2022 AGM Nominee Bios and Registration Link

For the 2022-2023 OPTA Board election, there are 8 vacancies to be filled. At least 5 of these vacancies must be filled by employees of transit system members. Click HERE to see the current Board member status.

Transit System Nominees

Brad Tubman

Brad Tubman, OC Transpo

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

Brad Tubman has 13 years of experience in public transit with the City of Ottawa, in addition to 15 years of experience in the broader transportation industry in Ontario. In January 2017, Brad became a part of the expanded rail operations management team and was a key contributor to the light rail operational readiness project until the implementation of Ottawa’s Line 1 light rail service. During this time, he was responsible for hiring, training and managing a team of 70 Electric Rail Operators and 10 Rail Supervisors. Brad was heavily involved in the operational preparations prior to the launch of revenue service, including the development of new processes and operating procedures, work schedules, training programs and exercises, and testing and commissioning. In January 2019, Brad went on to manage a team of five Mobile Superintendents and 61 on-street supervisors supporting service at bus and rail stations and for up to 800 on-street conventional buses. While in this position, he played a key role in the development and implementation of Ottawa’s R1 rail replacement service, helping to ensure the seamless integration of a replacement bus service to supplement our light rail service in the event of a disruption. In November 2021, he became the acting Manager of the Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC), providing leadership and centralized oversight of the integrated TOCC to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of conventional bus, Para Transit, and electric and diesel light rail services, in accordance with operating rules and procedures as well as provincial and federal regulations. Brad has also supported our organization by filling in as the Director of Transit Service Delivery and Rail Operations as needed, which has expanded his knowledge of Transit Operations management at a more senior level. Prior to joining OC Transpo, Brad spent 15 years working in the transportation industry at FedEx, including 10 years as the Senior Manager of the Eastern & Northern Ontario region. Brad holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Wilfrid Laurier University, and has also completed his Master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

Please accept this submission as my letter of recommendation and nomination for Brad Tubman, Manager of the Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC) at OC Transpo in Ottawa, to be elected to serve on the Board of the Ontario Transit Association (OPTA). Throughout Brad’s career, he has had the opportunity to work in various areas of public transit, including employee training and development, employee operations, management of mobile and on-street service delivery of bus and rail service. Brad is a natural leader and has demonstrated a strong ability to build relationships and collaborate with others to identify trends and creative solutions to problems. He is passionate about his work and the transit industry as a whole. Given his extensive management experience in the transit and transportation industries, Brad possesses the expertise, appreciation and passion for this industry that would make him an excellent candidate to serve as an OPTA Board Member. I believe that Brad’s varied experience in public transit at OC Transpo and his knowledge of the complexities of converting an existing bus rapid transit service to a light rail-centric transit system will enable him to provide unique insight if chosen to serve as an OPTA Board Member. Brad has a strong understanding of the operational considerations, implications for customers and barriers that accompany the implementation of large-scale organizational change. Brad is not only knowledgeable, but eager for the opportunity to learn, collaborate and share knowledge by liaising with other transit professionals and agencies across Ontario. Brad has expressed his interest in serving on the OPTA Board to allow him to share his knowledge and learn from others while helping to highlight the value and improve the quality of public transit in communities and cities throughout the province. This is an exciting time to be in the transit industry in Ontario, with many major projects in motion throughout the province, as well as an increasing amount of discussion about the role of transit in a post-pandemic world. Brad’s diverse experience in transit would be an asset to OPTA and if selected, I am confident that he would take on the role with commitment and a desire to make a positive influence within the transit industry in Ontario.

Catherine Baldelli

Catherine Baldelli, Burlington Transit

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

I am an action-oriented transit manager with knowledge of service design, transit planning, and overall business services for conventional and specialized transit. I have over 20 years of municipal and private sector experience. I am currently the Manager of Transit Planning and Business Services at Burlington Transit and have been in this role since February 2019. I utilize my experience in implementing projects, process improvements, business relationship management and digital transformation, and apply this experience to municipal transit. In this role I have been part of several transformational initiatives at Burlington Transit including the implementation of new scheduling software, service design changes in September 2019, PRESTO device upgrade, Free Transit for Seniors, Transit 5 Year Business Plan and the pandemic and its impact on transit. I am currently involved in many transit projects at Burlington Transit including transit electrification study with CUTRIC; GTHA West Service Study; and On-Demand transit. I also participate on several PRESTO committees and working groups. Prior to working in transit, I spent a significant part of my career at the Town of Milton focusing on spatial and information technology. My career evolved from GIS Technician to Manager, Enterprise Business Systems and GIS. This position involved leading a team of professionals who provided technology applications, database management and support to both Town staff and residents. In 2018, I accepted the position of Business Relationship Manager in ITS at the City of Burlington. This role enabled me to work closely with various City departments including Transit and Transportation. Recognizing opportunity and looking to expand my knowledge of other areas of municipal government, I moved into the role of Manager, Transit Planning and Business Services at Burlington Transit. To compliment my extensive municipal experience, I was as a Board member on technology associations including MISA Ontario (Municipal Information Systems Associations) and URISA-Ontario Chapter (BeSpatial). I was the President of URISA-Ontario Chapter for four years and led significant digital transformation of the association during that time. My diverse background and track record of achieving results make me an ideal candidate for the OPTA Board.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

