Welcome to COMTO Colorado
Ensuring Transportation Serves All
COMTO’s mission is to provide full access to employment, career and contract opportunities for all within the transportation industry. Over the past fifty years, our mandate has evolved to include not only public transportation industry executives, but also professionals at every level of industry encompassing a variety of fields and disciplines. Now, as was then, members are encouraged to share information, opportunities and personal expertise. With 41 chapters in North America, our mission is as relevant today as we strive to provide full access to employment, career and contract opportunities for people of all lived experience within the transportation industry.
Leadership
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Barry Burch
President
Barry Burch is a dedicated public servant and seasoned strategist committed to fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and turning visionary ideas into measurable impact. He currently serves as Manager of External Affairs at Denver International Airport (DEN), where he builds strong partnerships with community leaders, industry stakeholders, and government entities to align DEN’s strategic priorities and advance its role as a global leader in efficiency, innovation, and connectivity.
Barry also serves as President of COMTO Colorado, where he leads with purpose to ensure COMTO remains a strong voice for equity in transportation, advocating for inclusive opportunities, shaping equitable policies, and empowering a diverse transportation workforce.
Previously, Barry served in the Denver Mayor’s Office, playing a key role in securing and managing federal investments that strengthened critical infrastructure and community programs citywide. He holds an MBA from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree in political science (Pre-Law) from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. His leadership has been recognized with honors including the Sewald Hanfling Public Affairs Who’s Next: Politics Award and the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award.
Grounded in faith, family, and community, Barry believes deeply in service as a catalyst for meaningful, equitable change.
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Izabela Lundberg
Vice President
Izabela Lundberg is a strategic advisor and consultant specializing in transportation and infrastructure organizations, with experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. As Founder and CEO of Legacy Leaders Institute (LLI), she supports organizations in strengthening leadership, managing change, and enabling collaboration in complex, multi-stakeholder transportation environments.
Her work focuses on helping senior leaders, public officials, and project teams translate strategy into execution by building leadership readiness, managing change, and coordinating effectively across partners. She has worked alongside public agencies, Fortune 500 organizations (including AEC firms), and mission-driven nonprofits to support alignment, decision-making, and performance in large, multi-partner initiatives.
Izabela brings particular strength in convening constructive dialogue among agencies, industry partners, small businesses, and community stakeholders. As a member of the COMTO Colorado Board of Directors, she is committed to advancing workforce development, inclusive leadership pathways, and COMTO’s role as a trusted connector within Colorado’s transportation ecosystem.
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Collina Beard
Treasurer
Collina Beard is the Director of Systems Integration Management at Denver International Airport (DEN), where Collina leads with a strategic, people-centered, and adaptive approach. With more than 20 years of public sector experience, Collina is recognized for guiding teams through change,
fostering cross-functional collaboration, and building high-performing, inclusive teams. Collina is known for aligning individual strengths with organizational goals, empowering employees to lead, and cultivating a culture of trust and innovation.
Prior to joining DEN, Collina held leadership roles in procurement and business operations, advancing equity, inclusion, and operational excellence. Collina’s background includes overseeing complex transitions, developing talent, and driving organizational improvements—skills that support DEN’s “Empowering Our People” vision. Collina’s leadership style is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and intentional relationship-building, with a commitment to transparent communication and connecting people’s work to DEN’s broader mission.
Collina’s strengths in connectedness, strategic thinking, and relationship building make Collina a natural mentor and collaborator. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Collina has called the western United States home for the past 15 years. Collina is married to Clarence and is a proud parent to four children—Cordell, Cevannah, Chrystyan, and Cera. Outside of work, Collina enjoys engaging with the community and embracing fresh perspectives. Collina’s blend of southern warmth, intuition, and assertiveness fuels the ability to inspire and support others, while a focus on empathy and structure ensures a balanced, results-driven mindset.
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Anthony Clark
Secretary
Anthony J. Clark is a native of Hackensack, New Jersey, by way of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and was raised in an Air Force family where his passion for aviation and multimodal transportation first took flight. He currently serves as a Research Strategist on the Research and Innovation team within the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) at Denver International Airport (DEN), where he leads partnerships with universities, trade schools, and academic institutions to identify applied research, innovation, and workforce development opportunities aligned with the airport’s operational priorities. Anthony leads the DEN Research and Innovation Collaborations – Academic Partnership Program and co-leads the Innovation Project Practicum in collaboration with DEN’s Analytics & Innovation team, providing students with hands-on experience in project lifecycle management, innovation pilots, technology testing, operational analytics, and cross-functional collaboration across the airport.
