OTA Spring Transit Conference 2022

Transit Takeaways!

OKTransit.org

Dear OTA Members and Guests,

We are excited that you are attending the 2022 Oklahoma Transit Association’s Spring Conference and I look forward to networking and learning with all of you!

On behalf of the OTA Board of Directors and Conference Committee, I want to welcome e veryone to Norman, OK. Building on the success of previous OTA meetings, I'm honored to be leading the OTA volunteer leadership and executive staff for the past several months and I am excited to learn the latest information from several top industry, government, and academic speakers on transit topics. The program has already shaped up to be excellent, the networking opportunities will be outstanding at our evening events and in our exhibit hall. I encourage each of you to come ready to learn, meet with new friends and I look forward to discussing our challenges, celebrating our successes of the past year, and walking away inspired with new and innovative transit ideas that will benefit all of our urban, tribal, and rural systems throughout Oklahoma

Sincerely,

Jesse Rush, President Oklahoma Transit Association

OTA Spring Conference Schedule

Monday, May 23rd

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Registration

Registration Desk

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting Northpark

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Trade Show Set Up

12:30 - 2:30 PM Oklahoma G/H

Opening Session – Soup and Sandwich Buffet

Conference Welcome: Jesse Rush, OTA President

• Welcome and Introductions of the Board/Staff (10 min) • Conference Overview/Andrea Ball (10 min) • ODOT Introductions (10 Min) • Welcome to Norman: Dan Schemm, Visit Norman (15 min) • Speaker: Breea Clark, Mayor of Norman, OK (30 min) • Brent Roy – The State of Vehicles (20 min)

2:45 - 3:45 PM

Breakout 1 - OTA Advocacy Priorities and National Grassroots Engagement Boomer Oklahoma Transit Association, along with our regional and national partner associations, like Southwest Transit Association and others, work the OTA and other transit partners to advocate for transit. Find out what issues are important and how you can engage in the dialogue on a grassroots level. • Curt Roggow, OTA Lobbyist • Charla Sloan, OTA Advocacy Co-Chair • Rich Sampson, SWTA Executive Director • Moderator: Andrea Ball, OTA Breakout 2 - Transit Planning Panel Sooner Learn ways that Oklahoma Transit Agencies are planning for the future of transit and how you can do the same, by adapting their best practices and ideas! • Robert Endicott, Cherokee Nation • Ryan Landers, Lawton • Liann Alfaro, Tulsa Transit • Jeannie McMillan, LIFT

Moderator: Taylor Johnson, Norman

•

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Breakout 3 - Leveraging Creative Partnerships Boomer Oklahoma Transit Agencies are leveraging interstate partnerships and creative partnerships with other agencies to manage programs like CLINB-RIDE and PICK. Learn how to get involved and leverage partnerships in and out of Oklahoma for projects, grants, and innovation! • Marilyn Dillon, Ph.D., EMBARK • Kendra McGeady, Grand Gateway Transit Breakout 4 – National Electric Vehicle Implementation Plan for OK Strategic Corridors Sooner The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), passed in late 2021, establishes a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI) to provide funding to states to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. The presenters will review the Oklahoma Electric Vehicle Plan currently in progress. In addition, the presenters are looking to better understand transit agency electric vehicle plans and the intersection between the transit agency plans and the Oklahoma state NEVI plan. • Kip Strauss, HNTB Corporation • Mike Patterson, Vice President, National DOT Practice Consultant at HNT • Ryan Billings – Oklahoma Transit Practice Leader • Makenzie Allen – Oklahoma Transit / Multimodal Engineer Tradeshow Grand Opening/Happy Hour Oklahoma Ballroom ABCDE/Exhibit Hall Meet the vendors! Join us for the opening event, sponsored by Creative Bus Sales ! Attendees will receive drink tickets upon arrival. A cash bar will be available to purchase additional drinks.

5:30 - 7:00 PM

Tuesday, May 24th

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

Registration Desk

7:30 - 9:00 AM

Coffee and Muffins the Trade Show Floor

Oklahoma Ballroom

ABCDE/Exhibit Hall

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM Trade Show Open

8:30 - 9:45 AM Oklahoma G/H

Plenary Session: State of the OTA and Upcoming OTA Projects

• Andrea Ball/State of the OTA and our Advocacy Efforts • Innovations in Transit Public Safety Rolling Oklahoma Classroom (ROC) - Melissa Blanton, Office of the OK Attorney General and Kristen Joyner • Statewide Collaborative Grants Initiative - Marilyn Dillon, PhD. Kendra McGeady, and Olivia Hook

