Chapter Executive Leadership
Oluseyi Olugbenle, President
Deputy Director, Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T)
Oluseyi is a transportation executive currently serving as Deputy Director at Prince George’s County's DPW&T, where she supports the Director in the oversight of more than 450 employees spanning six offices, including the: Office of the Director, Office of Highway Maintenance, Office of Storm Drain Maintenance, Office of Engineering and Project Management, Office of Transportation, and Office of Administrative Services. Oluseyi oversees and manages all County transit services, including fixed-route, paratransit, micro-transit, shared mobility, planning, design and construction, fleet and facilities, as well as taxi operations in Prince George’s County, Maryland's 2nd most populous county.
Prior to her tenure at DPW&T, Oluseyi served as Director of the Office of Planning and Capital Programming at the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), where she was responsible for its $12.6 billion Asset Management Program (the 13th-largest multimodal transit system in the United States), management of the $4 billion six-year capital budget, as well as the Project Development, Capital Programming, and Environmental Planning Divisions. Prior to MTA, Oluseyi served as Transportation Planning Consultant at MDOT The Secretary’s Office and the State Highway Administration.
In 2023, Oluseyi was appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to serve on the Maryland Commission on Transportation Revenue and Infrastructure Needs, which reviews, evaluates and makes recommendations on the prioritization and funding of transportation projects. Oluseyi is a passionate member of COMTO and Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS). In 2023, Oluseyi was awarded the National 40 under 40 Award by Mass Transit Magazine as well as the Outstanding Leadership Award by the Transportation Association of Maryland. In 2019, she was awarded the National Emerging Leader of the Year by COMTO.
Oluseyi earned both her B.S., architecture and urban design, and M.A., community planning from the University of Maryland, College Park. Oluseyi is a trusted leader in her community, serving as a youth mentoring leader for more than 20 years. In her leisure time, Oluseyi loves reading about current events, completing DIY home projects, and spending time with family and friends.
Roan Bennett, 1st Vice President
Vice President, Cambridge Systematics (CS)
Roan has more than 20 years of experience leading public-sector transportation agencies and providing value-added consulting services to clients. He has designed, implemented and/or executed statewide and agency-level performance-based planning programs to ensure that customers are receiving the services that they need, agency priorities are being met and public funds are being maximized. He also has been personally engaged in outreach and engagement activities to ensure that his agencies fully appreciate the needs of its customers. An experienced consultant, Roan's areas of expertise include capital budget management for large state agencies, performance measures and management, outreach and engagement, customer service improvement, capital planning, strategic planning and multimodal transportation planning, operations management analysis, and standards oversight. In addition to his responsibilities overseeing CS’ Planning Business Line, Roan serves as a senior advisor and principal-in-charge for a wide array of projects across CS's multimodal practice areas.
Kenya Lucas, 2nd Vice President
Operations Engineering Manager, Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA)
Kenya leads and manages a team of individuals responsible for various system preservation funding, program management, statewide initiatives, statewide space planning, access permits, partnering, and oversight efforts of the Chief Engineer’s office for MDOT SHA. He has more than 20 years of experience in transportation planning, traffic engineering, urban redevelopment, public involvement and transportation operations for the private and public sectors. Kenya received a B.S., general science from Morehouse College and a B.S., civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Fun hobbies include family activities, golfing, binge watching TV shows and movies and watching auto racing
JoAnn Burnett, Treasurer
Retired, City of Baltimore, Department of Audits
JoAnn is a certified public accountant with more than 35 years of experience in auditing and accounting. She retired from the City of Baltimore, Department of Audits as an audit supervisor managing a division that reviewed contracts, procurement and pre-audits. She was known for her relentless attention to detail in working with the Departments of Transportation, Public Works and General Services reviewing contracts with engineering firms and contractors in the areas of compliance monitoring, FAR overhead audits, contract and change order reviews. She also has experience in internal auditing and internal control reviews. JoAnn holds a B.S., accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is an active member of the Association of Governments Accountants, where she has been the long serving Education Director. She also serves on the Trustee Board of the St. John Baptist Church in Columbia, MD. In her spare time, JoAnn enjoys the theatre, jazz concerts and traveling with her family.
Emeraude Montelus, Assistant Treasurer
Systems Engineer, AECOM
Emeraude is a young transportation professional currently working as a systems engineer at AECOM where she provides technical support for rail and transit projects, focusing on communication system components and network infrastructure. Previously, she served as an electric traction engineer at Amtrak in Philadelphia, where she oversaw electrification projects and ensured compliance with industry standards. Her professional journey includes positions at HNTB in New York, where she contributed to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) capacity improvement project, and at Web Structures in Singapore, where she provided structural analysis and design in Southeast Asian construction projects.
