Business Members Annual Meeting Program

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom Foyer

Discover the inner workings of Puerto Rico’s transit system. You’ll be taken by bus to the Sagrado Corazon station, ride the rail to Martinez Nadal station, explore the Operations & Maintenance Control Center and gain invaluable insights from PRITA’s Executive Director. Explore the Operations Control Center and repair shop, witnessing the system in action.  Space is limited, sign up today.

Casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes required.

Meet in Hotel Lobby at 12:45 PM

Whether you’re new to the meeting, APTA, or the industry, this session will enable you to get the most from this conference and from APTA. You’ll get an overview of the business committee structure, information on how to get involved in its activities and advocacy, and provide tips for how to make the most of your APTA experience.

Facilitator:

• Buddy Coleman, BMBG Chair; Chief Customer Officer, Clever Devices Ltd.

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

It’s networking time! Join your colleagues for cocktails, light fare and relaxed conversation.

Location:  Regency Deck & Lawn

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom Foyer

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom Foyer

Join us for an in-depth session discussing late-breaking developments as Congress works to complete action on the Transportation Appropriations Act, implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and prevent a government shutdown. Staff will also outline APTA’s advocacy strategy and showcase key advocacy tools to help members make the business case for full funding of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Remarks:

• Paul Skoutelas, APTA President and CEO, APTA
• Eileen Vélez Vega, Secretary, Puerto Rico Department of Transportation
• Michele Wong Krause, APTA Chair; Past Chair, DART Board of Directors, Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Speaker:

• Ward McCarragher, Vice President – Government Affairs, APTA
• Melissa Mejias, Director, Government Affairs and Advocacy, APTA

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

Get the latest updates from the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) in this engaging session featuring FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. Hear from her and her U.S. DOT colleagues about their work in Puerto Rico and engage in a dynamic Q&A session.

Moderator:

• Buddy Coleman, BMBG Chair; Chief Customer Officer, Clever Devices Ltd.

Featured Speaker:

• Veronica Vanterpool, Deputy Administrator, Federal Transit Administration

Panelists:

• Jamie Christian, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration
• Catherine Teebay, Advisor to the Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Coral Torres-Cruz, Chief of Staff for the Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Victoria Wassmer, Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Transportation

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

Share your insights and concerns as we delve into the pressing issues facing the industry. This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow industry professionals and gain valuable knowledge about the challenges facing public transportation.

Facilitators:

• Robert Bright, President, Talson Solutions, LLC
• William Fay, Vice President, Sales, Gillig, LLC
• James LaRusch, Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Counsel, Raul V. Bravo + Associates, Inc.
• Janet Tudor-Gonzalez, Director of Advisory Services, HDR

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

Location:  Yunque Terrace

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom Foyer

Location:  Yunque Ballroom

Open to all, the annual meeting will help define the  priorities for the BMBG and its business members for 2024.

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom Foyer

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom Foyer

Remarks:

• Herold Humphrey, Senior Transit Operations Specialist, Jacobs; and President, Latinos in Transit
• Raymond Melleady, BMBG Vice Chair; and Executive Vice President, United Safety & Survivability Corporation
• Raquel Olivier, BMBG 2nd Vice Chair; Member, APTA Board; APTF Chair; President/CEO, Olivier Incorporated

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

In this session, we’ll explore the game-changing impact of AI on the transit industry. Industry experts will discuss how AI technologies are reshaping traditional transit models, optimizing operations, and enhancing the overall passenger experience. As we navigate this transformative era, understanding the potential of AI in transit is paramount for transit authorities, policymakers, and businesses alike.

Moderator:

• Christina Belmont, Vice President of Marketing, SDI Presence

Panelists:

• Renee Autumn Ray, Senior Director of Transportation Policy , Hayden AI
• Shannon Bailey. Senior Director, Sales (Public Transit), Miovision Opticom
• Ann Derby, Director of Marketing & Events, INIT

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

This session will provide a current-day snapshot spanning the realities of talent recruitment and retention in the transportation industry. Expect deep dive examples and metrics of panelist experiences with talent recruitment, retention, and/or erosion – including success stories and challenges. Hear speakers dive into a discussion on culture – the intangible “it” factor – including how to (really) build a meaningful environment that reflects values and vision, and that can attract and retain top talent.

Moderator:

• Lindy Norris, Vice President, Marketing and Policy, The Routing Company

Panelists:

• Sebron Flenaugh III, Executive Director of Human Resources, AC Transit
• Herold Humphrey, Board Vice President, Latinos in Transit
• Dwayne Sampson, President and CEO, Transportation Diversity Council
• Jannet Walker Ford, Member, APTA Board of Directors; Senior Vice President & National Transit & Rail Business Line Leader, WSP USA

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

Location:  Gazebo Lobby

Tee off along the Grand Reserve beachfront with the stunning El Yunque rainforest as your backdrop.  Enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie, warm breezes, and sunshine, all while supporting the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF). Registration is $275 per golfer or $1,000 for a foursome, with all proceeds benefiting APTF. Lunch is included, and club rentals can be reserved by calling (787) 690-5941. Learn more and register.

Location:  Grand Reserve Golf Club

Join us for a guided tour of El Yunque Rainforest National Park. Tour highlights include the Yokahú Observation Tower’s breathtaking panoramic views of the entire northeast coast, giant ferns, plants, and wildlife; the beauty of La Coca Waterfall and natural pools; and the option to swim in the Mameyes River (weather permitting). The tour will leave from the hotel lobby at 1pm and return at approximately 5pm. Learn more.

Meet in Hotel Lobby at 12:45 PM

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom Foyer

This session will focus on better understanding transit agency priorities for 2024 and how business members can best support transit agencies.  This includes a look at the capital programs for various agencies and ways to help ensure a robust, financial healthy and highly competitive industry able to partner with transit agencies to implement the work.

Moderator:

• Kimberly Slaughter, CEO, SYSTRA USA

Panelists:

• Josué Menéndez Agosto, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Integrated Transit Authority (PRITA)
• Dorval Carter, Immediate Past Chair, APTA; President, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
• Eulois Cleckley, Member, APTA Board of Directors; Director and CEO, Department of Transportation & Public Works, Miami-Dade Transit
• Collie Greenwood, Member, APTA Board of Directors; CEO, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
• Debra Johnson, General Manager and CEO, Regional Transportation District
• MJ Maynard, Vice Chair, APTA Board of Directors; Chief Executive Officer, RTC Southern Nevada

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

After the CEO Roundtable panels, participants will engage in small-group discussions with agency CEOs for more personalized conversations. Don’t miss this opportunity for exceptional access and meaningful dialogue.

Location:  Fajardo Ballroom

Explore crucial insights into fortifying supply chains for long-term resilience. Gain invaluable perspectives on navigating challenges, optimizing processes, and ensuring robustness in the face of uncertainties. This is a can’t-miss conversation.

Moderator:

• Dorval Carter, Immediate Past Chair, APTA, President, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

Panelists:

• John Condon, Vice President Sales, North America, Wabtec Bus Solutions
• Stephanie Laubenstein, Director, Sales & Business Development, New Flyer and MCI (NFI Group)
• Pat Scully, Chief Commercial Officer, Complete Coach Works

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

Location:  Gazebo Lobby

We will close out our program with an interactive open forum. This is a time to reflect on the week, discuss priorities not already covered, and share insights on what’s to come.

Location:  Puerto Rico Ballroom 3-5

Come together one last time to celebrate and raise funds for the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF). All attendees and registered guests are welcome and are encouraged to make a donation of any size towards meeting our fundraising goal.

Location:  Mirador