9:45 - 10:00 AM

Break

10:00 - 11:15 AM

Breakout 5 - Future Transit Fuel Solutions Panel Boomer Alternative fuels questions come up increasingly in transit discussions. But as more options become available, do you feel prepared to make educated choices for your transit system? Learn more about alternative fuel options, benefits, challenges, and future predictions. • Roger Vartanian, Director Sales, Western US, Lightning eMotors • Michelle Merchant, Sustainability Programs Planner, INCOG • Jill Drury/Stephen Whaley, Propane Education & Research Council • Brent Roy, Creative Bus Sales Breakout 6 - How to Protect your Transit Tech Infrastructure from Cyber Attacks Sooner Is your transit technology secure? It’s easier to protect than recover your important agency data and IT Expert, Tim Powers will share knowledge on how to safeguard your sensitive data, rider ’ s personal information and employee records. • Tim C. Powers, Director of Information Technology, City of Norman

11:15 - 11:30 AM

Pick Up Boxed Lunches

Boomer/Sooner

Foyer

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM Breakout 7 – Stopping Human Trafficking in Transit

Boomer Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery affecting victims from all walks of life. Traffickers use all modes of transportation to conduct their activities and often use public transit due to its low cost, greater anonymity in buying fare cards, and less direct interaction with officials. Learn how Oklahoma is working to be part of the solution to this terrifying worldwide problem. • Kristen Joyner, Founder and President, KJ Backpack, LLC • Rep. Daniel Pae, District 62, Lawton • Kylla Lanier, Truckers Against Trafficking • Drivers from EMBARK who successfully reported human trafficking incident • Representatives from Oklahoma victim/survivor organizations and OK Law Enforcement Breakout 8 – Employee Retention and Recruitment Ideas and Challenges Sooner Employee recruitment and retention are now more difficult than ever across the country. This workshop will cover several aspects of finding and hiring great employees, including planning, and preparing for interviews, creating an effective advertisement, utilizing social media, and resourceful ideas like leveraging the military and using their outreach services to recruit veterans into transit positions! • Lora Miller, EMBARK Human Resources Specialist • MSG Chad Emrick, Military Outreach Chief, Volunteer Support, Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve

1:00 - 5 :00 PM

Free Off-Site Tour: Board the Bus and Tour Norman !

Depart the Embassy Suites at 1:15pm, to visit the NEW $6.9 million City of Norman Maintenance Complex! The complex opened this spring and includes an 18,634-square- foot Transit and Public Safety Maintenance Facility. Afterward, continue to The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, located on the University of Oklahoma's campus, and, if time allows, finish the day with a stop in historic downtown Norman, where you can stop in a café for a coffee, shop the boutiques, and enjoy some Norman hospitality, so bring some spending money. The bus will return to the hotel at approx. 5pm, so you have plenty of time to “Cowboy Up” for OTA ’s Transit Honky Tonk or enjoy dinner with your colleagues and friends. Transportation services sponsored by Embark in Norman. Golf Tee Times (Sign up at the registration desk on a first come/first serve basis/based

1:00 - 6:00 PM

on availability/You are responsible for your own transportation) $150 additional fee

7:00 -10:00pm University B/C

Transit Honky Tonk Event featuring the Bottom of the Barrel Band and a Bucking Bull!

Are you a “ real ” cowboy/cowgirl or a “ weekend wanna be ” in Kenny Chesney ’ s extra hat? It doesn ’t matter at the OTA Transit Honky Tonk! You can scoot your boots to the Bottom of the Barrel Band, belly up for a cold beer and some snack from our Queso Bar, or try to hang on for 8 seconds on a bull named “ Bus ” ! Boots, Jeans, and your favorite cowboy hat are encouraged (because a theme party is FUN!), but we welcome buckaroos in Birkenstocks too! Attendees will receive drink tickets upon arrival. A cash bar will be available to purchase additional drinks.

Wednesday, May 25th

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM Registration Open

Registration

Desk

7:30 - 9:00 AM

Coffee on the Trade Show Floor

Oklahoma

Ballroom ABCDE/Exhibit Hall

7:30 - 9:00 AM

Trade Show Open

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Trade Show Breakdown

9:00 - 9:45 AM Oklahoma G/H

Closing Session- Secretary Timothy Gatz, ODOT

Join Secretary Timothy Gatz discuss the latest projects and initiatives from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. A transportation veteran, prior to his appointment as Secretary of Transportation by Gov. Kevin Stitt, Tim Gatz was named the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority in 2016 and previously served more than two decades at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

9:45 - 10:00 AM

Coffee Break

Boomer/Sooner

Foyer

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Task Force Meetings

Please consult

hotel signage onsite for room assignment

Tribal Task Force

• • • • •

Rural Task Force/5311

5310 Task Force

Urban/Small Urban Task Force

Allied Business/Vendors

1 2 :00 P M

Hotel Check Out

11:30 - 1:00 PM Ballroom I/J

OTA Awards of Excellence Luncheon

Oklahoma

OTA Awards Presentations

• •

Trade Show/Door Prize Giveaways

2022

OTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS & CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Special recognition of the OTA Board of Directors and 2022 OTA Spring Transit Conference Committee. Thank you for your continued commitment to the values and mission of the OTA!