Emeraude’s leadership roles include Programs Chair for the National Society of Black Engineers and vice president external for the American Society of Civil Engineers at Columbia University. She has also actively participated in Engineers Without Borders where she supported the installation a renewable energy micro-grid in rural Uganda. Passionate about community service, she has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and contributed to organizing industry showcases and conferences for fellow academics. She has a B.S., civil engineering from Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. In her leisure time, Emeraude enjoys jazz, poetry, literature and engaging in fun hobbies such as golfing, skiing, and traveling.
Semia Hackett, Secretary
Associate Director, Transportation, Prince George’s County DPW&T
Semia is the associate director of transportation at Prince George’s County DPW&T. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in the public transit field, she provides strategic planning, public engagement, and grant acquisition services to clients in the government, non-profit and private transportation sectors. Ms. Hackett is an asset to the many committees and boards she sits on because she understands industry needs, cares deeply about advocacy and equity, and she is not afraid to challenge conventional thinking. She is currently serves as a member of the Charles County Planning Committee, American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO Maryland), National Association of Counties (NACo) as well as community volunteerism such as Duffy’s Hope and Cheer Extreme Maryland where she supports quality youth prevention programming through mentoring and sports. Semia lives in Southern Maryland and enjoys reading, family time and gardening.
Alexis Gentry, Assistant Secretary
Transit Program Coordinator, Prince George's County DPW&T
Alexis is the transit program coordinator for the Prince George's County DPW&T’s Office of Transportation Taxi Licensing Division. A proud graduate of Delaware State University, she has been a dedicated member of the Prince George's County Government since 2017. With a passion for improving public transportation and serving her community, Alexis has made significant contributions to the county's transit initiatives. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. Alexis is thrilled to join COMTO Maryland and looks forward to contributing to the organization's mission and goals.
Enyinna Anthony, Immediate Past President
President & CEO, Anthony Management Group, LLC
Enyinna brings 25 years of experience as a strategist, problem solver, and program manager to the construction, engineering, and Federal Government industries. He earned his B.S., electrical engineering degree from Morgan State University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Construction Manager (CCM). He enjoys combining his engineering skills with the intricacies of project management to solve challenging problems. Additionally, Enyinna’s commitment to helping people and businesses solve problems inspired him to establish the Anthony Management Group in 2008 where he serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer.
Prior to starting Anthony Management Group, Enyinna served in the United States Army and held positions with Northrup Grumman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Defense. He enjoys volunteering his time with professional and philanthropic organizations/activities, and serves as Treasurer for the Parent & Teachers Association (PTA) at an elementary school. When he has a spare moment, Enyinna enjoys spending quality time with his wife, daughters and the family dog. He loves hiking, biking, camping, jumping rope and martial arts. Fun facts: he completed a four-day back country hike of the Grand Canyon and holds a Black Belt in Ninjitsu.
Chapter Board of Directors
Negash Assefa
Adrienne Barnes
Adrienne Barnes
MDOT Motor Vehicles Administration
Negash is a seasoned technology professional with a track record of delivering strategic initiatives, driving innovation, advancing digitalization, and optimizing IT operations to achieve business objectives. Over the past 16 years at the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administ
MDOT Motor Vehicles Administration
Negash is a seasoned technology professional with a track record of delivering strategic initiatives, driving innovation, advancing digitalization, and optimizing IT operations to achieve business objectives. Over the past 16 years at the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA), including the last six years as the head of IT, Negash has significantly contributed to modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of motor vehicle services in Maryland, resulting in record-low wait times, increased service delivery channels, and premier customer service, earning numerous local and national awards. Beyond his role at MDOT MVA, Negash is the former chair of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Mobile Driver’s License Subcommittee and now serves on the AAMVA Information Technology Advisory Council and as vice chair for the AAMVA Digital Fraud Working Group, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing technology and security in the transportation sector.
Adrienne Barnes
Adrienne Barnes
Adrienne Barnes
KOBA & Associates, LLC
Adrienne is president & CEO of KOBA & Associates, LLC, an MBE/DBE/WBE/SBE public relations firm specializing in communications, public engagement, management and Infrastructure outreach to government agencies and prime contractors. Adrienne won her first contract during her first year of business.
Adrienne
KOBA & Associates, LLC
Adrienne is president & CEO of KOBA & Associates, LLC, an MBE/DBE/WBE/SBE public relations firm specializing in communications, public engagement, management and Infrastructure outreach to government agencies and prime contractors. Adrienne won her first contract during her first year of business.
Adrienne recently graduated from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work and works as a mental health therapist. Before the new career switch, Adrienne worked with the Baltimore City Department of Transportation as the chief of communications from October 2001 until July 2018. She developed and organized the public information office for Baltimore DOT after it branched out to become a separate agency. She created the slogan and logo on all transportation equipment and official documents and established the website. She also produced information and material for five divisions under the Department and handled all public information inquiries as well as coordination of services to the community.
