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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In a recent executive meeting held at the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), energy filled the downtown boardroom as BJCTA team members eagerly awaited the arrival of their executive director and CEO, Charlotte Shaw. Known for her engaging leadership style and deep commitment to community, Shaw entered the room in a vibrant blue-and-white patterned blazer, coffee in hand, ready to inspire her team.

Shaw’s leadership approach is clear: she emphasizes respect, accountability, and compassion. During the meeting, she encouraged each team member to share two words that symbolize their collective success, highlighting values such as “integrity” and “endurance.” This collaborative spirit is integral to the agency’s mission.

Shaw’s dedication to her team and the community is evident in her daily interactions. Her staff members describe a supportive work environment where personal relationships matter. Amanda Hare, BJCTA’s Marketing and Communications Manager, noted that working under Shaw feels less like a job and more like a supportive family.

Shaw’s commitment extends beyond her staff; she actively seeks to uplift community members. One notable instance involved her hiring Lacretia Perez, a former janitor without insurance, to ensure she receives fair wages and benefits. Shaw aims to create opportunities for everyone, stating, “Each person on this staff will have a major role when I leave, so they can continue the work.”

As the BJCTA implements its innovative MAX Transit services, Shaw remains focused on fostering a new generation of riders who seek convenience and quality in public transportation. With the introduction of modernized buses featuring Wi-Fi and device chargers, the agency aims to attract younger passengers while ensuring comfort and style.

Charlotte Shaw’s leadership exemplifies a blend of vision, compassion, and community engagement. As she continues to guide the BJCTA into a promising future, her commitment to fostering positive relationships both within her team and throughout Birmingham remains unwavering.

For more information on Charlotte Shaw and the BJCTA’s initiatives, visit A Day with CEO Charolotte Shaw as MAX Transit Heads in the Right Direction by The Birmingham Times.

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Director Charlotte Shaw Honored Among 2024 Top Birmingham Women

Shaw Secures Second Consecutive Executive Leader of the Year Award

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The Birmingham Business Journal has unveiled its 2024 Top Birmingham Women, a prestigious annual recognition celebrating women who have distinguished themselves as key leaders in their organizations and the community. Among this year’s honorees is our very own Executive Director/CEO, Charlotte Shaw.

This honor highlights Shaw’s exceptional leadership, invaluable contributions to our company, and significant impact on the Birmingham community. Her unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and impactful leadership have propelled our company to new heights and made a profound difference in the community.

Charlotte Shaw and the other esteemed nominees will be honored at the annual Women’s Summit in September. This event serves as a platform to celebrate the outstanding leadership and significant contributions these women have made to their respective fields and the broader Birmingham community.

This impressive recognition comes on the heels of Shaw securing her second consecutive Executive Leader of the Year Award at the annual Minority Business Awards in May 2024.

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Charlotte Shaw, Director and CEO of the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), has once again clinched the Executive Leader of the Year award at the annual Minority Business Awards. Shaw’s remarkable achievement marks her second consecutive win, underscoring her enduring impact and exceptional leadership in the Birmingham business community.

In a city known for its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Shaw has consistently distinguished herself as a trailblazer, setting new standards of excellence and innovation in transit leadership. Her visionary strategies and unwavering commitment to inclusivity have not only elevated BJCTA to unprecedented heights but have also inspired countless aspiring leaders across Birmingham.

Nominated by her peers and lauded by industry experts, Shaw’s back-to-back wins highlight her sustained commitment to excellence and her unwavering dedication to serving the needs of the community. Her ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and resilience, and dedication to driving positive change have solidified her position as a true leader.

The Minority Business Awards ceremony, now in its 18th year, serves as a platform to celebrate the diverse talents and achievements of Birmingham’s minority business leaders. This year’s event was held at The Club on May 16, 2024.

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