Get ready to kick-start the rail conference in Baltimore! Join industry peers for two and a half days packed with learning and networking. The opening session will feature APTA leadership and our host, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), setting the stage for the exciting content ahead.

In addition, hear from our keynote, Joanna Lohman, a global keynote speaker, former pro soccer player, and impact amplifier who excels at unlocking human potential and maximizing team cohesion.

 Keynote Speaker:

• Joanna Lohman, former pro soccer player, and impact amplifier

Chair's Welcome:

• Leanne Redden, Chair, APTA; Executive Director, Regional Transportation Authority

President's Welcome:

• Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association

Host Remarks:

• Katie Thomson, Secretary of Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation
• Holly Arnold, Administrator, Maryland Department of Transportation - Maryland Transit Administration

Sponsor Remarks:

• Stephen Goodman, Vice President, National Transit and Rail Practice, HNTB Corporation

Join us to hear from our federal partners and learn about the year ahead.

Remarks:

• Leanne Redden, Chair, APTA; Executive Director, Regional Transportation Authority

Panelists:

• Jamie Pfister, Acting Executive Director - Office of the Administrator (TOA), Federal Transit Administration 
• Mark Patterson, Associate Administrator, Office of Research, Data, and Innovation, Federal Railroad Administration 
• Juli Huynh, Director of Policy, Office of Policy Coordination and Development in the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Transportation

This session will begin with recognition of APTA's Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Awards Winners.

Join us as we honor the achievements of public transportation providers and railroads who have successfully implemented impactful safety, security and emergency management programs.

Panel Discussion

Rising costs have impacted construction activities generally, and are affecting the ability of rail projects to complete project scopes within initial budget projections. Panelists will offer an executive perspective and set-up for a deeper-dive into solutions to be considered at the Wednesday morning Capital Projects Workshop on rail cost containment strategies.

Awards MC:

• Joel Young, Vice-Chair, APTA; and Board Member, AC Transit (Alameda Contra-Costa Transit District)

Moderator:

• Jessica Mefford-Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Valley Metro

Panelists:

• Holly Arnold, Administrator, Maryland Department of Transportation - Maryland Transit Administration
• Gregory Canally, Chief Executive Officer, Austin Transit Partnership
• Carolyn Gonot, CEO/General Manager, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
• Ian Choudri, CEO, California High-Speed Rail Authority

Well beyond their fundamental purpose as mobility hubs for processing the movement of passengers, rail stations also have the unique ability to serve as centerpieces for community and regional activity. Insiders will offer their visions of how rail stations can become part of the identity of communities of all sizes. Rail stations and the economic and social activity around them can serve indeed as grand public spaces, accessible to all.

Introducer:

• MJ Maynard-Carey, Immediate Past Chair, APTA; Chief Executive Officer, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

Moderator:

• Katie Thomson, Secretary of Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation

Panelists:

• Andy Byford, Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board, AMTRAK
• Debra Johnson, General Manager and CEO, Regional Transportation District
• Charles DiMaggio, CEO, Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group