Adrienne holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Maryland, College Park, and two master’s degrees, one in legal and ethical studies from the University of Baltimore and the other recently earned MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is active on many committees such as the Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) and serves as a COMTO Maryland Board Member.
Shanae Murray
Adrienne Barnes
Shanae Murray
MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration
Shanae is the chief of Administration and Performance Management of the Maryland Aviation Administration (Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport & Martin State Airport). She provides advice to the CEO and the executive management team regarding all administrative, human reso
MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration
Shanae is the chief of Administration and Performance Management of the Maryland Aviation Administration (Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport & Martin State Airport). She provides advice to the CEO and the executive management team regarding all administrative, human resources, diversity, equity & inclusion, safety & risk management, training, and organizational development matters. She also ensures compliance with and enforcement of all federal, state, local government, legal, regulatory and policy/procedural requirements. She ensures that the actions of MAA are aligned with MAA’s vision, mission and strategic plan, including the delivery of learning programs and curriculum in support of the organization’s integrated talent management strategies.
Shanae has 30 years of diverse experience in various leadership roles in several industries, including banking, healthcare, IT, HR consulting, retail sales and transportation. She is an active community participant and is involved in several organizations whose focus has been to develop talent, mentor youth, and provide access and opportunities for disadvantaged and underserved communities.
Shanae is a proud native of Baltimore City and graduate of the Frederick Douglass Senior High School. Shanae has a B.S., business and management from Johns Hopkins University and a M.A., organizational management from the University of Phoenix. She is also a graduate of the Associated Black Charities Leaders2000 Plus, “Sankofa” Class and an alumni of the Kaiser Permanente Institute for Equitable Leadership. Shanae was awarded one of Maryland’s TOP 100 Women by the Daily Record in 2021.
Michael Rice
Keiva Rodrigues
Shanae Murray
MDOT Maryland Transportation Authority
Mike currently serves as the director of facility operations for the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). He has held this position since February 2010 and directly oversees all bridge, tunnel and turnpike operations under the jurisdiction of the MDTA. He oversees the operations of eight tol
MDOT Maryland Transportation Authority
Mike currently serves as the director of facility operations for the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). He has held this position since February 2010 and directly oversees all bridge, tunnel and turnpike operations under the jurisdiction of the MDTA. He oversees the operations of eight toll facilities with responsibilities that include the maintenance of the buildings and roadway structures; traffic control; overseeing the operations of the E-ZPASS customer service centers; snow removal; vehicle recovery operations and facility incident management.
Prior to joining the MDTA team, Mike was a senior project manager with Armand Resource Group, Inc. and served 26 years with the City of Baltimore in various capacities, including acting public works director, deputy director of the Department of Transportation, deputy director of the Department of Public Works, executive parking coordinator, acting bureau head of general services and division chief of building maintenance.
Mike currently serves as a board member for COMTO MD, serving as a longstanding member previously serving as immediate past president, president, 1st vice president, 2nd vice president as well as board member for the national organization.
Keiva Rodrigues
Keiva Rodrigues
Keiva Rodrigues
MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration
Keiva serves as the chief operating officer of the Maryland Aviation Administration where she is providing guidance and management oversight for internal affairs related to the MAA. She holds a B.S. civil engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and a M.B.A from the University o
MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration
Keiva serves as the chief operating officer of the Maryland Aviation Administration where she is providing guidance and management oversight for internal affairs related to the MAA. She holds a B.S. civil engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and a M.B.A from the University of Baltimore. She has more than 20 years of professional experience in program management, business administration, construction management and aviation. Keiva is a licensed professional engineer, a certified Project Management Professional, Certified Construction Manager and a certified member of the American Association for Airport Executives (AAAE). She currently serves on the Green Building Advisory Committee supporting the General Services Administration (GSA) providing independent policy advice and recommendations to GSA's Office of Federal High-Performance Buildings, to advance federal building innovations in planning, design, and operations to reduce costs, enable agency missions, enhance human health and performance, and minimize environmental impacts.
Keiva is active in several trade organizations, including the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) and the Northeast Chapter of AAAE where she serves as a member of the Board of Directors and chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She also serves as a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, sits on the Women in Engineering Advisory Board at the University of Maryland College Park, serves on the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland and on the Board for Breaking Down Barriers, an organization focused on providing flight training scholarships to qualified candidates that are essentially excluded from aviation because of the significant barriers they face.
Marchel Simmons
Keiva Rodrigues
Keiva Rodrigues
Baltimore County
Marchel has more than 20 years of experience in transit operations, currently serving as the general manager of CountyRide Demand Response Transportation and Towson Circulator Transportation for Baltimore County for three years. Prior to that, she was the director of operations for Call-A-Ride Shared Ride Transportatio
Baltimore County
Marchel has more than 20 years of experience in transit operations, currently serving as the general manager of CountyRide Demand Response Transportation and Towson Circulator Transportation for Baltimore County for three years. Prior to that, she was the director of operations for Call-A-Ride Shared Ride Transportation in Prince George's County, formerly serving as the assistant director of Shared Ride Transportation at the Red Rose Transit Authority in Lancaster, PA, for more than 15 years, where she honed her skills in managing complex transit systems.
