Welcome to COMTO Miami
COMTO was created to provide a forum for senior minority professionals in the transportation industry.
The voice of Equity.
The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials of Miami (COMTO Miami) is one of over 30 Chapters nationwide and five chapters in the state of Florida. COMTO Miami is an independent non-profit organization that provides networking opportunities within the transportation industry for minority individuals and businesses 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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Wade Jones
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.
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Dana Wilson
1st Vice President
An esteemed Bus Operations Instructor and Chairperson of the Accident Review Committee, who brings over 20 years of dedicated experience to the field. With a fervent commitment to enhancing safety and preventing accidents, she has consistently demonstrated her passion for ensuring the well-being of passengers and staff alike.
Her extensive tenure as a dedicated instructor has not only imparted valuable knowledge to countless aspiring professionals, Bus Operators and Trainees but has also inspired a culture of accident prevention within the transportation industry. Through her leadership and expertise, she continues to shape the landscape of bus operations; making travel safer in Miami-Dade County.
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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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Melissa Rolle-Scott, TSSP
At-Large Member
Melissa Rolle-Scott is a highly motivated transportation professional with over 29 years of technical, administrative and management experience in the mass transportation (bus, rail, and automated guideway) industry. She is currently a Transit Section Chief in the Office of Safety & Security for the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation & Public Works (DTPW) where she is responsible for providing leadership in the planning and directing of Internal Audits and serves as the department’s liaison for safety-related state and federal audits. She has met the requirements and received her certificates from the Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute’s Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) for both the Transit Bus and Transit Rail Programs.
Ms. Rolle-Scott has served and provided leadership in several divisions of the Department of Transportation & Public Works (DTPW) which includes: Safety & Security; Transit Services Administration; Maintenance Control; Customer Service; and the Automated Fare Collection System. Prior to joining Miami-Dade DTPW, Ms. Rolle-Scott worked as an Industrial Engineer for Martin Marietta Denver Aerospace and Pacific Telephone as an Outside Plant Engineer.
Ms. Rolle-Scott is very active in the transportation industry. She serves on the national Scholarship, CITY Internship, Membership and Industry Awards committees of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and serves on the Board as an At-Large Member of the COMTO Miami Chapter. She has previously served COMTO as the National Membership Chair from 1999–2006 and President of the Miami Chapter, from 1998–2002. Under her leadership, the Chapter was recognized as the “Chapter of the Year”. Ms. Rolle-Scott also served as the Miami Chapter’s Treasurer and Membership Chair from 1995–1997. Ms. Rolle-Scott was the recipient of COMTO’s Gerald Anderson Sibling Award for her exceptional service to COMTO both in 2001 and 2013. She is affectionately known as the Miami Chapter’s “Queen”.
Ms. Rolle-Scott has also served as a Transit Research Innovative Program (TRIP) Ambassador and has served on several TCRP Research Panels. She is a graduate of the Leadership APTA (American Public Transit Association) Class of 2002–2003 and, also continues to serve on APTA Committees.
Ms. Rolle-Scott contributes to her community’s well-being in numerous ways, with a special commitment to education, youth development and seniors. She is a mentor in the MDC BBBS partnership. She has served as a Take Stock in Children Mentor, KAPOW teacher and SECME judge at various Miami-Dade County Schools. She is a former President of the University of Miami Black Alumni Society.
As President & CEO of the Mt. Calvary Community Development Center, Inc., she is responsible for providing leadership to govern such activities as Senior Entrepreneurial Computer Training, After-School Computer Access Lab, Youth Photography Training, Reading Enrichment and food and clothing distribution. For the past13years, she has also served as the Senior Pastor of the Mt. Calvary National Church of God, Inc.
Ms. Rolle-Scott holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Miami and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Florida International University. She is also a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellow.
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Ronyal Jones
Secretary
Ms. Ronyal Jones graduated from Miami Northwestern in 2003, became a Certified Correction officer in 2005, obtained her Certification as a Medical Assistant in 2008 and is currently attending Keiser University. She is a proud Mother of four children and relocated to Miami, Florida in 2007. She became employed with Miami-Dade
Transit in 2013 and is currently a Bus Operator. Ronyal is also the Owner of La’Royalty Custom Designs & Events.
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Adrianne Mainor
Treasurer
I have been with the county for 7 years as a Bus Operator and recently became a Bus Traffic Controller. I am very thankful to be able to help other drivers as they are on the road. I am the treasurer of COMTO Miami Chapter, and it has been a humbling experience. I am a proud mom of three beautiful kids. One piece of advice I can offer is never give up. Failure is only achieved if you give up. I thank God for all my blessings!