In addition, he co-leads DEN’s Megatrend Framework, a structured research pipeline that aligns emerging trends with organizational priorities and translates them into actionable innovation initiatives and manages the airport’s Innovative Insights (Best Practices) Program connecting internal operational challenges with participants in LeadershipDEN. Previously, Anthony served as Assistant Director of Scholarship Programs for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), expanding airline training partnerships and co-managing the national scholarship
selection process, and has held roles with United Airlines’ Flight Training Center and The Boeing Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Aerospace Technology from Metropolitan State University of Denver and an MBA in Project Leadership and Management from Regis University, and he resides in Denver, Colorado, where he enjoys running, traveling, exploring the local food and beverage scene, and leading his multidisciplinary photography brand, The 16,000 Studio®.
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Nathan Will
Scholarship Committee Chair
Nate’s engineering career spans 25 years, primarily in Colorado, across the western US and a short time overseas in London. Nate’s experience lies in all modes of transportation where he has led multi-disciplinary teams, whether the project is a highway corridor, light rail system expansion or a mutli-use path, he brings a holistic systems level approach to teaming with clients, consultants and the public. Nate is currently a Senior Project Manager in the Denver office of Hg Consult, where he is leading the Local Program Management team and firmwide Transit Practice. He is a member of COMTO Colorado Executive Committee, Chairing the Scholarship Committee.
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Kelli Kelly
Board member
Kelli Kelly currently serves as Business Development & Strategy Director for Kiewit. Her primary function is to develop client, community, and industry engagement strategies to drive and support the pursuit and delivery of critical infrastructure projects, focusing on socio-economic equity and inclusion. In her 18+ years of industry experience, she has served in various roles, including proposal management, community outreach, business development, and head of diversity and inclusion. Kelli volunteers with several community organizations focused on education and economic development and currently serves on numerous boards, including the Denver Workforce Development Board, the Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists, and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Colorado Chapter. Kelli holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership.
As a COMTO Colorado Executive Board Member, Kelli Kelly’s role will be working with and advising the Executive Committee on all matters specific to advancing our mission.
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Michael Unger
Board Member
Michael has 30 years of experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams, working proactively with owners, developers, stakeholders, and partners. He has a history of consensus building, helping government agencies, partners, and communities come together to deliver projects that balance diverse needs. His leadership encompasses operational oversight, team building, market strategy, project visioning, design, and construction project development. As a COMTO Colorado Executive Board Member, Mr. Unger will work with and advise the Executive Committee on all matters specific to advancing our mission.
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Michael Washington
Board Member
As a government relations and DEI professional I am skilled in promoting equitable public policy. I am adept at coaching executive level management seeking socially equitable outcomes, recognized as a civil rights expert, and experienced in engaging elected officials, Board of Directors, and CEOs. I am also regarded as an expert in developing and executing public engagement and communications strategies.
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Natalie Stiffler
Board Member
Natalie is the Colorado Transportation Leader at WSP. In this role, she leads the transportation business line and staff for WSP in Colorado. Prior to joining WSP, Natalie led the Transportation & Mobility Department for the City of Boulder. She is an experienced transportation professional with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration and transit industries, having practiced in complex intergovernmental environments like the Colorado northwest area, San Diego County, and Oregon. Natalie's 15 years of experience across different regions of the United States, along with years of community leadership in the Denver Metro for Commuting Solutions, Boulder Community Foundation and TGTHR, has given her keen strategic insights and creativity to advance highly complex initiatives to successful and equitable outcomes.
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Melissa McDowell
Board Member
Dr. Melissa McDowell is an accomplished talent and organizational development professional dedicated to building high-performing teams and cultures of continuous learning. As the Director of Talent and Organizational Development at Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), Melissa leads enterprise initiatives that advance employee development, leadership excellence, and organizational effectiveness.
With a career spanning academia and the public sector, Melissa has held key learning and development roles at Seton Hall University and Walden University. Her work centers on equipping employees and leaders with the tools to thrive amid change. She also serves as an advisory
member for the Women in Leadership course at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), supporting the development of emerging women leaders.
Melissa holds a Ph.D. in Management specializing in Leadership and Organizational Change from Walden University, an Ed.M. in Technology and Education from Harvard University, and a B.A. in Political Science from Tuskegee University.
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Zamy Silva
Board Member
Zamy serves as the National Vice President and Civil Rights Service Lead within WSP USA’s Advisory and Planning Group at WSP, a global engineering and professional services consulting firm. A dedicated public servant at heart, Zamy leads through the lenses of equity, integrity, and true inclusion, with an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.
With more than 20 years of experience, Zamy is a nationally respected civil rights leader who has successfully led, managed, and overseen all aspects of civil rights regulatory compliance programs across both the public and private sectors. Her career includes senior leadership roles at major government entities such as Denver RTD, MBTA, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and now at WSP USA, where she supports and advises government agencies across the United States.