Renowned for her strong interpersonal skills, Marchel excels in building relationships and facilitating productive stakeholder interactions to develop practical solutions. Her leadership is marked by effective hiring, supervising, training, coaching, and staff evaluation.
Marcel is an active member of her community, chairing the membership committee for the Transportation Association of Maryland (TAM). She serves on the Board of Directors for the Office of Aging in Lancaster and the Crispus Attucks Community Center, where she also chaired the MLK breakfast committee. She is a graduate of Leadership Lancaster, contributing to the African American Historical Society in Lancaster. She currently serves on COMTO Maryland’s Golf Event Committee, and has coached high school girls' basketball for more than 20 years, demonstrating her dedication to mentorship and youth development.
Samuel Snead
Traceé Strum-Gilliam
Traceé Strum-Gilliam
Anne Arundel County
Since 2021, Sam has served as director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Transportation. In this role, he maintains responsibility for improving multi-modal transportation networks that include regional transportation, transit, traffic, bicycle and pedestrian system planning, as well as transit operations. During
Anne Arundel County
Since 2021, Sam has served as director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Transportation. In this role, he maintains responsibility for improving multi-modal transportation networks that include regional transportation, transit, traffic, bicycle and pedestrian system planning, as well as transit operations. During his 20-plus year career in transportation and planning, he has held positions with Baltimore County, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro); the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization, Arlington County, VA and in the private sector as a transportation planner/engineer.
Sam holds a B.S., urban studies with a focus on infrastructure from Brown University, an M.A., community planning from the University of Rhode Island and an M.A., management from American Public University. Invested in his community, he volunteers as a youth sports coach, youth mentor, undergraduate athlete mentor and volunteers for his local church. He is an active member of COMTO, American Planning Association and American Public Transit Association. Sam also serves as a Central Maryland Regional Transportation Agency Commissioner, Board member legislative chair for Transit Association of Maryland, and representative board member for Baltimore Regional Transportation Board. He was appointed to the Maryland Transportation Authority by Governor Moore and has served in that role this past year.
Traceé Strum-Gilliam
Traceé Strum-Gilliam
Traceé Strum-Gilliam
PRR, Inc.
Traceé has more than 25 years of experience in environmental and transportation engineering and planning, with special emphasis on environmental justice analysis and outreach. In addition to her technical expertise in community impact assessment and public involvement, She has established a reputation as an effective manager o
PRR, Inc.
Traceé has more than 25 years of experience in environmental and transportation engineering and planning, with special emphasis on environmental justice analysis and outreach. In addition to her technical expertise in community impact assessment and public involvement, She has established a reputation as an effective manager of grassroots outreach programs and consensus building. Traceé has successfully managed planning and infrastructure projects, including those that require strategic outreach techniques or complex impact analysis. She is co-chair of the Transportation Research Board’s Committee on Equity in Transportation (AME10) and a member of Community Resources and Impacts (AME80). A graduate of Morgan State University and Johns Hopkins University with degrees in civil engineering with a concentration in environmental engineering and environmental planning and management, she is committed to empowering communities in which she works.
Traceé is an active community member serving on the board and executive committee of Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. Her efforts are focused on attracting underserved communities to the Partnerships programs and expanding outreach efforts to diverse audiences. She is also an active member of the Washington, DC and Baltimore chapters of Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS).
Jenaya Bell
Traceé Strum-Gilliam
Jenaya Bell
Student, Bowie State University
Jenaya is currently pursuing a B.S., business administration degree at Bowie State University, where she has gained a solid foundation in organizational management and strategic planning. Her academic pursuits are complemented by hands-on experience with the Prince George's County Government DPW&T. As an
Student, Bowie State University
Jenaya is currently pursuing a B.S., business administration degree at Bowie State University, where she has gained a solid foundation in organizational management and strategic planning. Her academic pursuits are complemented by hands-on experience with the Prince George's County Government DPW&T. As an administrative aide, she has developed expertise in office management, customer service, and policy development—key skills necessary for effective board governance.
In her role at the DPW&T, Jenaya has supported the Office of Transportation Staff and the Taxi Division by managing tasks, such as processing Call-A-Cab coupons and handling complex scheduling and communications for senior staff. This position has refined her ability to maintain meticulous records, compose professional correspondence, and coordinate special projects, ensuring that all activities align with departmental goals. These experiences have taught her to manage multifaceted tasks with precision and diligence.
