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BJCTA Announces New Board Leadership

Ken King named Chair, LaShunda Baldwin Vice-Chair and Sam Parker Secretary

Ken King, Chair

LaShunda Baldwin, Vice-Chair

Sam Parker, Secretary 

The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) is pleased to announce new leadership for its Board of Directors, with Ken King serving as Chair, LaShunda Baldwin as Vice-Chair and Sam Parker as Secretary.

The new officers represent communities and stakeholders from across the Birmingham-Jefferson County region:

• Ken King, Chair — Appointed by the City of Hoover

• LaShunda Baldwin, Vice-Chair — Appointed by the City of Birmingham

• Sam Parker, Secretary — Appointed by the Jefferson County Commission

The leadership appointments reflect BJCTA’s continued commitment to regional collaboration and strong governance as the Authority advances initiatives focused on improving mobility, enhancing the rider experience and strengthening connections throughout the communities it serves.

“We welcome Chair King, Vice-Chair Baldwin and Secretary Parker into their new leadership roles and look forward to working alongside them as we continue moving BJCTA forward,” said Charlotte Shaw, Executive Director and CEO of BJCTA. “Their perspectives and commitment to public service will be valuable as we build upon the progress we have made and continue working toward a more connected, accessible and innovative transit system for our region.”

BJCTA’s Board of Directors provides governance, policy oversight and strategic direction for the Authority. Board members represent BJCTA’s participating municipalities and Jefferson County, helping ensure the agency remains responsive to the transportation needs of the communities it serves.

King, Baldwin and Parker will serve alongside fellow Board members Katie Dumais, Patricia Todd, Michelle Inman, Willie S. Davis III, Walter Jones and Michael Fliegel.

The leadership transition comes during a period of continued growth and modernization for BJCTA, including investments in technology, infrastructure, service delivery and regional mobility designed to strengthen public transportation throughout Birmingham and Jefferson County.

For more information about BJCTA’s Board of Directors, visit MAX Transit’s Board Information page.

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The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) invites the community to attend the goBHM Transportation Town Hall on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Boutwell Auditorium. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the main program begins at 6:00 p.m.

The town hall will offer residents, business leaders and community stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about goBHM, the City of Birmingham’s multimodal transportation plan, and how coordinated investments in transit, streets and other mobility options can help create a safer, more connected and accessible Birmingham.

BJCTA CEO Charlotte Shaw will serve as a guest speaker, sharing MAX Transit’s role in Birmingham’s evolving transportation network and the agency’s vision for strengthening mobility throughout the region. The program will also feature Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, James Fowler, director of the Birmingham Department of Transportation, and a next-generation panel led by community advocate T. Marie King.

Before the main program, attendees can explore an open house featuring project displays, partner information and opportunities to provide feedback. Topics will include the goBHM planning process, transportation projects across Birmingham, the city’s transit network and policies that will help guide future mobility decisions.

Event Details

• What: goBHM Transportation Town Hall
• When: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
• Open House: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
• Main Program: Begins at 6:00 p.m.
• Where: Boutwell Auditorium
• Featured MAX Speaker: Charlotte Shaw, BJCTA CEO

Community participation is an important part of planning Birmingham’s transportation future. Join MAX Transit and its partners to learn more, share your perspective and help shape a transportation system that better connects people to jobs, education, healthcare and opportunity.

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Effective Thursday, September 10, 2026 | For Approximately two weeks

The BRT platform at 1st Avenue North and 34th Street in the direction of Woodlawn Station will temporarily close beginning Thursday, September 10, while contractors complete painting beneath the bridge near the Central Alabama Water building.

During the closure, BRT buses traveling toward Woodlawn will turn left onto 34th Street. Passengers who normally use the affected platform should board and exit at the temporary stop on 34th Street, just beyond the intersection of 1st Avenue North and before the alley between 1st and 2nd Avenues North.

What passengers should know

• Only the BRT platform serving buses toward Woodlawn Station will be affected.
• The temporary pickup and drop-off location will be marked with posted signage.
• The platform and BRT service toward the CrossPlex will not be affected.
• The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks.
• Passengers should follow posted directions and allow additional travel time.

Passengers who need assistance accessing the temporary stop should contact MAX Transit Customer Care at 205.521.0101.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this temporary service change.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), operator of MAX Transit, is proud to announce it has received two national awards from the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) during the organization’s 55th National Meeting & Training Conference in Washington, D.C.