Zamy is known as an innovator and progressive thinker, consistently pushing beyond traditional regulatory frameworks to elevate civil rights from a compliance obligation to a strategic, values-driven practice. She prides herself on building effective, authentic partnerships and fostering collaboration that leads to sustainable outcomes, particularly for underserved and historically marginalized communities.
Driven by purpose and guided by service, Zamy remains deeply committed to advancing civil rights, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that equity and inclusion are embedded in both policy and practice.
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Isamar Villarreal
Board Member
Isamar Villarreal is a dedicated leader in Colorado’s construction and business community, known for fostering growth, opportunity, and collaboration across the industry. Rooted deeply in her Mexican heritage and guided by her faith, she brings a grounded, values-driven approach to leadership.
Her cultural background shapes her commitment to expanding opportunity, uplifting underrepresented voices, and creating pathways for others to succeed. Isamar is recognized for her thoughtful leadership, strong relationship-building, and unwavering dedication to supporting businesses as they grow and thrive, bringing heart, intention, and a community-centered perspective to every space she is part of.
In her free time, Isamar loves traveling to Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, where she reconnects with the traditions and stories that inspire her work. She also enjoys exploring new restaurants and discovering flavors that reflect the richness of both her heritage and her curiosity about the world.
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Diedra Garcia
Board Member
Diedra Garcia currently serves as Program Manager for PCL Construction’s Denver District Inclusive Contracting. On track to become a $2B District by 2025, PCL Construction sets the standard in a variety of markets including infrastructure, civil, office, hospitality, solar, multi-family and more. Diedra’s Inclusive Contracting work fits neatly into PCL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion platform which spans across both internal and external impact and brings to life PCL’s commitment to building equity in the Colorado construction industry. Diedra’s commitment to DEI and supporting small businesses is a common theme throughout her career.
She formerly led the employer and student engagement efforts at a non-profit that seeks to create equity and upward mobility for high school students of underserved populations, as well as a pipeline solution through apprenticeship and work-based learning.
She formerly served as President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver. During her time at the Chamber, Diedra made it her primary goal to revisit and renew programs and services to better focus on the Chamber’s core mission: creating jobs for Hispanics; creating business opportunity for Hispanic businesses; and contributing to a thriving economic environment for companies that do business in Hispanic markets.
Before joining the Hispanic Chamber, Diedra was the President and CEO of a local commercial construction company. Under her 14-year leadership, the company grew exponentially in revenue, employee size and profitability, completing contracts in excess of $20M. Her company, DRG Construction was a certified minority-owned firm and partnered with large general contractors on multi-million-dollar contracts. This role makes her uniquely qualified to represent the needs of the certified minority firms in the PCL family.
Diedra is a self-described “leadership junkie” and has focused her career on inspirational leadership and achieving the highest ethical standards in every role she holds. Her no-nonsense management style combined with her genuine respect of her team and their potential has paved the way for her to achieve every goal she sets. Diedra has been recognized as one of Colorado's leading entrepreneurs by several accredited publications in Denver. Colorado Biz Magazine named her a finalist for CEO of the Year. The Denver Business Journal recognized her as Outstanding Woman of the Year for Business in Construction and Real Estate. Garcia was also honored as Businesswoman of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver and was one of just 10 business leaders chosen to represent the United States in the prestigious U.S.-Spain Young Leaders Program. Garcia is a respected leader in the community and has been called upon by organizations such as the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s office to coach their executive team on leadership development.
A resident of Lakewood, Diedra graduated from Regis University with a BS in Human Resources Management and a MS in Management in Organization Leadership.
Diedra previously obtained a certification in Sarbanes Oxley compliance which governs accountability and transparency in corporate executives. She was previously certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources.
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Rico Nelson
Immediate Past President
Rico Nelson’s expertise includes organizational and leadership development, talent recruiting and bench strength building, profit and loss management, and strategic business operations leadership. He has planned, designed, and facilitated organizational leadership committees and forums that included all levels of company executives and employees to formulate strategies for long-term business success.
During his career, he has created compelling business plans and driven revenue generation for high-growth companies such as MassMutual Colorado, where he previously served as the agency’s Senior Executive Vice President of Organizational Development. His additional experience includes tenure as Partner/General Agent, Associate General Agent, Managing Director, and Financial Representative with Wealth Strategies Group- among other roles in the Financial Services industry. He has also worked in event promotion for the Ministry of Promise Keepers. During his rise to executive-level leadership, Rico served as public spokesperson for the organizations he’s led, has been a primary platform presenter for large industry and non-industry events, and has cultivated his capacity to engage a diverse community of constituents.
He has partnered with corporate leaders across a broad spectrum and developed enterprise-level solutions, optimized business processes, and achieved operational objectives while increasing profitability and shareholder value. Being chosen to lead high-profile efforts in environments where deadlines are a priority has characterized his success to date.
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