Her professional journey reflects a consistent commitment to public service and operational excellence. She is particularly passionate about COMTO's mission to ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion stems from a belief that equitable access and representation are essential to the progress of any industry.
As a student representative on COMTO Maryland Board of Directors, Jenaya is dedicated to fulfilling the responsibilities with diligence and integrity. She is ready to actively participate in board and executive meetings, lead committees, mentor members and ensure that actions benefit the Chapter and advance shared goals. Her strategic mindset, coupled with a deep-seated dedication to equity in transportation, positions her to make meaningful contributions to COMTO.
Chapter Advisory Board
Samantha Biddle
Samantha Biddle
Samantha Biddle
Maryland Department of Transportation
Deputy Secretary of Transportation Samantha Biddle has served the transportation industry for more than 17 years in both the public and private sector. Her extensive experience includes eight years in the private sector as a transportation planner before joining the State Highway Administration for
Maryland Department of Transportation
Deputy Secretary of Transportation Samantha Biddle has served the transportation industry for more than 17 years in both the public and private sector. Her extensive experience includes eight years in the private sector as a transportation planner before joining the State Highway Administration for six years in various planning, strategic and leadership roles. Prior to being named Deputy Secretary by Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, Samantha spent the past three years in executive positions within The Secretary’s Office. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware and is an American Institute Certified Planner (AICP).
Cindy Burman
Samantha Biddle
Samantha Biddle
MDOT Maryland Port Administration
Cindy is currently deputy director of business development and Cruise Maryland at the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), Formerly the general manager of Cruise Maryland, she began her career in the maritime industry in the private sector approximately 46 years ago in Baltimore, shortly after attending
MDOT Maryland Port Administration
Cindy is currently deputy director of business development and Cruise Maryland at the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), Formerly the general manager of Cruise Maryland, she began her career in the maritime industry in the private sector approximately 46 years ago in Baltimore, shortly after attending Morgan State University. In 1976, she started her extraordinary and highly successful career at the MPA, during which she has held various positions – from the Intermodal Department to Sales and Marketing. Cindy became the general manager of business development and customer service of the Sales and Marketing Department where she established many multi-million dollar projects. While serving as the general manager of Sales and Marketing Department, she has traveled to many states and abroad as a representative for the MPA.
In 2011, Cindy joined Cruise Maryland where her goal is to give each passenger the best possible experience cruising out of the Port of Baltimore. Cruise Maryland is also known for its award-winning customer service. This is no surprise, as being customer friendly has defined Cindy throughout her professional life.
She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding service and commitment to the mission of the MPA. Cindy is affiliated with several maritime organizations and serves on several boards. She is a member of the Propeller Club and Traffic Club of Baltimore and was the first African-American female to serve as president. She is an active member and serves on the board of COMTO, member of the American Association of Port Authorities, and numerous other groups dedicated to cruising and tourism. Regardless of the organization or position, she serves with distinction giving the same amount of energy; always a credit to the MPA. She is a team player and believes that it is all about building relationships.
Cindy’s greatest pleasure is the sharing and love of family and friends; her pride and joy are her children and grandchildren. In both her personal and professional life, her motto is “Treat people the way you want to be treated”.
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David Coyne
Samantha Biddle
Meshelle Howard
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)
David is currently JMT's Maryland Regional Manager/Hunt Valley Office Leader and senior vice president leading strategic planning to drive performance that meets organizational goals and objectives. He serves as a liaison with JMT’s clients, including MDOT TBUs and local government to ensure the de
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)
David is currently JMT's Maryland Regional Manager/Hunt Valley Office Leader and senior vice president leading strategic planning to drive performance that meets organizational goals and objectives. He serves as a liaison with JMT’s clients, including MDOT TBUs and local government to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient and quality projects. Mr. Coyne actively serves as the ACEC/MD Chair of the ACEC/MD and MDOT Partnering Committee; is a member of the Maryland State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) with MDOT SHA, FHWA and local partners; and co-chairs the Maryland Quality Initiative (MdQI) Innovation Subcommittee. He was also a tri-chair for the Planning Committee for the COMTO National Meeting and Training Conference held in Baltimore, MD in 2018.
David spent 30 years with MDOT SHA, the last three years as deputy administrator/ chief engineer for operations. In that role, he oversaw the agency’s seven engineering districts, as well as the operational areas of the Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART), Office of Maintenance, Office of Traffic and Safety, Office of Construction and the Office of Materials Technology. He began his career in the Project Planning Division and the Office of Environmental Design before joining the Chief Engineer’s rotation program to obtain a fuller understanding of the operations of the entire MDOT SHA organization. After completing the program, he held increasingly responsible positions in the Office of Maintenance, including chief of the Equipment Division (Fleet Manager) for all MDOT SHA vehicles and equipment; assistant district engineer for Maintenance in District 7; and promoted to district engineer for District 7, where he served for nine years, before being promoted to deputy administrator/chief engineer for operations.
