Operators identify work schedules as a key reason for being dissatisfied with the job or quitting. Join this session to meet the scheduling and planning experts and learn more about the tools to help the industry tap into cutting edge methods that assist in retaining operators by:

• Using rostering as a best practice to positively impact the quality of life for frontline staff
• Using rostering processes, technology, and lessons learned to partner with key stakeholders involved in planning and scheduling

Moderator:

• Sherri Dickerson, Executive Vice President/Chief People Officer, WMATA

Speakers:

• Aaron Vogel, Chief Operating Officer, IndyGo
• John Lyons, Director of Joint Industry Councils and Collective Bargaining, Amalgamated Transit Union
• Russell Bateman, Training and Education Administrator, Amalgamated Transit Union
• Pierre Giroux, Account Manager – USA Market Lead, GIRO
• Kristi Urich, Product Director, Trapeze
• Reinaldo Germano, Project Manager & Senior Transportation Planner, Foursquare ITP

APTA was thrilled to have Dr. Calvin Mackie as the keynote speaker at the 2024 Workforce Summit. Dr. Mackie introduced an innovative strategy for attracting and engaging the next generation of transit professionals. His approach focuses on exposing students to transportation careers early, aligning with the industry’s emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and addressing current trends like Zero Emission Buses, infrastructure redesign, and evolving transportation needs. In his keynote, Dr. Mackie highlighted how STEM NOLA has engaged over 125,000 K-12 students, many from low-income backgrounds, through hands-on STEM activities. He underscores the importance of early intervention: “If you wait until high school and college, you’re too late!”

Don’t miss this chance to hear from an award-winning mentor, former engineering professor, and internationally renowned speaker.

Remarks: Carita Ducre, VP, Workforce Development and Educational Services, American Public Transportation Association

Keynote Introduction: Billy Terry, Executive Director, National Transit Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Moderated Keynote Q&A:  Adelee Marie Le Grand, AICP, SVP Mobility + Engineering, Intellectual Concepts

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Calvin Mackie, CEO, President and Founder, STEM NOLA and ChannelZerO Group LLC

This session introduces you to a few of the CEOs who understand that they play a critical role in resolving the workforce shortage crisis. Long gone are the days when recruitment and retention were only an issue for HR. These industry leaders invite you to join them on the journey to create a culture that opens doors for building talent pipelines and retaining top talent in our industry.

• India L. Birdsong Terry, General Manager & CEO, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
• Raquel Olivier, Board Member/Founder and President/CEO, Olivier, Inc.
• Rashidi Barnes, CEO, Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority

Get ready to kick-start the workforce summit and join industry peers for the next two days packed with learning and networking. The opening session will feature APTA leadership and an engaging keynote address.

Chair’s Welcome:  Michele Wong Krause, Chair, APTA; Past Chair, DART Board of Directors 2021-2023, Dallas Area Rapid Transit

A Vision for Workforce: Amit Bose, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation

Special Remarks:  Catherine Teebay, Special Advisor for Policy & Program Implementation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

President’s Welcome & Keynote Introduction:  Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association

Keynote Speaker:  Randy Clarke, General Manager and CEO, WMATA