2022 OTA Board of Directors Liann Alfaro, Tulsa Transit Melissa Fesler, First Capital Trolley Micky Flynn, MAGB Transportation, Inc. Angie Gillam,Past President, Chickasaw Nation Transportation John Hendrickson, Hendrickson Transportation Group Amy Hill, Muscogee Nation Chris Ishmael, CWI Digital Systems Taylor Johnson, City of Norman Ryan Landers – OTA Vice President, Lawton Area Transit System Kendra McGeady, Pelivan Transit/NEO Tribal Transit Jeannie McMillian, LIFT Brent Morey, OTA Secretary, Community Action Planning Center Erica Pogue, OTA Treasurer, INCA Community Services, Inc. Jesse Rush, OTA President, EMBARK

2022 OTA Conference Committee Members: Angie Gilliam, Conference Chairwoman Liann Alfaro Melissa Fesler Tanya Gleghorn Tina Lowery Kendra McGeady

Rick Miller Brent Roy

2022

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

MEET THE

SPEAKERS

Hear from leading experts that play a pivotal role in connecting the industry to what’s now and what’s next in public transportation.

Opening Session Monday, May 23rd -12:30 - 2:30 PM - Room: OK GH

Jesse Rush, President Jesse Rush joined the City of Oklahoma City in 2014 as project manager for the MAPS 3 Riversport Rapids whitewater rafting and kayaking center on the Oklahoma River. Riversport Rapids was a $57 million, two-year project that was completed on time and under budget. Jesse was also the project manager for the MAPS 3 Modern Streetcar project, a $131 million project that includes the purchase of seven modern streetcar vehicles, a 28,000-square-foot storage and maintenance facility and the construction of 4.8 miles of track. Jesse was announced the Streetcar Operations Director in 2016 and is responsible for the hiring of all key managers, purchase of all equipment and FTA and state safety oversight coordination. His responsibilities also include the coordination of all city departments and communicating with local business and property owners. Urban At-Large Director Andrea Ball, Executive Director Andrea Ball is the executive director of the Oklahoma Transit Association. She has over 20 years of experience in managing trade associations, non-profits, and foundations. Andrea is an experienced national trade association executive, public affairs consultant, convention planner, and communications director. Andrea has lectured nationally on business communications, volunteer leadership, board development, and communications strategy. She was recognized in 2009 by the State Journal as a Generation Next winner, which highlighted "40 under 40" outstanding business leaders. Andrea was awarded two "Stars of the Industry" awards for tourism marketing and public relations. In 2016, she addressed the United Nations on the digital divide and women. She has also been published nationally on a myriad of topics. Andrea previously founded her management consulting company in 2007 in Washington, DC, and has served nationally as the director of several national trade associations with a concentration in agriculture, manufacturing, veterinary medicine, and the legal field. Prior to that, she served as Vice President of Agri/Washington, an Washington, DC-based agricultural public affairs firm.

Dan Schemm, Executive Director Dan Schemm, an Edmond native, earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering in Environmental Sciences, as well as a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma. He came back to Norman in 2014 after serving as the director of destination sales and services for Go Wichita Convention in Wichita, Kansas.

Breea Clark, Mayor of Norman, OK Breea Clark was elected as Norman’s 60th mayor in 2019 after serving the city for 3 years as Ward 6 Councilor. As the youngest female to hold this position, Breea is committed to living out Norman’s motto: Building an Inclusive Community. Since her swearing in on July 2nd, Breea has kept busy serving the City of Norman. She spearheaded the only successful campaign to pass a standalone public transit ballot initiative in the state, created new boards, passed ordinances that prevent discrimination in Norman, through various leadership positions strengthened Norman’s position in the state, nation, and around the world, led initiatives that focus on the physical and mental health of Norman residents, and led the state in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. She serves as Vice-President of the Mayors’ Council of Oklahoma, a board member of both the Oklahoma Municipal League and Association of Central Oklahoma Governments. Brent Roy – The State of Vehicles Brent Roy is a bus sales professional with Creative Bus Sales specializing in the sale and support of custom vehicles for public transit agencies throughout the Southwest. For more than 16 years, Brent has worked closely with public transit agencies in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas including large metro, small urban, and rural public transit agencies. An expert in bus technical specifications and regulations, Brent is an advocate for public transit agencies with multiple bus manufacturers. His consultancy is widely relied upon by public transit fleet managers and directors during the vehicle planning and purchasing process. Brent has served on boards of directors for the Oklahoma Transit Association, the New Mexico Transit Association, and the South West Transit Association. He lives in Burleson, Texas with his wife Jennifer and is the proud father of Ashley and Blair.

Jared Schwennesen, ODOT Jared Schwennesen, P.E., was named the Rail Division Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in 2019. Schwennesen began his tenure with ODOT as an Engineer in Training. Since then, he held roles in Bridge Division, Traffic Division, Maintenance in ITS and Fiber Optics, Environmental Programs Division and served as the assistant to the Director of Capital Programs. He also leads the modernization effort, directing the merger with the Office of Mobility and Public Transit and Waterways. Jared earned his Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering and his Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Additionally, he gained his professional engineering license in 2012.