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Reynold Monestine
Board Member At Large
Mr. Reynold Monestine is currently a Property Manager for the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW). He oversees the contracts for janitorial for Metro Rail, Bus and Mover. Reynold has worked for Miami- Dade Transit for 30 years and has held various positions. He has been a member of COMTO since 2000, served as a Parliamentarian from 2010 -2012 and a Board Member at Large from 2008 – 2010.
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Franklin Brown
Board Member At Large
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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Derrick Gordon
Board Member At Large
Derrick Gordon is a thirty two (32) year professional executive manager with the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), formerly Miami Dade Transit. Mr. Gordon has more than 23 years of management experience in bus operations, labor relations and bus maintenance. He was promoted 7 times as he began his career as a bus operator, before moving up through the organization to become the Assistant Director of Bus Services. Mr. Gordon is now responsible for an approximately $200 million dollar operation that includes all aspects of bus operations at the department. He has been an active COMTO member since 1995 and has served on the executive board in various capacities several times over the years.
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Debra Owens
Board Member At Large - PortMiami
Debra Duster Owens has more than 30 years of comprehensive legislative experience. She is currently the Director of Government & International Relations at PortMiami. Ms. Duster Owens is responsible for the development of legislative strategies to promote the Port’s local, state, and federal agendas. She oversees more than 85 international sister seaport agreements to include the exchange of information pertaining to the cruise and cargo sectors aimed at increasing business opportunities.
PortMiami is currently the 2nd largest economic enigine in Miami-Dade County, generating an estimated 334,500 jobs and an economic impact of $43.4 billion. It is one of the world’s leading hubs for global commerce and tourism and it is a significant conduit for international trade and commerce. Ms. Duster Owens played an integral role in securing funding for PortMiami’s $1billion dollar capital infrastructure program to include; a water depth of -50/-52 feet, super Post-Panamax gantry cranes, inter-modal on-dock rail service with connections to the National Rail System, a fast-access tunnel to the U.S. Interstate Highway System and the Shore Power Program. She also works closely with the Florida Ports Council as well as the American Association of Port Authorities in support of maritime legislative and funding initiatives for PortMiami.
Prior to joining the PortMiami team, Ms. Duster Owens served as the Executive Director of the Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation for nine years, where she was responsible for working in collaboration with 27 state elected officials to promote the county’s legislative agenda. Ms. Duster Owens had the distinct honor to serve on the 1990 Nelson Mandela Advance Team during his first visit to the U.S. and was awarded the 2016 International Women’s Day Award from the World Trade Center Miami for her leadership in promoting and enhancing international business in the Americas.
Ms. Duster Owens attended the University of Alabama and Alabama State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice/Political Science. She completed the Executive Education Program at the Kennedy School of Government – Harvard University, Chapman Leadership Program at Florida International University and a 3-year Executive Leadership Program through the Knight Ridder Corporation.
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Andre Ragin
Board Member At Large Aviation
Andre Ragin serves as Aviation Small Business Strategic Advisor for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) Minority Affairs Division. In this role he has direct oversight of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Internal Services Department, Small Business Development Division (ISD-SBD) and MDAD. He manages strategic collaboration between MDAD and ISD-SBD at an executive level to quickly resolve small business enterprise issues that may critically impact our business partners such as airlines, tenants, concessionaires, and contractors. Andre continues to promote minority, disadvantaged and local small business participation in contracting opportunities at Miami International Airport and the County’s four General Aviation Airports. He manages, through ISD-SBD and MDAD staff, compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Andre also serves as the Airport Concessions Disadvantage Business Enterprise and Disadvantage Business Enterprise Liaison Officer for MDAD.
Prior to joining MDAD, Mr. Ragin served as the Chief of Staff to the Honorable Barbara J. Jordan, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, for 16 years. He has spent his entire career with Miami-Dade County, starting in 1993 as a Community Family Service Worker. Andre has vast experience and knowledge in the areas of public administration, government affairs, and policy and program development.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bethune Cookman University and a Master of Science from Florida International University, both in Criminal Justice.
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Frank Martin
Special Advisor
Frank T. Martin is President of Frank T. Martin Consult, LLC a public transportation management consultancy providing transit operations, management, strategic business development and sales services to the transportation industry. He has over 45 years of experience in managing bus and rail systems in many of America’s medium and large cities from Miami to Silicon Valley and several other cities in between. In December of 2018, he was hired as the Executive Director and CEO of the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority to restore the public confidence and stabilize the financial conditions of the Authority. He returned to Birmingham for the second time having served as the First Black Executive Director and CEO from 1981 to 1984.
