Welcome to COMTO Miami
Ensuring Transportation Serves All
COMTO Miami is one of 41 Chapters in North America and five chapters in the state of Florida. COMTO Miami is an independent non-profit organization that provides networking opportunities for all to advance through advocacy, training and professional development. COMTO Miami engages its three county entities of air, land and sea (MIA, Department of Transportation & Public Works and the Port of Miami) to share strategic priorities for multi-modal transportation development and expansion in Miami-Dade County.
Leadership
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Schneider St.Preux
President
Schneider St. Preux started his career in transportation as a Bus Operator for Department of Transportation and Public Works in 2012. Mr. St. Preux was later promoted to a Transit Operations Scheduler, Bus Traffic Controller, Division Superintendent where he oversaw seventy eight (78) Transit Operations Supervisors (TOS). He currently serves as a DTPW Section Chief in Bus Operations, responsible for both the Bus Traffic Control and TOS sections. Mr. St. Preux has been a member of COMTO since 2013. He is a graduate of Florida International University, with a Master Degree in Public Administration, and a Bachelor degree in Public Administration. He also obtained a Graduate Certificate in Public Finance & Contract Management.
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Cindy LaBranche
1st Vice President
Cindy D. LaBranche started as a Bus Operator for the Department of Transportation in 2017 and was promoted to a Labor Relations Personnel Specialist in 2020. She graduated from Florida State College of Jacksonville with an A.S. in Paralegal Studies and Florida International University with a B.A. in International Relations with a Minor in Journalism. Her passion for law and policy making has granted her the opportunity to help others in need of legal support. Her goal is to one help reform America’s justice system and wrongly convicted felons be exonerated from prison.
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Franklin Brown
2nd Vice President
Franklin A. Brown, a beacon of dedication and innovation in Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), has led an illustrious career spanning 27 years. In his multifaceted role as a Bus Operator Instructor, Franklin has passionately guided numerous trainees, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience to foster the next generation of exceptional DTPW professionals.
As a Board Member At Large for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) in Miami, Franklin has tirelessly advocated for equitable opportunities within the transportation industry. His leadership has opened doors for diverse talents, bringing fresh perspectives and innovation to the field.
Over the years, Franklin has donned many hats, including Co-Creator and Project Coordinator for several impactful DTPW projects. His knack for collaborative leadership and resourceful problem-solving has directly contributed to the growth and efficiency of the department, strengthening its operations and enhancing its service to the public.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, Franklin has made his mark in the burgeoning drone industry as well. A pioneering force in the local drone scene, he has created a dynamic business that effectively combines his love for technology with his expertise in transportation and public service.Franklin A. Brown exemplifies the power of perseverance, innovation, and commitment to community. His story serves as a testament to the potential that lies within each of us to bring about positive change, in our careers and beyond.
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Mavis Hopper
Secretary
Mavis M. Hopper Transportation Professional | Community Leader | COMTO Miami Board Member at Large
Mavis M. Hopper is a seasoned transportation professional with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience within the Department of Transportation and Public Works, Miami-Dade Transit. Currently serving as a Transit Service Supervisor II, she oversees operations for the Pass Sales Office and the Office of Lost and Found, managing over $20 million in revenue annually. Mavis is recognized for her expertise in strategic planning, financial reconciliation, customer relations, and operational efficiency, and has developed key standard operating procedures and policy frameworks to improve service delivery and accountability.
Beyond her government role, Mavis is the President of H.O.P.E. Advancement Group Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and children through life skills training, mentorship, and community outreach. She leads the design and implementation of development programs that foster personal growth, professional preparedness, and community engagement.
Mavis serves as a Board Member at Large with COMTO Miami Chapter, where she helps promote equity in transportation and creates educational opportunities for youth interested in transportation careers. Her commitment to service is reflected in her hands-on approach to community upliftment and youth empowerment.
She holds an MBA in Business Administration – Management from American InterContinental University, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Administration from the University of Phoenix, and certifications as a Certified Scrum Master and youth Driving School Instructor.