Curt Roggow, OTA Lobbyist For over 20 years, Curt Roggow has been involved in Oklahoma's political process developing good relationships while understanding the dynamics of grassroots representation, pro-business issues and political strategy. After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Curt started on his uncharted political adventure knocking doors in his brother's 1990 House of Representatives campaign. After getting involved with political action groups and working on U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas' staff in the mid 1990's, he too realized that he had an ambition for of a higher calling to serve the state of Oklahoma. Curt completed a successful career in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1998 to 2006. Representative Roggow served as the Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Chairman of the Appropriation and Budget Sub Committee on Natural Resources. He focused on areas of economic development by rewriting the Small Quality Jobs program and promoting value added agriculture incentives. He also dedicated years of service to authoring legislation on behalf of the Child Advocacy Centers of Oklahoma. Charla Sloan is a Transit Director at The KI BOIS Community Action Foundation based in Stigler, Oklahoma. Previously, Charla was a Board Member at Oklahoma Transit Association. Charla began in transit in 1988 as a part-time clerk at KI BOIS Community Action Foundation, Inc. By 1996, Charla had earned the position of Transit Director. Since then she has been instrumental in increasing public transportation services to needy residents in eastern Oklahoma. KI BOIS has been able to expand service from a four county to an eleven county area and has directed the statewide “Road to Work, Oklahoma” program. Mrs. Sloan recently worked with former Congressman Brad Carson’s office and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to obtain funding and build a brand new maintenance facility and offices in Stigler, Oklahoma, for the thriving and growing non-profit agency. Mrs. Sloan serves as the Oklahoma delegate for the Community Transportation Association of America’s (CTAA), United We Ride program and still serves on the Oklahoma Transit Association Board. Charla Sloan, OTA Advocacy Co-Chair Rich Sampson, SWTA Executive Director Rich Sampson is the Executive Director of the South West Transit Association (SWTA). He oversees all SWTA programs and activities, including member services, training and events, communications and advocacy, including growing investment in transit at all levels of government and refining regulations and policy impacting transit and mobility providers. Previously, Rich spent more than 17 years in a variety of roles at the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), including most recently serving as its Membership & Communications Director. During his tenure at CTAA, Rich oversaw its many communications platforms – including launch of its bi-weekly Fast Mail e-newsletter, managed member services and benefits programs, participated in development of its legislative and policy agenda, attended meetings with members of Congress, their staffs and along with those at several federal agencies and coordinated CTAA’s annual National Community Transportation Roadeo. Breakout 1 Session OTA Advocacy Priorities and National Grassroots Engagement Monday, May 23rd - 2:45 - 3:45 PM - Room: Boomer Moderator: Andrea Ball, OTA

Breakout 2 Session Transit Planning Panel Monday, May 23rd - 2:45 - 3:45 PM - Room: Sooner Moderator: Taylor Johnson, Norman

Rob Endicott, Cherokee Nation Rob Endicott is a Tulsa native whose spent the last 25 years serving as the transportation planner for the Cherokee Nation. Rob has an extensive highway background and has served on numerous federal rule-making committees. His crowning achievements include helping tribal governments to attain self- governance, creating a stable highway formula for tribal governments nationwide and assisting legislators and administrators in making the Tribal Transit Program a reality.

Ryan Landers, Lawton Ryan Landers, Vice President Ryan Landers is the general manager for LATS and has been with system since 2015. He has more than 10 years of transit experience in operations and management contracts for fixed route and para-transit. Prior to LATS, Ryan was the operations director for Mountain Metro Transit in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ryan has always been involved in transit since he graduated with a Business Administration degree from Texas Wesleyan University in Ft. Worth, Texas. After college Ryan interned at Trinity Metro formerly known as the T in Fort Worth.

Liann Alfaro, Tulsa Transit Liann Alfaro is a 2011 OU graduate (Boomer!). She began her career with Tulsa Transit in 2000 and was promoted to the Planning and Marketing department in 2005. Since then, Liann’s abilities and leadership promoted her to the title of Planning and Marketing Director in 2017. This hard work earned her recognition as the 2019 Transit Professional of the Year in Oklahoma. Liann has overseen a complete route redesign for Tulsa Transit as well as the first-ever Oklahoma Bus Rapid Transit system, the AERO. Along with planning microtransit possibilities, new routes and working on enhancing the current post covid system. Transit is so near to Liann’s heart and fuels her passion for being able to prove a way to make the lives of others better. Transportation is not just a means of getting from place to place; it provides the path for anyone to live a more purposeful life. Since 2003, Jeannie McMillin has served as director of Little Dixie Transit that operates five dispatch locations within a tri-county service area in southeastern Oklahoma. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Jeannie began her career with Little Dixie Community Action Agency in 2000 as a site supervisor for Little Dixie Transit for the Hugo dispatch office. She was promoted to the assistant director/operations manager position that she held until becoming transit director in 2003. Under her leadership, Little Dixie Transit doubled in size in terms of number of vehicles, employees and trip volume. In 2011, Jeannie was awarded OTA’s Transit Professional of the Year and she served as OTA president from 2013-15. Jeannie McMillan, LIFT

Taylor Johnson (Moderator) Taylor Johnson, Small Urban At-Large Director Taylor Johnson is the Public Transit Coordinator for the City of Norman. Taylor has more than five years of transit experience in planning, civil rights, grants management, and reporting. Prior to his current position, he worked for ACOG (the central Oklahoma metropolitan planning organization) and the University of Oklahoma transit system (CART). Taylor earned a Master of Regional and City Planning and Bachelors of Arts in Geography from the University of Oklahoma.

