Meet the APTA Staff: Tdisho Pendleton
5/16/2024
Program Manager – Technical Services
Technical Services & Innovation Department
Q: What are your primary responsibilities at APTA, and those of your department?
A: I am a program manager for APTA’s bus committees and standards working groups. The Technical Services and Innovation (TSI) Department serves APTA members by providing subject-matter expertise on technology and operational issues. I support the Sr. Director of Bus Operations & New Vehicle Technologies. I also assist with the planning and execution of sessions and committee meetings at APTA conferences.
Q: To what extent do you have direct contact with APTA members?
A: I have daily contact with members by responding to a wide range of inquiries. For example, I work with Bus Technical Maintenance Committee officers to plan the full program of the Maintenance Managers Workshop at the APTA Mobility Conference, or sometimes it’s as simple as showing members how to join a committee or working group.
I have a solution-based approach. I pay attention to the needs and concerns of members and then offer resources and tools that can assist them in addressing their challenges. Engaging with members also gives me feedback on APTA initiatives and events, which is invaluable for evaluating the effectiveness of current offerings and identifying areas of improvement.
Q: Which APTA committees are you involved with?
A: I am the co-staff advisor for the Bus Operations, Mid-Size Operations, Bus Technical Maintenance committees, and the Operating Practices and Bus Brake & Chassis working groups. These committees and working groups develop standards and help drive session content at APTA conferences. APTA is dedicated to helping members anticipate, understand, leverage, and lead change and I enjoy being part of the solution.
Q: Please describe the type of information that APTA members can turn to you for.
A: Members can come to me with questions relating to any of my committees and working groups, including how to join. We welcome all suggestions for monthly meeting topics/ideas.
I also help members utilize their APTAConnect account. APTAConnect helps members interact through posting group discussion questions, participating in industry surveys, sharing information and best practices, and receiving updates on committee activities and meetings.
Q: Have you worked in or around public transportation besides APTA?
A: I am new to the public transportation industry. I began my role at APTA in July of 2022. Prior to that, I worked as a program/data coordinator for a federal government contractor providing analysis and program support in the design and completion of large-scale research projects that studied equal employment opportunity and potential barriers for specific demographic groups.
I came to APTA with more than 10 years of nonprofit management experience. Working with all my committees and working groups at APTA allows me to keep up with the latest trends in public transit. I also have the satisfaction of knowing my contributions directly impact and improve the lives of millions of people across the U.S.
Q: What interests you most about public transportation?
A: Public transportation is pivotal in shaping communities and the way we move. It fosters accessibility, sustainability, and connectivity. Transit continues to advance through technology, infrastructure, and policy. Growing up in Washington, DC, I learned first-hand how public transit was and still is a fundamental part of getting DC students back and forth to school. It serves as a lifeline for providing safe, affordable, and accessible transportation. The best thing about transit is that it serves everyone, no matter the need.
Q: Could you tell us something about yourself that might surprise us?
A: I come from a big family with 10 sisters and brothers and sometimes it’s difficult to know where you fit in. My superpower has always been problem solving and making people feel valued. The quote by Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that -people will
forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” con-tinues to resonate with me. I apply this motto daily when interacting with my friends, family, and with APTA members.
Lastly, people are surprised when they learn I’m a huge game show nerd. I have been watching The Price is Right since I was five years old. I hope to one day be on the show and win Plinko and spin a $1 on the big wheel!