David has managed MDOT SHA operational area programs and chaired the CHART Board. He has been involved in the development of MDOT SHA’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) plan and co-chaired MDOT SHA’s Safety Key Performance Area Business Plan Team, where he worked collaboratively with local partners on the selection and prioritization of Roadway Safety Audit /Pedestrian Roadway Safety Audit projects
Meshelle Howard
Meshelle Howard
Meshelle Howard
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Meshelle is truly a “Woman Who Moves the Nation”. As the director of Small Business Programs at WMATA, she provides managerial oversight for the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Reserve (SBR), Veteran Small Business Enterprise (VSBE), Title VI Civil Rights Act of 19
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Meshelle is truly a “Woman Who Moves the Nation”. As the director of Small Business Programs at WMATA, she provides managerial oversight for the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Reserve (SBR), Veteran Small Business Enterprise (VSBE), Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII Civil Right and EO Contract Compliance. Meshelle began her career in the transportation industry more than 30 years ago at MDOT working tirelessly to strengthen the participation and knowledge of small and minority businesses for certification and participation on state contracts. In recognition of her efforts, she has received several awards. She is a recipient of the 2019 COMTO National Women Who Move the Nation award for her work in Public Transportation, 2018 Black Wall Street Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with Small Businesses, Vital Magazine’s 2018 Humanitarian Award for Small Business Education and Outreach, 2018 WTS Woman of the Year, 2017 WTS Rosa Parks Diversity leadership Award, and 2016 Maryland Live Black History Hero Award for Tireless work with and in the Small, Minority and Women Owned Business Communities.
Prior to joining state service, Meshelle served in the U.S. Army in the Panama Invasion, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and the Somalia Invasion. She is a member of and volunteers in several organizations, which serve the community and the State of Maryland, such as Catholic Charities, Maryland Public Purchasing Association, WTS and COMTO, where she served as president of the Maryland Chapter (2015-2018), member of the COMTO National Strategic Planning Committee (2014-Present) and a COMTO National Council of Presidents representative (2015-2018). In 2018, she chaired the very successful and largest attended COMTO National Meeting and Training Conference in Baltimore. Meshelle holds a degree in business administration and other certifications and certificates in contract compliance, procurement, Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Programs (MBE/DBE), the Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Council Certification Board (MBEAC), leadership and management.
Jeff McCormack
Meshelle Howard
Jeff McCormack
AECOM
Jeff is vice president of transportation at AECOM, with more than 25 years of experience in transportation and engineering. He leads initiatives that merge business development with innovative engineering solutions, focusing on enhancing public transportation systems to improve equity, accessibility and sustainability, particu
AECOM
Jeff is vice president of transportation at AECOM, with more than 25 years of experience in transportation and engineering. He leads initiatives that merge business development with innovative engineering solutions, focusing on enhancing public transportation systems to improve equity, accessibility and sustainability, particularly for underserved communities. His work has significantly contributed to the advancement of ethical and social mobility through strategic subcontractor engagements and robust technology applications.
An active member of COMTO, APTA Diversity Council and the Racial Equity & Inclusion signatory for AECOM, Jeff leads career outreach initiatives at AECOM and is past chair the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)/MD career outreach and Awards and Recommendations committees. Additionally, he industry advisory board member to the Baltimore County Public Schools Career Technology Education Advisory Council.
Jeff's passion for mentoring young professionals and his commitment to excellence, equity and economic empowerment drive his efforts to align AECOM's DE&I initiatives with COMTO’s vision for the future of transportation.
Darrell Mobley
Meshelle Howard
Jeff McCormack
Federal Highway Administration - MD
Darrell is the vice president of the Transportation Business Group for the Mid-Atlantic Region of HDR. Based in HDR’s Baltimore office, he provides expertise and leadership to the expanding Mid-Atlantic Transportation business group that includes Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Wi
Federal Highway Administration - MD
Darrell is the vice president of the Transportation Business Group for the Mid-Atlantic Region of HDR. Based in HDR’s Baltimore office, he provides expertise and leadership to the expanding Mid-Atlantic Transportation business group that includes Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. With more than 30 years of industry tenure, he has been involved in all facets of public and private sector transportation work.
Darrell previously served in the public sector as the director of Prince George's County DPW&T; Acting Secretary and Deputy Secretary of MDOT; MDOT SHA’s Metropolitan District Engineer and Assistant District Engineer of Project Development for MDOT SHA District 3 in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.
In addition to serving as a COMTO Advisory Board Member, Darrell is a board member of the Dream 4 It Foundation that provides scholarships to high school seniors heading to college. He serves on the Board of the Maryland Association of Engineers, Maryland Quality Initiative (MdQI) Steering Team and Co-Chair of the MdQI Project Development subcommittee. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a B.S., civil engineering. Darrell has been a member of COMTO MD for several years and is serving his fourth term as Advisory Board Member.