Kendra McGeady, Grand Gateway Transit Kendra Sue McGeady has served as director of transit for Pelivan Transit and Northeast Oklahoma Tribal Transit Consortium, owned and operated by Grand Gateway Economic Development Association, since 2016. The system, located in northeast Oklahoma, operates in seven counties and provides transit services for the general public as well as the Cherokee, Peoria, Ottawa, Quapaw, Modoc, Miami, Shawnee, Eastern Shawnee, Wyandotte and Seneca Cayuga tribes. Kendra is past president of the Vinita Rotary Club and serves as Chairwoman of the Cherokee Phoenix Editorial Board of Directors. She also serves on the Oklahoma Transit Association Advocacy Committee. Kendra is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation. Breakout 4 Session National Electric Vehicle Implementation Plan for Oklahoma Strategic Corridors Monday, May 23rd - 4:00 - 5:00 PM -Room: Sooner Breakout 3 Session Leveraging Creative Partnerships Monday, May 23rd - 4:00 - 5:00 PM - Room: Boomer Dr. Marilyn Dillon, EMBARK Marilyn Dillon was selected as the Mobility Management Administrator for EMBARK in April 2016. She began her career with the City of Oklahoma City in 1989 as a technician with the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Laboratory Services Division. In 1998, Dillon entered private sector employment specializing in laboratory operations, sales, and transportation logistics across a five-state region. Dillon returned to the City of Oklahoma City in 2012 as a Budget Analyst and was promoted to Audit Manager in 2013. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma City University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Colorado State University. Marilyn holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Management from Northcentral University. She is a member of the Mayor’s Committee on Disability Concerns, the Oklahoma City Health Community Collaborative, and serves on the Community Advisory Council for NewView Oklahoma.

Kip Strauss, AICP, HNTB Corporation Kip Strauss is manager of the transportation planning department in HNTB’s Kansas City Metro office. He has extensive experience working on and managing transportation planning and traffic engineering projects, including multimodal transportation studies, highway and arterial corridor studies, environmental studies, traffic impact evaluations, travel demand modeling studies, and transportation master plans. Mr. Strauss was business operations manager for the Kansas City metropolitan office from 2012 to 2014.

Mike Patterson, Vice President, National DOT Practice Consultant at HNT B Patterson serves as a strategic advisor to HNTB’s newly named Oklahoma City office practice leader, Heidi Katz, PE. Together they will help drive growth and exceptional project delivery to highway and toll clients in the Central U.S. region. He earned a Master of Business Administration–Finance and Bachelor of Science–Accounting from University of Central Oklahoma.

Ryan Billings – Oklahoma Transit Practice Leader. Graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a MS in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning and a BA in Geography.

Makenzie Allen – Oklahoma Transit / Multimodal Engineer Transit & Mobility Engineer II at HNTB. Graduated from the University of Oklahoma.

State of the OTA - Upcoming OTA Projects Leveraging Creative Partnerships Tuesday, May 24th - 8:30 - 9:45 AM - Room: OK GH Andrea Ball, Executive Director Andrea Ball is the executive director of the Oklahoma Transit Association. She has over 20 years of experience in managing trade associations, non-profits, and foundations. Andrea is an experienced national trade association executive, public affairs consultant, convention planner, and communications director. Andrea has lectured nationally on business communications, volunteer leadership, board development, and communications strategy. She was recognized in 2009 by the State Journal as a Generation Next winner, which highlighted "40 under 40" outstanding business leaders. Andrea was awarded two "Stars of the Industry" awards for tourism marketing and public relations. In 2016, she addressed the United Nations on the digital divide and women. She has also been published nationally on a myriad of topics. Andrea previously founded her management consulting company in 2007 in Washington, DC, and has served nationally as the director of several national trade associations with a concentration in agriculture, manufacturing, veterinary medicine, and the legal field. Kristen Joyner, Founder and President, KJ Backpack, LLC As the Executive Director of SWTA (a regional association covering Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas), Kristen Joyner brings energy, creativity and a diverse background that includes administrative public transportation work for Rock Region Metro. She has developed and delivered training programs, workshops and conferences for the transit industry, promoting strong transit workforce development and communication across the transportation sector. When it comes to human trafficking, she has provided awareness training to over 1,000 public transportation employees across the U.S., and presented on the topic at national trade associations, state associations, and at various other platforms.