In September of 2016, he was inducted into the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Hall of Fame a special honor reserved for individuals who have long and distinguished careers and who have made extraordinary contributions to public transportation. Martin was cited for his mentorship of emerging transportation leaders and founding the International Rail Rodeo, a skills competition for operators and maintainers.
Martin also served with distinction for six years on the Board of Governors of Florida’s State University System (SUS), chairing the Strategic Planning, Academic Affairs, and Medical Education Committees. He is one of the Founding Trustees of the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees, the State of Florida’s 12th University that is 100 percent focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. He served as the Vice Chair and Chair of the Board of Trustees 2014 to 2016 and 2016 to 2018 respectively while serving as the chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee.Frank Martin has been active in COMTO since 1978. As a passionate member of COMTO, he was instrumental in re-energizing both the Miami-Dade in 1992 and Northern California in 1999 COMTO Chapters. In 2006, he received the COMTO Thomas E. Neusom Founder’s Award. Martin served on the National Board of Directors as an At-Large Member and Executive Committee member between 2008 – 2014.
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Kenneth Jones
Special Advisor
Kenneth H. Jones, Sr. is a Senior Management Professional with more than forty-eight (48) years of progressively responsible experience in the private and public sectors of the automotive, transportation and transit industry which includes the areas of vehicle maintenance, management and administration, planning, forecasting, resources management, and senior leadership experience in the private sector and mass transit environment. He has over thirty-three (33) years with the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), and over nineteen (19) years as a senior manager in DTPW’s Bus Operations and Maintenance Divisions.
Mr. Jones currently serves as the Transit Section Chief of the Central Division of the Department of Transportation & Public Works (DTPW) where he is responsible for the daily operations of a bus fleet of 219 and 100 employees. Mr. Jones has 19 years of successful experience managing each of the bus maintenance mass transit divisions within the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW). He has complete administrative responsibility and management of $25M plus annual budget for the bus maintenance facility.
Mr. Jones currently serves on the Miami Chapter Board as the Immediate Past President. He recently served as President of COMTO Miami Chapter from 2011 – 2017. He previously served as Vice-President of COMTO Miami Chapter from 2000 – 2002 and 2008 – 2011 has been a COMTO member since 1996.
Mr. Jones has also served and provided leadership on several committees and chapter events (several nominating committees; scholarship banquet; chair of transportation and technical tours committee during the ‘2001 and ‘2007 COMTO Annual Meeting and Training Conferences; 3 golf tournaments; several Black History Celebration, presided on the MDT/COMTO Miami float during the ‘2010 MLK parade; greeter/facilitator for the MDT Black History Tours etc.), and numerous fund-raising initiatives. Mr. Jones currently serves on the COMTO National HUB Committee.
Mr. Jones is also an active member of the Retired Employee of Transit Coalition (RET-CO), where he serves on various committees to promote scholarships for minority youth. RETCO is a non-profit organization of retired transit employees who provide community input and actively promote transportation issues as well as ensuring scholarship opportunities for youth.
Mr. Jones earned an AA degree in Business Administration from Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) and a BS in Business Management from the Florida Atlantic University (FAU).
He has been married to his wife Sharon Renay Jones for over 44 years and together they raised 8 children (2 sons and 6 daughters). Out of this union they have 11 grandchildren (5 grandsons and 6 granddaughters) and 2 great grandchildren (1 great-grandson and 1 great-granddaughter). He has had both the support and participation of his family (wife and children) at COMTO events and the annual conferences for over 20 years.
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Harold Young
Special Advisor
COMTO Miami Executive Board Special Advisor
Harold L. Young, Jr.A Veteran Transportation Professional, Mr. Young is a native of Chattanooga Tennessee and a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta Georgia.
He began his career in Transportation as a Motor Coach Operator with the Trailways Bus Company. From there he held the positions of Instructor, Project Manager, Regional Director, Bus Operations Superintendent, Chief of Bus Maintenance, Director of Safety and Training and most recently Chief Operating Officer.His experience in Charter Bus, Student Transportation and Transit Bus environments span from Greyhound Bus, Miami-Dade Schools, Miami-Dade Transit, American Coach Lines, Broward County Transit, and the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority.
As a COMTO member since 1989, Harold has served as Chapter Board Member At Large and Chapter Vice President.