I have experience participating and leading boards and associations over the course of my career. I recognize the importance of professional and trade associations and the networks that they create for members. I joined the OPTA Planning and Scheduling Committee in 2019 and have learned a lot from my peers during events and virtual meetings. In 2021, I joined the CUTA On-Demand Transit Guidelines Agency Working Group and provided input and feedback on the working paper, drawing from Burlington Transit’s ongoing experience of implementing an On-Demand program. OPTA has provided much advocacy for transit over the past few years and has impacted the decisions made by senior levels of government in supporting municipal transit. Without sounding too cliché, this is my opportunity to give back to an organization that has helped the transit industry immensely during the pandemic. The next 2 years will bring additional transformation to the transit industry and being part of this association, at the Board level, is exciting. My knowledge of technology coupled with transit can further help shape future initiatives and bring a different perspective to the Board table.

Kyle Catney

Kyle Catney, York Region Transit

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

Kyle has more than 13 years of experience in Transit Operations including Fleet and Facility maintenance, construction and asset management. He is leading the oversight of YRT’s conventional, BRT and Mobility-On-Request services. Kyle currently leads the development and implementation of corporate initiatives including fleet electrification programs, energy conservation programs, and expansion of services such as Bus Rapid Transit and subway programs within the Regional Municipality of York.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

Kyle sees this as an exciting opportunity to further support transit within the province, as well as an opportunity to utilize his experience to drive innovation and shape the future of transit. Kyle also looks forward to building collaborative relationships with OPTA members.

Tyson Cragg

Tyson Cragg, Transit Windsor

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

I have over 28 years of experience in the transportation industry, 14 of which has been in public transit in progressive management roles. After 14 years in the private sector as a manager at a Fortune 500 company, I made the leap to the public sector, serving as the Manager of Operations at the London Transit Commission. In 2020, I was fortunate to take the reins as Executive Director at Transit Windsor from the retiring Pat Delmore, where I am responsible for the overall operation of Windsor’s transit system. I have experience managing organizations under both federal and provincial jurisdiction, and have held roles in operations, planning, customer service, and executive leadership. I hold an Honours B.A. in Political Science from the University of Windsor, and am in the final stages of completion of my Masters in Public Administration at Western University.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

I am interested in serving on the OPTA board because I believe that OPTA has an influential role to play in policy advocacy at both senior levels of government, and best represents the interests of Ontario Transit systems. I believe that as a result of my years of experience, as well as representing a mid-size, bus-only system outside of the GTHA, I bring a unique perspective to the conversation. I also want to give back to OPTA, which has been so helpful to me, and assist my transit colleagues in building the industry collectively with a united voice.

Tony D’Alessandro

Tony D’Alessandro, Milton Transit

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

My professional career in the transit industry began in 2004 as a Transit Planner at Oakville Transit. I was primarily responsible for planning and scheduling conventional transit services, creating operator paddles/boards as well as providing feedback on proposed developments throughout the Town. In 2007, I accepted a position at the Town of Milton as Coordinator, Transit where I supported the foundation for establishing a transit system from the ground-up in a rapidly growing community. In my current role as Director, Transit Services, I have been able to bring forward a number of strategic initiatives that have helped increase the Town’s exposure to transit; enhancing community engagement, advancing service investment and garnering Council support.

I have been on the OPTA Board of Directors since September 2015 and have welcomed the role of Treasurer on the Executive Board since April 2018. Throughout the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had chaired the COVID-19 Recovery Working Group to help facilitate system collaboration for the adoption of various health and safety measures. Additionally, I am an active representative on the CUTA Board of Directors representing a voice for small transit systems. These experiences have provided me with a diverse perspective of the public transit industry to help advance advocacy efforts.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

Please accept my submission of interest to serve as a member of the OPTA Board of Directors for the 2022-2024 term. I believe I can continue to bring my experience, personal integrity and commitment to serve the mandate of the Board and its members. With a diverse background in the transit industry and over 15 years of progressive experience in a small and growing transit system, I would be able to provide a unique perspective and contribute to matters of advocacy, government relations and priority awareness. Notwithstanding the above, I am a continuous learner and would greatly value active participation on the OPTA Board as a platform to share and resolve emerging issues related to COVID-19 recovery, service diversification, system planning and operational matters.

On a personal note, I am grateful to be part of a growing industry where each other’s experiences are valued and openly shared. As an OPTA Board member, I would continue to cultivate diverse perspectives and knowledge, to support the evolution of the public transit industry.

Vince Rodo

Vince Rodo, Brampton Transit

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date and A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

Vincent Rodo is the Director of Brampton Transit and has been in this role since 2017. Vince has over 35 years’ experience in the transit industry and was previously the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer with the Toronto Transit Commission. Vince has a Bachelor of Commerce degree, CPA, CMA and Chartered Director designations. He currently serves as Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA). Vince is responsible for overseeing the Operations and Maintenance divisions within Brampton Transit and has been a leader in a number of key transit initiatives.