Melissa Blanton, JD, Assistant Attorney General; Chief, Victim Services Unit, Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General. Melissa earned a JD from the University of Tulsa College of Law Doctor of Law (J.D.)International and Comparative Law. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) English / Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) French.

Olivia Hook, Transportation Coordinator at Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Working in the Office of Transit, she is responsible for overseeing the Mobility Management Program that provides mobility solutions for OK residents, HST Coordinated Plan management and the Regions Pilot Project. After spending nearly a decade working in marketing, Olivia knows what truly drives conversations, enhances coordination and improved communication. Prior to that she drove commercial semi-truck over the road and has traveled through almost every state in the contiguous 48 states with the exception of Rhode Island and Maine. Olivia holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Franklin University and resides with her husband and three beautiful dogs. Kendra Sue McGeady has served as director of transit for Pelivan Transit and Northeast Oklahoma Tribal Transit Consortium, owned and operated by Grand Gateway Economic Development Association, since 2016. The system, located in northeast Oklahoma, operates in seven counties and provides transit services for the general public as well as the Cherokee, Peoria, Ottawa, Quapaw, Modoc, Miami, Shawnee, Eastern Shawnee, Wyandotte and Seneca Cayuga tribes. Kendra is past president of the Vinita Rotary Club and serves as Chairwoman of the Cherokee Phoenix Editorial Board of Directors. She also serves on the Oklahoma Transit Association Advocacy Committee. Kendra is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation. Dr. Marilyn Dillon, EMBARK Marilyn Dillon was selected as the Mobility Management Administrator for EMBARK in April 2016. She began her career with the City of Oklahoma City in 1989 as a technician with the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Laboratory Services Division. In 1998, Dillon entered private sector employment specializing in laboratory operations, sales, and transportation logistics across a five-state region. Dillon returned to the City of Oklahoma City in 2012 as a Budget Analyst and was promoted to Audit Manager in 2013. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma City University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Colorado State University. Marilyn holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Management from Northcentral University. She is a member of the Mayor’s Committee on Disability Concerns, the Oklahoma City Health Community Collaborative, and serves on the Community Advisory Council for NewView Oklahoma. Kendra McGeady, Grand Gateway Transit

Breakout 5 Session Future Transit Fuel Solutions Panel Tuesday, May 24th - 10:00 - 11:15 AM - Room: Boomer

Roger Vartanian, Director Sales, Western US, Lightning eMotors Roger Vartanian serves as Lightning eMotors Director Sales, Western US managing the regional sales team as well as customer and dealer relations nationwide. He has been in the vehicle manufacturing industry for 40 years an has a vast range of experience in vehicle design, production, business development and sales & marketing. He has worked with alternative fuel vehicles since 2008 and is using his cross-collaboration skills extensively at Lightning.

Michelle Merchant, Sustainability Programs Planner, INCOG Served as OTA president from 2013-15. Sustainability Planner and Coordinator of Tulsa Clean Cities, helping Eastern Oklahoma decarbonize, improve energy security, and create resilience through clean transportation.

Jill Drury, Propane Education & Research Council 2021 CTAA Rural Transit System of the Year. Jill is the, Director of Public Transit in Charlevoix County Transit in Boyne City, Michigan. Ferris State University

Brent Roy – Creative Bus Sales Brent Roy is a bus sales professional with Creative Bus Sales specializing in the sale and support of custom vehicles for public transit agencies throughout the Southwest. For more than 16 years, Brent has worked closely with public transit agencies in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas including large metro, small urban, and rural public transit agencies. An expert in bus technical specifications and regulations, Brent is an advocate for public transit agencies with multiple bus manufacturers. His consultancy is widely relied upon by public transit fleet managers and directors during the vehicle planning and purchasing process. Brent has served on boards of directors for the Oklahoma Transit Association, the New Mexico Transit Association, and the South West Transit Association. Stephen Whaley has managed the over-the-road market portfolio for PERC since January 2020. He is responsible for growing propane autogas market share in on- highway light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle markets. He focuses on new product research and development, product launches, maintenance and growth in existing market segments, and potential new market development opportunities. Whaley has a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, and a master’s degree in industrial education from Clemson University. He has lifetime post-secondary teaching credentials from the State of California. Stephen Whaley, Propane Education & Research Council Tim C. Powers, Director of Information Technology, City of Norman Tim Powers works as a Director, Information Technology at Norman Police Department, which is a Government company with an estimated 33 employees; and founded in 1971. They are part of the Information Technology team within the Information Technology Department and their management level is Director. Tim is currently based in Norman, OK. Breakout 6 Session How to Protect your Transit Tech Infrastructure from Cyber Attacks Tuesday, May 24th - 10:00 - 11:15 AM Room: Sooner

Stopping Human Trafficking in Transit Tuesday, May 24th -11:30 AM - 12:45 PM - Room: Boomer Breakout 7 Session

