South West Transit Association
SWTA: NextGen Agenda
SWTA: NextGen
Monday July 28th
Navigating Career Growth in Transit
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Presenter: Paul Harrison, Account Executive - TripSpark
Join Paul Harrison from TripSpark Technologies as he takes us through the current career landscape within the Transit Industry. Bringing years of experience working directly with agencies, Paul will review various career trajectories, including starting as an Operator and growing to a director or the plentiful opportunities in public to private transitions. In this session you will learn about the most common transit career paths, hear stories about staff working at agencies that partner with his company, and hear stories about some of Paul’s colleagues who came to TripSpark from various agencies.
Whether you are working in Transit and want to know what’s possible for your career or are a hiring manager looking to attract new or younger talent, this session is for you.
Unlocking Transit Success: National Resources, Tools, and Support
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Presenters:
Maurice Beard, Senior Workforce Development Advisor - Transit Workforce Center
Michaela Boneva. Research Associate - Transit Workforce Center
Loreal Lance, Director Member Servies, Business Development, and Events - Community Transportation of America
Neil Rodriguez, Tribal Transit Program Manager, National RTAP
Learn how the Transit Workforce Center, Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), and the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) can support your agency's workforce development, training, funding access, tribal transit support, and much more.
Join Maurice Beard, Loreal Lance, and Neil Rodriguez as they unpack practical tools, highlight funding opportunities, and guide you through the services that can elevate your agency’s impact.
Bomb Proof Constructive Feedback Part 1: Paving the way for difficult conversations
2:45 - 3:45 PM
Presenter: Chris Zervas, President - Leadership Vision, LLC
How do you balance leading toward the goal, but building team along the way? Learn proven strategies for day-to-day leadership through coaching.
•Strategies for employee engagement
•How to conduct effective employee reviews
•How to use feedback for employee retention
Bomb Proof Constructive Feedback Part 2: Conflict Resolution Skills that Work
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Presenter: Chris Zervas, President - Leadership Vision, LLC
Difficult discussions are a part of leadership. However, conflict handled well is a doorway to greater connection, productivity, and respect. Learn a decision tree to discern when a difficult discussion is needed and how to handle it effectively. Discover:
•What questions to ask yourself
•How to restore an employee after a hard discussion
•Words that turn away anger
Tuesday July 29th
Stress Management in the Work Place
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Presenter: Kellie Petrou, Certified Mindset and Success Coach and founder of ITInola
In today’s fast-paced professional environments, workplace stress is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to productivity, morale, and overall well-being. Join Kellie Petrou, certified mindset and success coach and founder of ITinola, for an insightful session that blends neuroscience, practical tools, and holistic strategies to help you manage stress effectively.
Drawing on her years of experience coaching professionals across industries, Kellie will explore the root causes of workplace stress, how it affects our mental and physical health, and what leaders and teams can do to create a healthier, more resilient work culture. You’ll leave this session with actionable techniques to regulate stress in the moment, set healthy boundaries, and build long-term habits that support sustainable performance and emotional balance.
Whether you're managing a team or just trying to better manage your day, this session is designed to equip you with the tools you need to thrive—not just survive—at work.
Engaging with Diverse Constituents: Building Inclusive and Meaningful Connections
10:45 - 11:45 AM
Presenter: Andrea Ball, Executive Director - Oklahoma Transit Association
This session explores strategies for understanding, reaching, and meaningfully involving people from a variety of backgrounds and ensuring that their needs and priorities are reflected in your organization’s strategic planning efforts.