Mavis’s quest for professional success is guided by a principle she lives daily:
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell
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T-Erica Pugh
Parliamentarian
T-Erica Pugh has worked with Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) for seventeen (17) years. She initially worked as a Bus Operator and was later selected as an OCL Instructor. During her time as an OCL Instructor she enhanced her knowledge of rules and regulations that propelled her into a leadership role and her current position as a Transit Operations Supervisor. She was inspired to join COMTO in 2018. She has served on committees, volunteered, and assisted where needed. In her two years in COMTO, T-Erica was inspired to complete her education. She was awarded the Jerry Moore Scholarship from COMTO National which helped her to obtain a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
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KELLY GONZALEZ
2nd Vice President
ProKel Mobility’s Chairman; CEO, Kelly Gonzalez Jr., leads the fastest growing government procured privately owned transportation company in the US.
Kelly’s vision to innovate processes and customize logistics solutions for some of the largest municipalities in the world has solidified him as one of the most sought out transportation solution experts in the past decade.
In 2020, Kelly moved his local headquarters to North Miami Beach and started managing / operating NMB’s Public Transportation Trolley Shuttle contract. In the first 6 months of operation, the transportation system saw a 110% increase in ridership which accounts for 10,000 riders a month.
Kelly, a local Liberty City -Miami Dade County native, is known for his work ethic and passion. He developed this zeal for success from his early childhood. As the first-generation son of two Dominican immigrant parents, he learned at a very young age the value of hard work.
Kelly is not only a leader in the boardroom, but he is also a leader in the community. Kelly takes part in dozens of community engagements and youth success development programs. He partners with North Miami Beach PAL and North Miami PAL (Police Athletic League). He includes some of his celebrity sports figure friends for motivational sessions for the kids and brings some of his business associates to teach success building skills.
Kelly also ensures all his business locations have a Small Business Equity Inclusion program. Across the US, he has a Small Business Incubator program aiming to assist multiple small businesses and interns. Via ProKel, his SBE programs assist newly startups, provide free workspaces, mentors new entrepreneurs, and in some cases helps small companies get access to capital in the form of government procured grants. Kelly chose to lead in the transportation business, so he can always have a connection to helping and serving his community. Community is where his heart is. Improving their quality of life is his purpose.
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Wade Jones
Immediate Past President
Wade was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He graduated from Miami Central High School and received his B.A. in Organizational Leadership from ST. Thomas University.
Wade Jones has spent most of his adult life passionately working to improve the quality of life for fellow citizens, both as a professional working in public service; and as a citizen spending numerous hours in community service. Wade is a collaborative team builder with strong organizational skills and successful experience developing and implementing strategic plans, policies, and procedures. He brings strong leadership and group facilitation skills.
Wade’s Professional Affiliations, current and past, include 1 ST Vice President of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, COMTO Miami Chapter Executive Board, Mount Herman AME Church Community and Economic Executive Board Chairman, Reeves Health Clinic Vice Chairman Executive Board, Credentials Chairman of Miami Dade PTA/ PTSA Executive Board.
Wade began his public service career in the United States Army and was honorably discharged at the noncommissioned officer rank of Sergeant. Shortly after departing from the Army, Wade began his career in 1998 with Miami Dade Transit, known as Miami Dade Transportation and Public Works. While working in Transportation, Wade has been promoted with added responsibilities by leadership to the following positions: Bus Operator, Bus Traffic Controller, Lead Bus Traffic Controller, Superintendent of Bus Operations, and presently Chief of Bus Operations.
As Chief of Bus Operations, Wade provides the leadership to manage and coordinate a bus operations division. This includes the direct supervision of superintendents, support staff, dispatch function, field supervisory operations, and Bus Operators (approximately 600-650) employees. Responsible for providing safe, reliable transportation services to passengers system-wide. Responsibilities include overseeing and enforcing all administrative functions, policies, and procedures, including personnel-related actions such as discipline, grievances, promotions, and evaluations. Assures adherence to the bargaining agreements and enforces Departmental, State, and Federal regulations and guidelines. Responsibilities include forecasting future expenditures or other resources needed and assessing workforce availability/requirements to meet published or proposed schedules. Responsibilities include analyzing data regarding the division's performance, making recommendations regarding policy and procedure, and revisions to enhance productivity and or efficiency of operations. Duties also include supervising and directing the implementation of service improvements.
