APTA Central

Unlocking Your Executive Presence: 10 Strategies from C-Suite Leaders

Executive presence is not about having the loudest voice in the room; it is about leading with clarity, confidence, credibility, and purpose. In this candid conversation, C-suite leaders will share practical insights on how they developed their leadership voice, built trust with boards, teams, and peers, and learned to show up with influence in every room.

Moderator: James Bradford, Jr.
Chief Operating Officer, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

Panelist: Ray Melleady
President, Ster Seating

Panelist: LaShawn King Gillespie
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Foothills Transit

Panelist: Karen Philbrick
Executive Director, Mineta Transportation Institute

Panelist: Derik Calhoun
Chief Transportation Officer, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)

Student and Young Professionals Meet & Greet

Join us for this special opportunity to make meaningful connections with fellow Student Members. Recipients of the 2026 Student Travel Stipend program, generously sponsored by the Business Member Board of Governors, will be highlighted.

The Transit Authority LIVE Podcast Recording

Join us for a LIVE recording of APTA’s podcast, The Transit Authority, featuring San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year.

Moderator: Art Guzzetti
Vice President, Mobility Initiatives and Public Policy, APTA

Speaker: Sharon Cooney
Chief Executive Officer, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

Leveraging APTA Resources

Hear from APTA staff about the “can’t-miss” programs and resources you have exclusive access to as an APTA member. Topics include TCRP, communications, standards, and workforce development. This session is open to new and longtime members, as well as prospective members.

Voices from APTF

Hear from donors who invest in the next generation of transit, board members who champion scholarships and career pathways, and scholars whose lives are transformed by APTF support. Together, these voices demonstrate how the Foundation turns generosity into impact and strengthens the future of the transit industry.

One-on-One with Andy Byford: Live Podcast Recording

Andy Byford has led some of the world’s most complex transportation organizations through periods of transformation and change in London, Toronto, and New York. Join The Transit Authority for a live podcast recording as Byford shares insights on building a strong organizational culture, earning public trust, leading through change, and navigating the political realities of major metropolitan transportation systems.

Moderator: Cherise Myers
Senior Director, Workforce Development, APTA

Speaker: Andy Byford