Emerging Leaders

Program Goals

APTA’s Emerging Leaders Program will equip you to advance as a public transportation professional.

• Understand the overall breadth of the public transportation industry — public and private sectors; industry partners – federal, regional, municipal; business community, academic institutions, and other intersecting industries.
• Gain insight into the industry’s overarching components — its many successes, challenges, and opportunities.
• Develop the knowledge, skills, and insights that general managers, CEOs and executive leaders seek when identifying industry talent and promoting from within.
• Develop relationships with mentors inside and outside your organization and benefit from their knowledge, experience, and feedback regarding work issues and career planning.
• Build and expand your network with transit leaders, industry experts, and peers.

Program Highlights

This program provides a number of opportunities for members of the Emerging Leaders Program to grow, bond, and develop as public transportation professionals. We will maximize in-person and virtual events so that participants have many opportunities to learn about the industry, engage in dialogues with middle and senior management, and develop/sharpen a core set of skills related to communications, managing people and projects, and leadership, which are key to the success of an emerging professional.

Kickoff/Opening Workshop

In the spring of 2026, participants will attend a three-day in-person workshop preceding the APTA Rail Conference. The workshop will feature training and skill-building in goal-setting, communications, project management, career development, as well as round-table sessions addressing transit industry challenges.

Participants will engage in various dialogues with industry leadership, meet their national mentors and program alumni, and benefit from a customized industry tour.

Participants are highly encouraged to attend the APTA Rail Conference and related APTA committee meetings to better understand and appreciate the scope and impact of the transit industry.

Mentor Program

Participants will work in small groups with national leaders (mentors) to learn the full scope of our industry. This personalized guidance will be a great benefit to participants and encourage developing talent and strengths from within. The national mentors will also support their mentees in developing and completing their capstone project.

In​ addition, participants will work with a mentor from their own organization or an affiliate. This “local mentor” will assist in their career development from a perspective of intimate understanding of the particular challenges and opportunities of public transportation within their respective communities.

Individual Project Presentation

Participants will present an 8- to 10-minute presentation, with 3-4 minutes for questions and answers, on a project from their own team/organization. Each participant will be asked to sign up for a monthly webinar from September through February. These webinars provide an opportunity for the participants to practice their presentation skills and share their experience and expertise to broaden the class’ understanding of current industry trends and projects.

Mid-Year Sessions

In the fall of 2026, participants will continue to build their skills and networks in a two-day in-person workshop preceding the APTA TRANSform Conference. The mid-year session provides additional access to industry leaders, skill-building sessions, and networking opportunities. The National Mentor Groups will engage in team-building activities and start planning their capstone projects.

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the APTA TRANSform Conference and related APTA committee meetings.

Capstone Project

The National Mentor Groups will work as a team to develop a topical industry-related presentation. The participants will select a topic among key issues facing the public transportation industry that reflects their common interest or common type of project from their organizations. They will develop and implement a methodology that may include collecting data, interviewing industry leaders, or developing case studies. Their findings will be shared in a series of industry webinars, at their Capstone Session and Graduation, and with relevant APTA committees.

Capstone Session and Graduation

The capstone session in the spring of 2027 will showcase the capstone project presentations, skills, and experiences the participants developed during the program year. The class will work with industry leaders to develop additional skills and reflect upon career next steps. We will celebrate the achievements of each participant at a graduation program held in conjunction with the APTA Mobility Conference.

*Note: Participation is required at all above sessions. While we fully understand that unforeseen circumstances do occur, participant must notify Senior Program Manager, Karen Donald immediately as well as provide written notice (with their employer’s acknowledgement of the absence) no less than 30 days in advance of the session.

Additional Benefits

Members of the Emerging Leaders Program w​ill receive complimentary registration for the APTA Rail Conference, TRANSform Conference, and Mobility Conference.

Mentor Program Overview

The mentor program is the hallmark of APTA’s Emerging Leaders Program. Program participants will benefit from the knowledge and insights of both national and local mentors. The national mentors provide their expertise and speak to a broad range of transit issues at a national level. Local mentors are integral in helping participants better understand their organizations and address local work and career development issues.

National Mentors

Program participants are matched with experienced professionals outside of their organizations, who can help them 1) learn the “bigger picture” of the public transportation industry, 2) learn about practices and experiences at other transit agencies and organizations, and 3) create a career development plan including short- and long-term career goals, next steps, and strategies to advance their careers in transit.