The awards were presented on July 28, 2026, during COMTO’s annual Industry Awards Ceremony, which recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and excellence across the transportation industry.

BJCTA was honored with:

• The 2026 Industry Innovation Award which recognizes an individual, organization, city, or region that has introduced measurable innovations to improve mobility, public safety, and reliable transportation service through technology or other innovative approaches.
• The Thomas G. Neusom Founders’ Leadership Award is COMTO’s highest honor. It recognizes transportation executives and policymakers who have provided outstanding leadership, supported the development of transportation professionals, and demonstrated continued service to COMTO and its mission.

“Receiving national recognition from COMTO is an incredible honor for our organization,” said Charlotte Shaw, CEO of BJCTA. “These awards reflect the dedication of our employees, the strength of our partnerships, and our commitment to providing innovative, accessible, and customer-focused transportation solutions throughout Jefferson County. We are proud to be recognized among transportation leaders from across the country.”

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is one of North America’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities and excellence in the transportation industry. Its annual Industry Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose work has made a significant impact across all modes of transportation.

The recognition comes during a year of continued innovation for BJCTA, including the expansion of MAX On-Demand service into the communities of Homewood, Irondale, and Mountain Brook, the launch of the new MAX Connect mobile app, and ongoing investments in improving customer experience and expanding mobility options throughout the region.

“This recognition belongs to our entire team,” Shaw added. “Every employee plays a role in moving our mission forward, and these awards reinforce that the work happening at BJCTA is making an impact not only locally, but nationally.”

Additional details regarding the specific award categories will be shared following COMTO’s official publication of the 2026 Industry Award recipients.

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Arlington, VA — The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is proud to announce its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term. This distinguished group of leaders reflects the complexity of the modern transportation ecosystem, representing a strategic blend of state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), major transit agencies, and leading private-sector engineering and consulting firms.

Collectively, this board brings over 300 years of combined expertise in infrastructure delivery, transit operations, policy advocacy, and workforce development to advance COMTO’s mission of ensuring transportation serves all. 

“This board is intentionally structured to bridge the gap between policy makers and industry practitioners,” said the incoming Board Chair Dr. Lester Woods Jr., “By uniting leaders from state DOTs, transit agencies, and private firms, we are uniquely positioned to address the most pressing challenges in our industry—from project delivery to workforce retention — ensuring that the future of our nation’s mobility is accessible for all.” 

2026-2028 Board of Directors:

Board Chair: Dr. Lester Woods, Jr., Executive Consultant, First Last Mile Valet Transportation Services (former Chief Administrative Officer, MoDOT)

1st Vice Chair: Kimberly Haynes-Slaughter, Sr. Vice President, Transportation Leader, North America, TYLin 

2nd Vice Chair: Sharon Jean-Baptiste, President, Ardmore Roderick 

Secretary/Treasurer: David Wong, Transportation Business Group Client Development Director, HDR, Inc 

Immediate Past Chair: Tanya Adams, Sr. Vice President, Director, Strategic Partnership, WSP, USA 

Member At-Large: Nancy Daubenberger, Commissioner, Minnesota DOT 

Member At-Large: Garrett T. Eucalitto, Commissioner, Connecticut DOT 

Member At-Large: Debra Johnson, General Manager & CEO, Denver RTD 

Member At-Large: Dr. Karen Philbrick, Executive Director, Mineta Transportation Institute 

Member At-Large: Veronica Vanterpool, Sr. Vice President, Americas Transit Lead, AECOM 

COP Representative: Charlotte Shaw, CEO, MAX Transit 

COP Representative: Edna Stanley, Deputy COO, Transit Service Delivery, LAMETRO 

COP Representative Alternate: Brenda Nnambi, Director of Equity in Contracting, Sound Transit 

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Beginning July 1, MAX Transit is launching MAX On-Demand in Irondale and Homewood—a flexible, app-based transportation service designed to give residents a convenient new way to travel throughout the community.

This pilot program is proudly funded by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, whose investment is helping expand access to transportation and connect more people to opportunity throughout the Irondale community.

What is MAX On-Demand?

Unlike a traditional fixed bus route, MAX On-Demand allows riders to request trips when they need them through the MAX Connect mobile app.

Simply download the app, request a ride, and a MAX On-Demand vehicle will pick you up and take you to destinations within the Irondale and Homewood service zones.

Where can you go?