Tim Gatz, Secretary of Transportation, ODOT Executive Director In early 2019, Tim Gatz was appointed Secretary of Transportation by Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Transportation Commission named him Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director, effective April 1, 2019. Prior to that appointment, Gatz was named the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority in 2016 and previously served more than two decades at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Gatz earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Oklahoma State University in 1989 and is a registered professional landscape architect. He has received several honors including the Oklahoma Good Roads & Transportation Association’s Bill Skeith Stewardship Award, the Governor’s Public Service Award and the Federal Highway Administration’s Partners In Quality Award. Rep. Daniel Pae, District 62, Lawton, OK Born and raised in Lawton, Daniel is the epitome of the “American Dream.” Daniel’s parents moved to Lawton in 1983 with the belief that they could create a life for themselves. That dream is still alive today and Daniel will work tirelessly to ensure that our community remains a great place to start a business and raise a family. Daniel understands that being a Lawtonian means being tenacious, pragmatic, and hard- working. As your State Representative, Daniel will work to promote common-sense, practical policies for all Lawtonians Kristen Joyner, Founder and President, KJ Backpack, LLC As the Executive Director of SWTA (a regional association covering Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas), Kristen Joyner brings energy, creativity and a diverse background that includes administrative public transportation work for Rock Region Metro. She has developed and delivered training programs, workshops and conferences for the transit industry, promoting strong transit workforce development and communication across the transportation sector. When it comes to human trafficking, she has provided awareness training to over 1,000 public transportation employees across the U.S., and presented on the topic at national trade associations, state associations, and at various other platforms. The focus of these talks is always public transportation’s role and responsibility in the fight and eradication of human trafficking in communities and on transit systems.

Kylla Lanier, Truckers Against Trafficking is the deputy director and co-founder of Truckers Against Trafficking. She speaks around the country about TAT’s mission and how the trucking industry is combating human trafficking. Kylla also handles social media for TAT, including managing the Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube accounts. She’s been involved in the fight against human trafficking since 2007 when she helped initiate the state coalition against trafficking in Oklahoma.

Drivers from EMBARK who successfully reported human trafficking incident: Laura Figueroa, Kirk Rayner, & Nicole Cavicante

Representatives from Oklahoma victim/survivor organizations and OK Law Enforcement

Breakout 8 Session Employee Retention and Recruitment Ideas and Challenges EMBARK Human Resources Tuesday, May 24th -11:30 AM - 12:45 PM - Room: Sooner

MSG Chad E. Emrick Military Outreach Chief, Volunteer Support Employer SUpport of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Defense Personnel and Family Support Office (DPFSO). Chad is a native of Parkersburg, WV and has served over 20 years in in the Army National Guard. He is a Master Sergeant and serves as the ESM Branch NCOIC at the National Guard Bureau. He has trained military personnel at all levels and served as a master instructor-trainer on the national level. In 2010 he graduated from Post University (BA Marketing), in 2015 he was certified as a US Army Master Instructor, in 2016 he completed the Army Training Course Developer and in 2020 he became a US Army Contract Officer Representative.

Lora Miller, Human Resources Specialist at EMBARK. As a Navigator, Lora's purpose is to passionately champion The Road Map while building authentic relationships one person at a time.

Sec. Timothy Gatz, ODOT Wednesday, May 25th - 9:00 - 9:45 AM - Room: OK GH Closing Session

The Oklahoma Transit Association would like to extend our appreciation to the 2022 OTA Spring Transit Conference speakers, guest panelists and participants!

Pull on your boots, strap on your chaps, and grab your cowboy hat! Don't miss the Calling All Buckaroos!

Transit Honky Tonk Networking Event

featuring the Bottom of the Barrel Band! Tuesday, May 24th, 2022 7pm to 10pm

Embassy Hotel, Norman, OK

2022

EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS

MEET THE

EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS

We are excited to connect our exhibitors, partners and sponsors with our attendees and the public transit community.

Creative Bus #23

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BraunAbility AngelTrax RideCo CWI Digital Systems Transtuitive ALTRO Qryde Mobility One Transportation SafeFleet ABC Companies ETA Transit Systems Safety Vision, LLC

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ProAir Hanover Displays Luminator GreenPower Motors OTA

ODOT Valeo JF Public Transit Consultants LLC Rosco Vision GMV Creative Bus Sales Pavillion