Gregory Murrill
Gregory Murrill
Gregory Murrill
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)
Greg is vice president and office leader for the JMT Washington, DC office, where he leads a staff of professionals for delivering engineering and construction management services for projects including transportation, water resources, and building facilities in DC and throughout the DMV.
Prio
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)
Greg is vice president and office leader for the JMT Washington, DC office, where he leads a staff of professionals for delivering engineering and construction management services for projects including transportation, water resources, and building facilities in DC and throughout the DMV.
Prior to joining JMT, Greg served for more than 30 years with FHWA in several positions throughout the agency. From 2011 until his retirement from FHWA in 2022, he served as FHWA Maryland Division Administrator. As Division Administrator, he led a multidisciplinary staff in the stewardship and oversight of the federal aid highway program of nearly $800 million annually authorized to the State of Maryland under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In August 2022, he signed the Federal Record of Decision for the I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Study that marked the conclusion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process that spanned more than four years and advanced a major project to manage congestion along I-495 and I-270 through a system of toll lanes. In 2016, he completed an assignment in the Senior Executive Service (SES) position as acting director, Office of Program Administration where he led five teams providing federal-aid program guidance and support to all 52 FHWA Divisions across the country.
Earlier in his FHWA career, Greg served as special assistant to the FHWA Deputy Administrator and was a member of the Federal Task Force led by the Deputy that responded to the $1.4 billion cost overrun of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in Boston in 2000. He completed a detail of more than two years with the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (Senate EPW) to support efforts leading to passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005. In the FHWA Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office, he was involved in efforts leading to a national architecture and standards for ITS in the US. As the area engineer/ITS program coordinator in the Delaware Division, he supported efforts of the Delaware Department of Transportation to establish an ITS program and hire its first ITS Program Director. He served as a member of the former FHWA Region 3 Office Mobility Team that provided technical and program support to FHWA Divisions from the District of Columbia to Maine. Prior to becoming Division Administrator, Gregory uniquely served in the position as director of corporate recruitment and career entry programs in the FHWA Office of Human Resources where he led agency programs and activities for the recruitment, development and placement of student and career-entry hires in various disciplines across the agency.
Greg joined the FHWA under the former Highway Engineering Training Program after completing safety research as a graduate student under the now US DOT's Eisenhower Fellowship Program. Before joining FHWA, he worked as an engineer at Bechtel. He is a Baltimore native and currently lives with his wife in Beltsville, Maryland.
Odessa Phillip
Gregory Murrill
Gregory Murrill
Assedo Consulting, LLC
Odessa, president and CEO of Assedo Consulting, is a professionally licensed structural engineer, transportation professional and public engagement expert. She began her career more than 25 years ago as a structural designer and later transitioned to transportation planning, becoming a National Environmental Po
Assedo Consulting, LLC
Odessa, president and CEO of Assedo Consulting, is a professionally licensed structural engineer, transportation professional and public engagement expert. She began her career more than 25 years ago as a structural designer and later transitioned to transportation planning, becoming a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) professional with an affinity for public engagement and education. She is an expert at bringing together state and local stakeholders, politicians, transportation officials, and communities affected by engineering, transportation, and construction projects.
Her work educates stakeholders, appointed and elected government officials, and communities on the impacts of engineering, transportation, and construction projects. Her mission is to improve communities through planning and equitable engagement by bringing all voices into the design and implementation of infrastructure projects.
Odessa secured a B.S., civil engineering from Howard University and a M..E. from the University of Maryland, College Park. In 2012, she founded Assedo Consulting, LLC, a certified African American, woman-owned business enterprise (M/WBE). Assedo Consulting provides planning and public engagement services for infrastructure projects in the planning, design, and construction phases of development. Assedo Consulting graduated from the Baltimore cohort of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business program in 2018.
From 2020- 2022, Odessa she served as president of COMTO Maryland, an organization focused on advancing transportation careers for people of color. Assedo Consulting was named COMTO National Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) of the Year in 2023.
Odessa is an active member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) organization as well. She led the Baltimore Chapter in 2018 and served as a director until 2021 when she began serving at the international level. She has recently been appointed vice chair of the WTS Foundation Board, the arm of the organization responsible for scholarships, research, and training for college students and young professionals. Additionally, she is the co-chair of the Women Business Owner’s Roundtable and WBE Committee and currently serves on the WTS International Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
In her free time, Odessa enjoys bicycling and participating in charity and fun runs – completing many 5Ks, several 10 milers, and two Half Marathons (13.1 miles). She enjoys riding her bicycle on trails near her home, allowing her time to re-center and enjoy the environment.