National mentors and mentees will work in small groups, where three mentors are matched with 4-5 mentees. National mentors and mentees are matched based on geographies/time zones and the mentees’ areas of interest where possible. The mentor groups hold monthly discussions on various transit and career development topics from July through April of the program year. Most meetings are held via videoconference, with in-person meetings encouraged when feasible.

Local Mentors

At the start of the program year, participants are tasked to identify a local mentor from within their organization; participants from small organizations may elect to work with a local mentor at another organization in their local community. The local mentors play an invaluable role to help participants gain a deeper understanding of their organization’s business culture, policies, and practices and identify skills and experiences they need to earn promotional opportunities. Local mentors also serve as a sounding board for mentees to discuss ongoing projects or issues that need problem solving.

The local mentor and mentee will meet monthly to navigate internal work and career development issues. In-person meetings are encouraged whenever possible. Rather than have the participant’s direct supervisor serve as the local mentor, they are encouraged to identify a local mentor who can provide knowledge from other departments or share expertise in areas of interest to the participant. The participant is encouraged to work with their local mentor to develop an action plan, which may be based on a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) Analysis and defines short-term SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based) career goals.

Class of 2027 Timeline

• June 12, 2026: $6,000 tuition payment due.
• June 25-27, 2026: In-person Kickoff session in Baltimore, MD. Introductions to Emerging Leaders Program leadership, mentors, APTA members, and senior management. Customized workshop including skill-building sessions, time with industry mentors, and a site visit to a local transit facility.
• June 28-July 1, 2026: APTA Rail Conference. We encourage attendance at APTA committee meetings, conference sessions, and events to gain an appreciation of the rail side of the industry. We recognize that participants may not be able to attend the entire conference.
• July 2026– May 2027: Mentors and mentees meet monthly, online and in-person, to discuss a broad range of industry and career development topics. These relationships will develop your awareness and knowledge of the public transportation industry and help facilitate your career advancement.
• September 2026 – February 2027: Individual Project Presentation Webinars. Each class member will deliver an online presentation (in groups of 6-7), sharing a project or program from their own team/organization. Class members, ELP Committee members, local and national mentors, and the presenters’ managers are invited to join these webinars.
• October 1-2, 2026: In-person Mid-Year session in Chicago, IL. Additional access to industry leaders, skill-building sessions, networking opportunities, and time with your national mentor group for team-building and planning your capstone project.
• October 4-7, 2026: APTA TRANSform Conference. We encourage attendance at APTA committee meetings and conference sessions to see the industry’s newest technologies, products, and services first-hand. We encourage attendance at APTA committee meetings, conference sessions, and events to explore cutting-edge industry topics and network with colleagues. We recognize the participants may not be able to attend the entire conference.
• April/May 2027: Capstone Industry Webinars. Project teams will present their capstone projects virtually to the industry. Presentations will be recorded and posted on the APTAU Learning website.
• May 2027: In-person Capstone session in (location TBD). Workshop will feature panels on leadership and industry challenges, sessions that highlight innovative practices and project approaches at peer agencies, and discussions of the class’ program takeaways and next career steps.
• May 2027: APTA Mobility Conference. The class will be recognized at a graduation program. Class members will have the opportunity to deliver their capstone presentations during the graduation ceremony and to APTA committees.

The application period for the Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2027 will open November 10. Please review the instructions below to prepare your application. Prior to November 10 please submit the Emerging Leaders Program Interest List form. Completed applications for the Class of 2027 must be submitted online by Friday, January 30, 2026 by 11:59 PM (ET). To ensure fairness for all applicants, any applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. There will be no exceptions.  

How to Apply

Before applying, please ensure you have read through each page of the Emerging Leaders Program website and that you are familiar with the program requirements and fees​.

Please note: Each APTA member organization may nominate only one applicant per year.

Individuals interested in applying for the program must provide the following information:

