Welcome to COMTO Fort Lauderdale!

Dear Colleagues,

As your Chapter President, I anxiously look forward to the opportunities and challenges the next two years will bring.

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is a multi-ethnic, nonprofit, 501©(3) association encompassing the professional, educational and business development of transportation professionals at every level of the industry in a variety of fields and disciplines. The organization began in 1971 on the campus of Howard University for senior minority professionals in the transportation industry. Today, the organization’s membership includes transportation agencies, private sector corporations and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), groups, individuals, and nonprofit organizations. College students are now eligible for free memberships.

Over the past 50 years, COMTO has evolved into a dynamic organization with over 30 Chapters throughout the United States and Canada with more than 2,000 members. We are industry professionals supporting all facets and modes of public transportation because we holistically believe in our creed of “Moving the Nation.” COMTO’s primary mission is to support the advancement of minority professionals and businesses working in the transportation industry.

The COMTO Fort Lauderdale Chapter was Founded in 2008 with a small visionary group of members and great support from South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA). Today, our chapter has grown to over 100 active members representing a diverse mix of public and private entities including AECOM, Broward County Aviation, Broward County Transit, Herzog, HNTB, Kimley-Horn, Port Everglades, Peoples Transit and South Florida Regional Transit Authority and students. Membership is open to all.

COMTO Fort Lauderdale hosts several initiatives and activities that provide opportunities for education, training, scholarships, networking, and community engagement. A few planned events for 2023 include an executive welcome reception (May 11th), a beach clean-up (June 10th), the 9th Annual Scholarship Luncheon (Aug3), annual golf tournament (Sept. 23), and the annual Epic Sunset Cruise (Sept. 23). As president, I encourage small businesses, especially those from marginalized communities, to join our Chapter and leverage our Chapter’s expertise to access strategic opportunities within the transportation industry. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. Call or send me an email to get the dialogue started.

In 2016, the COMTO Fort Lauderdale Chapter won the Harold B. Williams “Game Changer” Award at the National Conference and Awards Banquet. The award is presented to a COMTO Chapter that has demonstrated innovativeness through new and improved programs, activities and increased membership. In 2017, the Chapter earned three awards at the National Conference and Awards Banquet; Best COMTO Community Engagement, Corporate Executive of the Year, and President’s Leadership. In 2022, the Chapter hosted the 51st National Meeting and Training Conference. The Chapter strives to continue building a legacy of excellence with service.

On behalf of COMTO Fort Lauderdale’s Board of Directors, I look forward to working with you and your firm to advance and strengthen our vital transportation industry by providing opportunities for growth and development of minority professionals, small businesses, and our collective communities.

I am thrilled to be involved with a purposeful organization that prioritizes transportation policies, career advancement, and promotes inclusion through advocacy. I am optimistic that you will join us in this significant undertaking by forming and continuing partnership with COMTO Fort Lauderdale.

Best Regards,

Best Regards,

Rogelio Hendricks Jr.

President, COMTO Fort Lauderdale Chapter