MAX On-Demand connects riders to many of the places residents visit most, including:

• Walmart Supercenter
• Publix
• Downtown Irondale
• Irondale Public Library
• Ruffner Mountain
• Amazon
• FedEx Ground
• Woodlawn Transit Center
• Senior Center
• Local businesses and more

Whether you’re heading to work, grocery shopping, meeting friends, or spending the afternoon outdoors, MAX On-Demand is designed to make those trips easier.

Designed for everyday life

The new service offers convenient transportation for:

• Daily commuters
• Warehouse and shift workers
• Seniors
• Families
• Students
• Visitors
• Anyone looking for an easy way to travel around Irondale

MAX On-Demand also strengthens connections to the broader MAX Transit network through Woodlawn Transit Center, making it easier to continue your trip across the Birmingham region.

Explore more without the parking hassle

One unique feature of the Irondale zone is access to Ruffner Mountain, giving riders an easy way to enjoy one of the area’s premier outdoor destinations without worrying about parking.

Whether you’re planning a weekend hike, meeting friends, or simply looking to spend time outside, nature is now just a ride away.

Getting started is easy

Ready to ride?

1. Download the MAX Connect app.
2. Create your account.
3. Enter promo code IRONDALE to redeem your promotional ride offer. For Homewood riders enter promo code 2FREEHOMEWOOD.
4. Request your first trip.

A partnership focused on mobility

MAX Transit, the Cities of Irondale and Homewood, and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham share a commitment to expanding transportation options that improve quality of life, strengthen workforce access, and better connect residents to the places they need to go.

By investing in innovative mobility solutions like MAX On-Demand, this partnership is helping make transportation more accessible while supporting the continued growth of the Irondale community.

A new way to connect Irondale and Homewood

MAX On-Demand is about more than transportation—it’s about improving access to jobs, shopping, recreation, healthcare, education, and community resources.

From your morning commute to your weekend adventure, MAX On-Demand is ready when you are.

To learn more about MAX On-Demand and download the MAX Connect app, visit maxtransit.org.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala– The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) has been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau to receive $1 million through the Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program. 

The award will provide 100% federally funded technical assistance over a 36-month period to help BJCTA evaluate innovative redevelopment and financing opportunities across key agency-owned assets while strengthening long-term financial sustainability and expanding community benefit opportunities. 

Through the grant, BJCTA will procure specialized advisory support to analyze public-private partnership (P3) opportunities, innovative financing strategies, and transit-oriented development (TOD) concepts for three strategic properties in Birmingham: 

• CrossPlex West Transit Center (4812 Avenue W.) 
• Central Station Transit Center (1735 Morris Avenue) 
• Intermodal Administrative Building (1801 Morris Avenue) 

The initiative will focus on identifying opportunities to maximize underutilized space, generate sustainable revenue streams, improve community connectivity, and support long-term transit investment. 

“This award represents more than funding, it is an investment in the future of transit and community development in Birmingham,” said Charlotte Shaw, CEO of BJCTA. “Being selected among only 45 recipients nationwide affirms that innovative thinking can happen at agencies of every size. This grant allows us to explore transformative opportunities that strengthen our system financially while creating meaningful value for our riders and the communities we serve.” 

The project will include market and demand analysis, financial feasibility modeling, public-private partnership structuring, value capture strategies, community engagement, and implementation planning designed to support future redevelopment opportunities. 

Potential outcomes include: 
• Identification of new revenue-generating opportunities to strengthen transit operations 
• Expanded mixed-use and community-focused development opportunities 
• Enhanced connectivity and rider experience around transit hubs 
• Evaluation of affordable commercial and community-serving uses 
• Development of procurement and partnership frameworks for future investment 

BJCTA’s approach is designed to ensure that redevelopment strategies remain grounded in community priorities and equitable outcomes while positioning the agency to pursue future capital and financing opportunities. 

The grant-funded work will be completed in phases over three years and will include engagement with local stakeholders, public meetings, technical analysis, and final strategic recommendations. 

“As transit agencies continue to evolve, we must think differently about how we leverage public assets to create lasting impact,” Shaw added. “This effort positions BJCTA to continue delivering mobility solutions while strengthening Birmingham’s economic and community landscape.” 

Additional information about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Years 2024–2026 Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program award selections is available below: 

• Recipient List: FY24-26 IFAC Award List.pdf. 
• U.S. DOT Announcement: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Invests $47 Million to Get America Building Again with Public-Private Partnership Engagement | US Department of Transportation 

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