APTA Selects Michael Townes as Chair

"The American Public Transportation Association "(APTA) is indeed very lucky to have Michael Townes leading us at this very exciting time for public transit around the country,” said William W. Millar, president of APTA. “APTA members chose Michael as chair because of his passion for the critical role public transit plays in helping individuals and improving communities, as well as his expertise and leadership skills in advancing the industry. It is fitting that the theme for Michael’s year as APTA chair is Public Transportation: Wherever Life Takes You...Today and Tomorrow -- as he is leading the way in expanding public transportation services not only in the Hampton Roads area but throughout the United States.”

Michael Townes has been President/CEO of HRT since 1999. Over the past three decades, Michael has devoted his career to public transportation. In November 1986, Michael joined the Peninsula Transportation District Commission (PENTRAN) as the Assistant to the Executive Director. He was appointed Acting Executive Director in 1988 and became Executive Director in July 1989. Effective October 1, 1999, Michael became the Executive Director of the newly formed Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (Hampton Roads Transit).

Michael is the founding father of the Hampton Roads chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and recipient of its Executive of the Year award.  His other distinctions include the Women in Transit Committee Achievement Award, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Conference of Minority Public Administrators, and appointment to Virginia’s Specialized Transportation Committee by Governor George Allen in 1996..

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