Founded in 1971 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) was created to provide a forum for senior level minority professionals in the transportation industry. It was an occasion to act, born of the need to address the inequities of a rapidly expanding industry within which its minority workers, upon whose shoulders the industry was built, were not allowed the same access to employment, promotion and contract opportunities. It was recognized from the beginning that COMTO was positioning itself for a long and arduous, but rewarding history.
The founders, leaders and dedicated workers whose original vision formed the foundation of the organization would be proud of where COMTO stands today. With thirty-nine (39) chapters across the country and members encompassing individuals, organizations, transportation agencies, non-profits and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), efforts have ensured that members of COMTO now serve in every sector of the transportation industry.
Since its inception, COMTO has continued to evolve to become the premier organization for the training, education and professional development of minority transportation professionals. The true measure of how far COMTO has come is revealed by the talent, tenacity and accomplishments of the members who have joined forces to correct the inequities of the past and chart the direction of the future.