1. Online Application:
   All applications must be submitted online. Paper applications will not be accepted.
   You may edit and update your application packet information until the deadline. You will not be able to make any further edits to your packet after this deadline and unsubmitted or incomplete applications will not be considered.
2. Application Questions:
   Your responses to the application questions represent the written “formal conversation” between you and the ELP Committee members who will select the Class of 2027. This is your opportunity to share about yourself and tell your personal story including your unique perspective, contributions, and development goals. The clarity and quality of your responses are the primary way the committee members will learn about your qualifications and aspirations. If you elect to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as a writing assistant, it is your responsibility to ensure your use of AI is in accordance with your organization’s policies and that your personal story, vision and goals are reflected in your final responses.Please provide concise responses (150-250 words) to each of the following prompts:
   1. ​Why are you applying to the Emerging Leaders Program, and how do you expect to both benefit from and contribute to it? Within your response, please elaborate on how and why the program will support your personal and professional growth.
   2. Describe three specific personal growth and career goals for the next three to five years. What specific leadership skills do you hope to strengthen through participating in the Emerging Leaders Program that will align with and support achieving these goals? Please list goals clearly and concisely in bullet form -Career Goal #1, Career Goal #2 and Career Goal #3.
   3. What has been a personal challenge or opportunity which you have encountered in your professional journey within public transportation? Provide details on the situation and how you overcame it or the current status of working through the situation?
   4. How do you see yourself pushing the industry forward to overcome challenges and obstacles facing public transit?
   5. Please provide any additional information you would like the selection committee to consider (e.g., participation in professional or community organizations, volunteering, recognition, certificates, etc.) in reviewing your application.Note: Do not simply repeat the program goals and benefits from the website. Be thoughtful and specific in your written responses to help the ELP Committee understand your motivations and why you are a great fit for the program.
3. Current Resume:
   Your resume should include current and relevant past positions with dates of each position, your accomplishments and unique contributions in public transportation. Job descriptions or equivalent documents are not acceptable resume submissions. Your resume must not exceed 2 pages in length.
   Note: The ELP Committee recommends private sector applicants submit a personal resume that holistically describes your relevant experience instead of a corporate resume.
4.  Two letters of recommendation from within the industry:
   The letters of recommendation impact the ELP Committee’s review and decision on each application. Those writing the recommendations should be clear and specific about why the applicant is a great fit for the program.
   CEO/GM Recommendation: Letter must come from the highest ranking official (chief executive officer/general manager/executive director) of the transit agency, company, or related organization that is sponsoring you as an applicant for the program. The letter must be from the head of the organization, not the head of your branch or department.
   Supervisor/Other Recommendation: Letter may come from your direct supervisor (preferred), a client, or a recent/former transit agency senior official. The letter should provide substantive examples of your performance and career growth potential and why they believe you should be highly considered for the Emerging Leaders Program. The letter of recommendation from your direct supervisor should address their continued support of your career development and participation in industry activities after graduating the program, as well as describe your strengths and potential areas to develop as an Emerging Leader.
5. CEO/GM/Supervisor Contact Information: Applicants must submit the contact information for both the CEO/GM of their supporting organization and their direct supervisor.

Application Tips

Alumni Advisors: If you are interested in working with an Alumni advisor to review your draft application before submitting, please email Karen Donald to be paired with an alumni advisor. Your draft materials must be ready for review by COB on Friday, January 9, 2026 to participate.

After completing each section of the online application, you will have the opportunity to edit, add, or modify your application materials before submitting your application, up until the application deadline.

Once you confirm that your application packet is complete by clicking “Submit Your Application”, you cannot make any further edits or additions. You must click the ‘Submit Your Application’ button in order for your application packet to be recognized as complete.

You will receive a confirmation email when you begin the application process and a second email upon final submission of your application materials.

Please review the step-by-step instructions for creating an account in the APTAU application management system and completing an application for the Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2027.

Click to Apply

APTA Point of Contact:

If you have questions, please contact APTA’s Emerging Leaders Senior Program Manager, Karen Donald, at kdonald@apta.com.

To be eligible for graduation and receive a certificate of completion, each member of the class must attend and actively contribute to the following:

• June 2026 Kickoff Session prior to the Rail Conference in Baltimore, MD.
• Ten-month mentor program which will require participation in online sessions and conference meetings with national and local mentors.
• Individual project presentation via webinar.
• September 2026 Mid-Year Session prior to the TRANSform Conference in Chicago, IL.
• Small-team capstone presentations on an industry topic or professional development area discussed in mentor program.
• Completion of all assignments and readings.
• Conference calls, webinar meetings, program collaboration, and any other web-based events.
• May 2027 Capstone Session and Graduation in conjunction with the Mobility Conference in Location TBD.

Attending the conferences will give Emerging Leaders Program participants the opportunity to learn more about APTA, the industry, and its members, build their professional network and relationships, bond with peers, and better realize the diverse, professional opportunities within the industry.

IMPORTANT

If you are selected to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program and change jobs during the course of the program year, your new employer must be an APTA member and must submit a letter of support for your continued participation in the program. You will be responsible for resolving the tuition fee payment between your new and former employers.​​

Additionally, participation is required at all sessions. While we fully understand that unforeseen circumstances do occur, participant must notify Senior Program Manager, Karen Donald immediately as well as provide written notice (with their employer’s acknowledgement of the absence) no less than 30 days in advance of the particular session to be missed.

