority Business Leader of the Year, Dallas Business Journal • 2010 Asian American Contractors Association “Meteor Award” for Outstanding Advocacy