Transit Board Administrators Program

Whether you are a seasoned APTA member or completely new, join this session to get (re-)acquainted with APTA’s role as an association, what services and resources are available to you and how you can make the most of your involvement. Meet with the leadership of APTA and the APTA Transit Board Members and Administrators Committees and bring your questions and ideas.

What is the current political climate and outlook for federal support for transit and how do we ensure the next reauthorization of federal surface transportation funding meets transit industry expectations? Review key legislative priorities for the industry, how APTA engages on the Hill and the role of transit board members as an instrumental voice.

Technology plays a critical role in transforming board meeting preparation into productive and engaging sessions. We will review lessons learned from “Technology for Modern Board Meetings” sessions from the recent TBA Webinar Series and the 2024 TBA Development Day. Topics included how modern board management software, AI-powered tools, and integrated meeting technology can streamline operations, and support in-meeting workflows.

Additionally, we will explore essential audio/visual tools and best practices that support clear communication; whether in-person, hybrid, or remote. Attendees will gain practical insights into optimizing video, audio, connectivity, and room layouts to enhance participation and meeting outcomes. Drawing from real-world examples, including WMATA’s own boardroom evolution, the session highlights how early involvement from board administrators can prevent costly A/V challenges and lead to smarter, more inclusive meeting environments.

A Strategic Seat at the Table: Elevating Board Administrators' Influence and Leadership Role in Driving Board Performance

Leadership 2: The leadership behaviors, skills, and disciplines consistently practiced by high-performing executives and managers across the transit sector.

A Strategic Seat at the Table: Elevating Board Administrators' Influence and Leadership Role in Driving Board Performance
 

Board Administrators may be the most underutilized asset in a Board member’s arsenal. Their value is often neither fully recognized nor leveraged effectively—particularly by Board members who are not attuned to their capabilities or unique positioning. The core question for Administrators becomes: “How do we best position ourselves as trusted advisors and strategic assets to Board members and our agency?”

Technology has transformed the management of work-related stress. In today’s fast-paced environment, individuals often face stress. Self-care technologies like mindfulness apps, fitness trackers, and mental health platforms help monitor stress levels and offer relaxation techniques and exercises. Their convenience makes them essential for achieving a healthier work-life balance, supporting individuals in reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.

KCATA has nine Transit-Oriented Community Development facilities in various stages of development. As a bi-state authority, KCATA has a variety of tools at its disposal, including conduit bond financing, land assemblage, sales tax exemptions, eminent domain and capacity and land management use. This tour will highlight Transit oriented community development visiting 4 of the 9 projects that are underway in Kansas City.

Meet in the lobby to board KCATA buses located south of the front drive on Wyandotte Street.

Please Note: This tour is first come-first serve and particpants need to sign up at the local host desk on site to participate. After the tour, buses will go directly to the social event BUT for those not on the tour there will be shuttles from the hotel.