Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials - COMTO

09/02/2026

We are so proud of our members, another COMTO Member on the Move!

Congratulations Nuria Fernandez on being selected for induction into the 2026 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Hall of Fame.

Nuria is a 2012 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Honoree and has made tremendous contributions to the transportation industry. Hear more about her career journey on the next edition of our podcast, Driven by COMTO September 18th.

08/31/2026

Another COMTO Member on the Move!

Congratulations Jonathan Hunt, of COMTO Atlanta, on being named CEO & General Manager of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

COMTO is looking forward to seeing how he will use his expertise at MARTA.

08/28/2026

“You're not going to be happy until you start your own business,” was the last conversation Johnell Bell had with his mother before she passed. Her encouraging words led him to start Espousal Strategies.

Through his work, Johnell can ensure that projects reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

To hear how his mother’s legacy has impacted his career, watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/52O-QD0CZY4

Like and subscribe on Spotify so you don’t miss the next episode featuring Former FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez who will be inducted into American Public Transportation Association's Hall of Fame!

08/26/2026

Did you attend the COMTO Industry Awards in Washington, DC? 17 individuals, agencies, and chapters were awarded for their outstanding accomplishments and extraordinary leadership in the transportation industry.

Congratulations to the 2026 honorees!
Agency Awards:
Corporation of the Year: TYLin
Public Agency of the Year: Chicago Transit Authority
Industry innovation: MAX Transit BJCTA
Small Business Firm of the Year: Luster National, Inc.
Project of the Year: South Dade TransitWay (South Corridor Rapid Transit Project)
Member Awards:
Emerging Leader of the Year: Roosevelt Moneyham III
Gerald Anderson Member of the Year: Melissa Rolle-Scott
The Reverend Jerry Moore President’s Leadership: Oluseyi Olugbenle
Thomas G. Neusom Founder’s Leadership: Charlotte Shaw
Chapter Awards:
Chapter of the Year: COMTO MIAMI
Best COMTO Community Engagement: COMTO Jacksonville (COMTO JAX)
Harold B. Williams Best Membership Recruitment/Retention Activities: COMTO Miami
Emerging Chapter of the Year:
Special Awards:
President and CEO’s Award for Excellence: Phil Washington
President and CEO’s Award for Excellence: Meshelle Howard
President and CEO’s Award for Excellence: Helen Dale
Board Chair’s Leadership Award: Illinois Department of Transportation
Board Chair’s Leadership Award: Joseph Sczurko

Learn more about the Industry Awards and see past winners here: https://comto.org/programs-events/industry-awards

08/24/2026

This year A View from The Hill will be a virtual convening.

Hear from congressional representatives on legislative issues and learn about COMTO Chapter initiatives. We are also offering a facilitated letter writing session, organized by region, to guide you on how to address your Congress members.

Register for the webinar today: bit.ly/2026-VFTH

08/21/2026

“I have been a member of COMTO from the very beginning,” says Helen Dale, a longstanding and proud member of COMTO Maryland.

Last month, Mrs. Dale met with our Membership Team to discuss her history with the Maryland Chapter and to share words of wisdom with those interested in joining COMTO.

Helen Dale received the President & CEO’s Award for Excellence at this year’s Industry Awards Gala. Congratulations Mrs. Dale and thank you for being a member of COMTO!

Learn more about COMTO membership here: https://comto.org/membership/become-member

08/19/2026

A recap of the 55th National Meeting & Training Conference will be published in News In Motion, our Quarterly newsletter. Subscribe by 2:30PM EST to get the issue sent right to your inbox.

This issue will also provide information about this year’s COMTO CITY Interns, A View from The Hill, and COMTO Chapter events.

Subscribe here: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-COMTO

08/17/2026

Registration is now open for COMTO’s annual View from The Hill event. This year, attendees will gather virtually on September 17, 2026, at 1PM EST.

Attendees will hear remarks from Congressional Representatives, COMTO Board members, and featured chapters. After the remarks, members will participate in an advocacy workshop, learn how to amplify COMTO's 2026 Legislative Priorities, and prepare Congressional letters.

Register here: bit.ly/2026-VFTH

Sponsorship opportunities are available. A link to the meeting will be sent to registrants on September 17. Must be registered to join.

08/14/2026

Did you catch Studio 71 during our 55th Anniversary Conference? We recorded our podcast, Driven by COMTO, in front of a live audience.

“What drives me is the spirit of our communities,” said by our first guest from Studio 71, Johnell Bell, CEO & Founder of Espousal Strategies. He discusses how projects should reflect community needs, and how his mother’s perseverance impacts his work today.

Thank you, Espousal Strategies, for sponsoring Studio 71! Driven by COMTO is also available on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/52O-QD0CZY4

This episode of Driven by COMTO was recorded in front of a live aud...

08/13/2026

A very special episode of our podcast, Driven by COMTO, is dropping tomorrow!

Filmed in front of a live studio audience during the 55th National Meeting & Training Conference, the episode features Johnell Bell, Founder & CEO of Espousal Strategies. Catch it tomorrow at 10am EST on COMTO’s YouTube channel and Spotify.

Learn more here: https://comto.org/news/podcast