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2022

EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS

ABC Companies is a leading provider to the passenger transportation industry, with diverse product and service offerings that cover a full spectrum of operational needs, including new and pre-owned full-size highway coach equipment, along with transit and specialty vehicles, including battery electric vehicles for operations in private and public sectors. ABC supports customers with a comprehensive after-sale service network, providing 24-hour technical support, comprehensive service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and quality aftermarket parts needs for transit, motorcoach and heavy-duty equipment from multiple strategically placed locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, private and municipal financing and leasing options are available through the company’s financial services group – one of the largest financial service providers within the industry. RideCoRideCo is the industry leader in on-demand transit technology, enabling on- demand ridesharing for public transit riders around the globe. We partner with transit agencies, municipalities, and local fleet operators to design and operate on-demand transit services.Our solutions reduce travel time and increase service frequency for riders, while lowering transit agencies' cost per ride and attracting net new riders to transit systems. Learn more how our proprietary cloud-based platform can transform mobility in your city by visiting www.rideco.com. CWI Digital Systems specialize in Mobile Digital Video Recording, Wireless Networks, Digital Event Recording, Solutions Management and Corporate Training. We partner with our customers and continually provide product, support, and consulting, for the long-term. Our customers currently include agencies in Schools & Universities, Transit, Rail, Marine, DOT’s, Emergency Services, and Commercial Trucking etc. BraunAbility is an American manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans and wheelchair lifts based in Winamac, Indiana. It is currently owned by Investor AB. The company was founded by Ralph Braun, who had spinal muscular atrophy. AngelTrax is a leading designer, manufacturer and provider of in-vehicle mobile surveillance for the student transit, mass transit, fleet/driver behavior with AI, locomotive and waste management industries. From developing state-of-the-art systems to providing unmatched customer support, AngelTrax consistently drives innovation and service in the mobile video surveillance industry. Drawing from diverse technical expertise, extensive industry knowledge and constant customer feedback, AngelTrax continues to meet and exceed the needs of transportation providers around the globe. Altro have been at the forefront of innovation for 100 years. Today, working closely with architects, end customers, engineers, designers and contractors around the world, our insight and expertise help them transform everyday spaces into environments that can improve the wellbeing of everyone that uses them. QRyde by HBSS is the ultimate transportation planning software that provides end to end transit solutions.

2022

EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS

ETA Transit Systems provides innovative, standards-based fleet management solutions that are reliable, cost effective, and scalable. Safe Fleet looks at safety as a whole—safer fleets for humans, and safer fleets for businesses. Instead of sourcing multiple products from multiple manufacturers, and hoping they play well together, we think there’s a smarter way to approach fleet safety. We created a unified platform for total safety for fleets of every type, providing access to an unrivaled range of best-in-class smart solutions. TransTuitive by Kevadiya Inc. Your first stop to smarter transportation management. Intuitive transportation technology.

Safety Vision, LLC offers advanced AI mobile video surveillance, cloud-based management and storage solutions. Explore our mobile security solutions.

ProAir is a leading HVAC manufacturer for specialty vehicles including school buses, commercial buses, shuttle buses, luxury coaches, delivery vans, RVs, fire trucks & ambulances, military vehicles, construction & agricultural equipment and more. We put our extensive experience from our team of engineers to work for you, constantly innovating to provide the best possible system solutions. HANOVER DISPLAYS are the market leaders for passenger display systems. Luminator Technology Group delivers globally-recognized technology solutions that increase intelligence, safety, and efficiency for public transit operations. Luminator Technology Group (Luminator) was established and is purposefully architected to make a lasting impact on the transit technology market. Combining strategic research and development with smart acquisitions, we are merging a broad range of expertise and new technology along with best-in-class products from successful, well-known regional companies into one cohesive, global organization. GreenPower Motor Company Inc. is a Canadian electric bus manufacturer. The company fabricates multiple models of high-floor and low-floor vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, and a double decker. Mobility One Transportation has been selling, leasing and renting wheelchair vans and accessible vehicles at affordable prices to those in need since 2002.

2022

EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS

V aleo Thermal Commercial Vehicles North America is a leading and dynamic designer, manufacturer and installer of mobile air conditioning and heating systems as well as roof hatches and intelligent control systems, supplying OEM and aftermarket customers in the school and commercial bus, ambulance, emergency vehicle, van markets. Global expert teams develop and manufacture advanced technology in order to actively shape the future of sustainable mobility. JF Public Transit Consultants LLC brings a strong operational perspective that has a goal to improve the quality of a public transit service - by improving KPI's and finding efficiencies that reduce costs and enhance the overall transportation experience for everyone involved. With proven technical, operational and organizational skills, JF Public Transit Consultants is prepared to take your service to the next level. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is an agency of the government of Oklahoma responsible for the construction and maintenance of the state's transportation infrastructure OTA is the voice for public transit in Oklahoma and provides several channels of communications, education, advocacy, networking, communication, and grant writing for its members.

Rosco Vision Systems will help you find everything you need to secure commercial vehicles with optimal visibility in all road, weather, and driving conditions.

GMV Innovating Solutions i s a technological business group with an international presence that offers innovating solutions in very diverse sectors.

Creative Bus Sales is a family-owned company offering employees steady employment, diversity, and real growth opportunity since 1980. We are a full service bus dealership offering top manufacturers, service, parts, finance, and warranty nationwide.

CleanSpray Technologies, LLC provides innovative, plant-based disinfection systems for safer and healthier environments. Our time set fogging system ensures a worry-free way to clean any large space, without the use of harsh chemical

Andrea Ball OTA Executive Director

301-335-2715 (call/text) oktransit@oktransit.org www.oktransit.org

OTA SPRING TRANSIT CONFERENCE May 23-25, 2022, Norman, OK Exhibitors & Sponsors (Special thanks to each of our contributing partners) Thank You!

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