CDM Smith Supports Launch of COMTO Nashville during 2018 APTA Annual Meeting
NASHVILLE, Tennessee—Supporting the launch of a local chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), CDM Smith presented a $2,500 check to COMTO Nashville’s executive team on September 24, 2018. The funds were donated at an event held around the American Public Transportation Association’s 2018 Annual Meeting.
Pictured left to right: Brandie Cookston, Client Service Leader, CDM Smith; India Birdsong, Chief Operating Officer, WeGo Transit; Shelia Hudson, Principal, Hudson and Associates, LLC; Greta Beard, Procurement Manager & DBE Liaison Officer, WeGo Transit; Ashley Smith, Senior Project Manager, CDM Smith
COMTO strives to provide opportunities in the transportation industry for minority individuals, businesses and communities of color through advocacy, information sharing, training, education and professional development.
WeGo Transit’s Greta Beard, who serves as treasurer for COMTO Nashville, spoke about the value the funds will bring to the new chapter: “CDM Smith’s financial support will assist our chapter in providing a forum for minority professionals in the transportation industry. Our members include individuals, groups, transportation agencies, private sector corporations, non-profit organizations and historically underutilized businesses. We are humbled by your incredible generosity, and on behalf of our executive committee, I want to express our sincere appreciation for CDM Smith’s support.”
Shelia Hudson, principal of Hudson and Associates, LLC and a member of COMTO Nashville’s executive committee, added: “We’re so thankful to receive this donation from CDM Smith—the first donation that we’ve received from a corporate partner. For a chapter to be successful, we need members and partners to take ownership. CDM Smith has proven its commitment to diversity and inclusion for years, starting with the leadership within their firm. This donation shows that they are true community partners who believe in the mission of COMTO."
CDM Smith provides lasting and integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities to public and private clients worldwide. As a full-service engineering and construction firm, we deliver exceptional client service, quality results and enduring value across the entire project life cycle.