South West Transit Association
Transit Law Agenda
Transit Law
Tuesday July 29th
Navigating New Federal Guidelines in HR
Presenters:
Morgan Pike Epperson & Scott T. Kelly, Attorneys at Law – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart
The new administration began with a flurry of actions and executive orders, including federal-funding recipient compliance and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These actions mark a significant shift in the regulatory and investigative landscape for federal contractors and subcontractors, federal funding recipients, higher education institutions, non-profits, and all private-sector employers with DEI programs and initiatives. Join us for a discussion of these and other recent policy changes covering a wide range of this administration’s priorities, and a forecast of what employers and federal funding recipients may expect in the months ahead. We will discuss potential litigation related to these executive orders and actions, the impact on employers and fund recipients – on DEI programs and other employer actions, the future of gender identity in the workplace, and will provide actionable insights to help your organization stay ahead of evolving enforcement priorities and promote fair, merit-based practices.
FTA Regional Counsel Update
Presenter: Invited Jason Pollock, Regional Council - FTA
Regional Counsel from FTA Region 6 will provide updates on latest policy, regulations and guidance of FTA programs, including key details on procurement, reporting, asset management and more. Please submit any questions in advance to rsampson@swta.org
Latest in Procurement Rules
Presenter: Jim LaRusch – Chief Operating Officer & Corporate Counsel – Raul V. Bravo + Associates
With new Executive Orders, guidance and circulars from the Trump Administration, plus ongoing rules installed by the IIJA, there’s no shortage of procurement updates to keep track of. In this session, Jim LaRusch will share key details and important changes in managing the procurement process.
Wednesday July 30th
Budgeting 101 for Non-Financial Managers
Presenter: James Oliver, General Manager - Galveston Island Transit
Bridging the Gap Between CEOs & Lawyers
Presenter: Cleveland Ferguson, Executive Vice President/CAO - Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Lawyers combine legal expertise with strategic business acumen, making them vital partners with transit agency leaders that demand high compliance and adaptability. Their role involves upholding ethical integrity, addressing conflicts of interest, and balancing public service, corporate goals, and community trust. To meet evolving expectations, they must understand operational strategy, financial modeling, and stakeholder engagement while guiding organizations through challenges such as sustainability, equity, and technological transformation. This panel examines these considerations and offers insights for practicing attorneys aspiring to transition into executive leadership roles and those who hold key leadership positions.
Managing Intellectual Property at Transit Agencies
Issues involving management and protection of intellectual property are becoming increasingly complex as technology advances in the public transit industry. How can suppliers and consultants protect their IP from public disclosure? How is sensitive data treated in a Buy America audit? Should agencies own or license necessary IP? What about protecting background IP? How can we draft reasonable IP indemnity, representations & warranties in supplier and consultant contracts? In this session, you will hear three perspectives on these and other cutting edge intellectual property issues – from representatives of a vehicle supplier, an engineering consultant, and a transit agency.
Professional Ethics
Don't wait for ethical dilemmas to arise. This session focuses on proactive professional ethics, guiding participants in identifying organizational and individual blind spots. Learn how to design and implement an effective ethics review process and explore the cutting edge of ethical considerations relevant to our work.