APTA Member Sponsorship:

Only employees of organizations that are APTA members are eligible to apply. Each APTA member organization may only submit ONE candidate.

Ideal Candidates:

The intended audience is individuals who are relatively new to the public transportation industry, with approximately​ 2-6 years of industry work experience including 1-3 years of project, program, or staff management.

Those who can demonstrate a strong interest in the public transportation industry, can identify key mid- career goals, and can speak to ways in which they see themselves giving back to the industry.

Emerging professionals who recently transitioned into public transportation are also encouraged to apply.

If you have 7 or more years of transit experience AND 4 or more years of experience managing people, projects or tasks, please consider applying to the Eno Transportation Mid-Manager Accelerate program or the Leadership APTA Program.

The exception may be frontline employees in operations, maintenance, or customer service who have 6 or more years of transit experience, but are new to management or administration. These individuals who have 1-3 years of experience managing people, projects, or tasks are ​​encouraged to apply. The ELP Committee recognizes the benefits of having individuals with operations, maintenance, and customer service backgrounds as part of the class.

If you have already completed the Eno Transportation Mid-Manager Accelerate program:

You may still apply for APTA’s ELP if you have 2-6 years of industry work experience including 1-3 years of project, program, or staff management.
If you have 7-plus years of transit experience AND 4-plus years of experience managing people, projects, or tasks, then the Eno Transportation Senior Executive program or the Leadership APTA Program may be a better fit for you.
Note: If you fall outside of the eligibility requirements for any reason, please explain why you are a good fit for this program first, then briefly describe your primary responsibilities in managing people, projects, or tasks in your current role. Applicants who do not provide a clear explanation of why they are a good fit for this program, even though they are outside of the eligibility requirements, will be automatically removed from the review process.

The participant’s employer will sponsor their respective nominee upon their acceptance into the Emerging Leaders Program. The sponsoring organization must provide the time and resources for their participant to attend all required Emerging Leaders Program events and activities.

• The $6,000 Tuition Fee covers in-person and online sessions and materials, some meals, and registration fees for the APTA Rail Conference, TRANSform Conference, and Mobility Conference.
• APTA expects sponsors to fund the participant’s tuition fee and travel expenses. Depending on the arrangement between employers and nominee, participants may be required to assume additional related costs (e.g., some meals and incidental expenses) as an investment in their own professional development.
• In addition to tuition fees, other costs will include hotel lodging, some meals, and miscellaneous expenses.
• Logistical costs associated with required events include:
  • Five-to-six hotel nights, two travel days, and three-and-a-half days for the June workshop, plus a few days at the Rail Conference.
  • Three-to-five hotel nights, two travel days, and two-and-a-half days for the September workshop, plus a few days at the TRANSform Conference.
  • Five-to-six hotel nights, two travel days, three-and-a-half days for the May workshop, and at least one day for the graduation ceremony at the Mobility Conference.

IMPORTANT

If you are selected to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program and change jobs during the course of the program year, your new employer must be an APTA member and must submit a letter of support for your continued participation in the program. You will be responsible for resolving the tuition fee payment between your new and former employers.​​

General managers, presidents, CEOs, and managers sponsoring candidates recognize that sending participants to the Emerging Leaders Program is valuable to both their employee and their organization.

The leadership of sponsoring organizations understands that their commitment and support mean allowing their Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2027 participant to attend the required workshops and conferences:

• June 2026 (June 25-27) Kickoff Session prior to the Rail Conference in Baltimore, MD.
• Ten-month mentor program which will require participation in online sessions and conference meetings with national and local mentors.
• Monthly individual project presentation webinars (September through February).
• September 2026 Mid-Year Session prior to the TRANSform Conference in Chicago.
• Small-team capstone presentations on an industry topic or professional development area discussed in mentor program.
• Completion of all assignments and readings.
• Conference calls, webinar meetings, program collaboration, and any other web-based events.
• May 2027 Capstone Session and Graduation in conjunction with the Mobility Conference in (Seattle, WA).

Leaders also recognize that their Emerging Leaders Program participant will spend significant time over the year, from May to April, meeting with their national and local mentors, working on their group projects and participating in related conference calls, online meetings, and web-based events.

Following the participant’s graduation from the Emerging Leaders Program, the leadership of sponsoring organizations and the participant’s direct supervisor commit to continue supporting the participant’s career development and participation in industry activities. These may include participation in APTA committees, attendance at APTA conferences as a speaker or attendee, and other activities that encourage the participant to “pay it forward” to the organization and the industry.