Letter from Ms. Alva Carrasco, Chair, Leadership APTA Committee
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to announce that the Leadership APTA program is now accepting applications for the Leadership APTA Class of 2026. APTA and the industry are enormously proud of the program’s history and its over 690 graduates since the first Class of 1998.
Leadership APTA is about developing and supporting senior and executive leaders to become exceptional leaders and visionaries for APTA and the transit industry. Over the years, Leadership APTA alumni have made outstanding contributions to APTA, the industry, and their own organizations and communities.
As a graduate of the APTA Leadership Class of 2002, I am proud to share that Leadership APTA Alumni have served as APTA Chair, members of APTA’s Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. They have chaired numerous committees, special projects and initiatives, and mentored future leaders.
Over the years, alumni have risen to senior and executive leadership positions in the public, private, federal, and state sectors. Our graduates have led a wide range of organizations and provided numerous examples of outstanding leadership.
Incoming members of the Leadership APTA Class of 2026 will have the opportunity to define a new vision and future for the public transportation industry. They will develop a new set of leadership attributes needed to navigate changing operational and financial paradigms. They will identify and refine new skills, insights, and practices. Class members will demonstrate how to best provide equal opportunities and access for our industry.
APTA will provide incoming class members with a rich and challenging program expressly designed to grow and expand their senior and executive-level leadership skills. During the year, class members will have first-hand access to highly respected executive leaders and benefit from their wisdom, knowledge, and experiences. Through their capstone projects, class members will address priority industry challenges and offer key recommendations for industry leaders. APTA will provide the tools, resources, and guidance to support class members’ growth and development.
During their year in the program class members will build new relationships, alliances, and partnerships, and propose ways to advance our industry and to serve our communities.
The Leadership APTA Class of 2026 application deadline is Friday, May 9, 2025, Please visit this website which provides additional information. Be sure to take careful note of the application elements and objectives.
We look forward to receiving your application and welcome your questions. If you need assistance regarding the program or the application process, please contact APTA’s Joe Niegoski at jniegoski@apta.com
Sincerely,
Alva Carrasco
Director, Railroad & Transit – Los Angeles
Burns Engineering, Inc.
Program Overview
Leadership APTA has become a highly recognized and respected program to prepare the next generation of visionary senior and executive leaders of APTA and the public transportation industry.
Leadership APTA is committed to identifying and selecting an engaged and committed group of dedicated and highly motivated industry professionals from among APTA’s membership to participate in the transit industry’s premier senior and executive leadership program. Leadership APTA has become a highly recognized and respected program to prepare the next generation of visionary senior and executive leaders of APTA and the public transportation industry.
This summer, the Leadership APTA Committee will select the program’s 27th class since the program’s founding. They will invite up to 35 individuals from among APTA member applicants to participate in an intensive year-long program including in-person executive roundtables, skill-building workshops, conferences, team-driven capstone leadership projects along with, virtual sessions, meetings, featured workshops and events.
Why apply to Leadership APTA?
- Commit to a life-changing experience
- Transform how you listen, learn, and lead
- Give back to your organizations, APTA and the industry
- Step out of your comfort zones
- Learn from exceptional leaders, risk-takers, and role models
- Envision and create a new future for the public transportation industry
- Lead and engage in challenging conversations
- Be recognized as a respected change agent
- Grow your network and personal kitchen cabinet
Leadership APTA 2025 Highlights