Michael Sakata
Gregory Murrill
Michael Sakata
Maryland Transportation Builders & Materials Association (MTBMA)
Michael is the president and CEO of the Maryland Transportation Builders & Materials Association (MTBMA). He has served more than 20 years in the transportation space working with many owner/agency and private sector. In his current role, he manages all aspects of the as
Maryland Transportation Builders & Materials Association (MTBMA)
Michael is the president and CEO of the Maryland Transportation Builders & Materials Association (MTBMA). He has served more than 20 years in the transportation space working with many owner/agency and private sector. In his current role, he manages all aspects of the association. MTBMA represents more than 35,000 workers and business owners in the transportation construction industry and promotes and protects the needs of the transportation construction and materials industry by establishing and maintaining respected relationships with federal, state, and local public officials. MTBMA exists to identify, address, and resolve problems affecting contractors and aggregate producers, and to make sure their voices are heard in the legislative arena. Under his leadership, MTBMA's membership has seen the highest growth year-over-year in the association's history.
Since joining MTBMA, Michael embraces the power of partnerships. He has created many collaborations, including curating a diverse group of transportation funding stakeholders in the creation of the Together of Transportation Coalition. This led to the creation of the Maryland Commission on Transportation Revenue and Infrastructure Needs, on which he was appointed to serve by Gov. Wes Moore in 2023 for a two-year term. Prior to this, he was appointed by Gov. Moore in 2022 to the Transportation Transition task force, and appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan in 2020 to the Maryland Transportation COVID Recovery task force.
Prior to joining MTBMA, Michael worked as vice president of services and technology for the American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA), where he managed several major contracts and divisions, the association’s digital technology portfolio and two ARTBA member divisions, as well as serving as the executive director of both the Metropolitan Washington Road & Transportation Association (MWRTBA), an ARTBA chapter affiliation, and the Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC). In 2017, Trending40.com recognized his work at MWRTBA and bestowed him with the Top Association & Non-Profit Innovator Award for Executives and in 2020, Michael was recognized as one of Daily Record’s “Most Admired CEOs.”
In 2020, Michael served as chairman of “The Road Gang”, a fraternal group of public officials and private sector executives involved in transportation infrastructure policy issues in Washington, DC and sits on the Board of Directors of the Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE) Association in Maryland and DC, where he mentors and inspires high school students to pursue careers in the fields of transportation design and construction. He also sits on the Board of Directors of Suburban Maryland Transportation Alliance and Blue Drop, a non-profit affiliate of DC Water.
Michael holds a B.S., decision sciences/ management information systems from George Mason University’s School of Business, is a certified Project Management Professional and Microsoft Certified System Professional, and holds an executive education certificate from Yale School of Management.
Ricky Smith
Ricky Smith
Michael Sakata
MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration
RIcky was appointed executive director/CEO of the MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration in 2015 and is responsible for the management and operations of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI Marshall), Martin State Airport and regional aviation activities throughout the
MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration
RIcky was appointed executive director/CEO of the MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration in 2015 and is responsible for the management and operations of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI Marshall), Martin State Airport and regional aviation activities throughout the state of Maryland. A 32-year transportation professional, Ricky returned to Maryland after serving as CEO of the Cleveland Airport System, which includes Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Burke Lakefront Airport. In addition, he oversaw the development and management of the City’s lakefront properties.
Since returning to BWI Marshall, Ricky has led the airport to five consecutive record-setting years for passengers, including restoring BWI Marshall as the busiest airport in the Washington/Baltimore region and the Best Airport in North America for Customer Service according to Airport Council International. Establishing a culture of performance, customer service, safety, and innovation, the airports have received several other national and regional awards for customer service, capital development, and marketing including a Emmy Awards in 2018 and 2019. In 2017, the LaunchPad program was started to enable minority-owned micro-businesses the opportunity to participate in BWI Marshall’s thriving food and retail program without barriers to entry. In 2015, he launched the BWI Marshall Youth Initiative aimed at introducing youth in Baltimore City to careers in aviation and transportation. To date, over 100 youths have participated in this program.
Prior to his service in Cleveland, Ricky served as the COO for the MAA, where he helped lead BWI Marshall Airport through a $2 billion expansion program, increased air service throughout the world, and the creation of a new food and retail program. Prior to returning to the MAA, after a two-year departure, Ricky served as the deputy administrator for the Maryland State Highway Administration. In addition, he served in the private sector for several years with International Business Machines, H&R Block Business Services, The May Company, and others.
Ricky holds an accounting degree from Howard University and an Executive MBA from Loyola University in Maryland. He is a graduate of several leadership programs, including the Greater Baltimore Committee and Leadership Cleveland. He is active on several national and local boards and industry associations, including the Airport Minority Advisory Council where he serves as Board Chair, American Association of Airport Executives, the Washington Board of Trade, the BWI Business Partnership, World Trade Center Institute, Greater Baltimore Urban League where he serves as Board Chair, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture where he serves as Vice Board Chair, and the Morgan State University School of Communications Board of Advisors.