Bem Case

Bem Case, Toronto Transit Commission

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date and A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

With 20+ years at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Bem has worked in a wide range of roles, including: infrastructure and vehicle maintenance, engineering, capital program delivery, safety and enterprise risk management, and intergovernmental relations.

Currently, Bem is the Executive Director of TTC’s Innovation and Sustainability Program (ISP). The ISP is aimed at seeking, capturing, evaluating, incubating and implementing ideas that are needed now to maximize the public’s investments for the future benefit of TTC customers, the broader public, and the global environment. Through this program, Bem is directly accountable for the stewardship of a $10+ billion portfolio of capital programs, including procurement and overhaul of subway trains, streetcars, buses, wheel-trans, and the electrification infrastructure required to decarbonize TTC’s fleets and facilities.

Paul Buck

Paul Buck, Belleville Transit

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date and A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

Paul is a supporter of regional transit opportunities that are developed with a cooperative effort of neighboring agencies and municipalities. With more than 20 years’ experience in Transit Operations in both the Municipal and Private sector he knows the importance of strong cooperation. He has worked on many transit projects including Bus Rapid Transit launches, Mobile Fare Payment, New Facilities start-ups and CAD/AVL launches. In November 2019 Belleville Transit and Pantonium Inc. were awarded the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Corporate Leadership Award for Innovation in Transit for the On Demand Project.

Business Nominees

Chad Sadowy

Chad Sadowy, New Flyer Industries

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

Chad is the Regional Sales Manager of Canada for New Flyer and MCI, subsidiaries of NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), one of the world’s largest independent bus and coach manufacturers and a provider of four pillar mobility solutions including buses and coaches, infrastructure solutions, connected technology, and workforce development. Chad Sadowy is the living example of a successful rise-through-the-ranks, lifelong learning, second generation employee. His three-decade career in the bus and motorcoach field began at Motor Coach Industries Inc. (“MCI”) on the production lines, before he advanced through roles including Quality Assurance, Product Support Specialist, Business Excellence Manager (obtaining his Six Sigma Black Belt), Technical Solutions Manager, and Vice President of Sales for Western Canada. With his recent move to the position of Regional Sales Manager of Canada with New Flyer and MCI, Chad has continued to expand his skillset through the new mobility era, becoming an exceptionally astute product expert. Chad is also a highly active advocate and ally for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in transportation. In addition to serving transit agencies across Canada, he participates regularly in New Flyer’s cofounding and ongoing leadership of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (“COMTO”) Toronto and Region Chapter – which was named emerging chapter of the year in 2020 – and frequently attends in CUTA Technical Services committee, Maintenance and Vehicle Technology subcommittee, CUTA COVID Weekly Conventional Transit meeting, CUTRIC ZEB committee and conferences, OPTA Live, Business Member and AGM events, and APTA Latinos in Transit (LIT) events.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

A true team player, Chad lends optimism and confidence to any challenge, but also exhibits the empathy and patience in listening and evolving his own perspective. He offers a unique combination of international expertise in advanced manufacturing processes, leadership capacity, in-depth product knowledge, and advocacy of workforce development and DEI – all diverse and relevant core competencies that could lend value to the OPTA Board.

Sophie Le Blanc

Sophie Le Blanc, Transit App

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

Sophie is a senior member of the Partnerships team at Transit, managing business relationships with transit agencies and other mobility partners for the past five years. Sophie has led integrations with ticketing and microtransit partners throughout Canada and the US (including 10+ integrations in the past 12 months), and has been working with OPTA members for the past five years. Prior to joining Transit in 2017, Sophie worked in transit planning for the Quebec Ministry of Transportation, in project management with CDPQ, and in research and analysis for Transport Canada. Sophie holds a Master of Urban Planning degree from McGill University, and a B.A. in Urban Planning from Concordia University.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

My interest to serve on the OPTA board stems primarily from my passion in pushing forward the importance of public transit. As someone who grew up in rural Ontario, I never thought I would take public transit, let alone not have a car. When I moved to the city, I began seeing cars as a burden, and public transit as freedom. Broadly, I want to change everyone’s perception of public transit for the better, empower riders through better information and services, and help stimulate continued public funding through advocacy. As someone who has worked in the technology, new mobility and customer experience sector of transit for the past five years, I believe I would bring a unique perspective to the Board, and represent a younger generation of transit riders. Finally, my election to the board would help increase female representation on OPTA’s board, which I believe is an important step towards helping ensure representation of half of the industry’s ridership.

John Pagliaro

John Pagliaro, Bytemark

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

John Pagliaro joined the Bytemark Management Team in January of 2021 as our Executive Director for Canada. In this role, John leads Bytemark’s efforts and delivery throughout Canada. John is a recognized leader in both the payment and fintech industry. Most recently, John served as the Senior Vice President of National Account Sales for Moneris Canada, where he managed the organization’s enterprise portfolio and drove new opportunities, helping clients find the best payment solutions. During his tenure, John collaborated with some of Canada’s biggest businesses (including transportation and parking leaders) to create seamless, secure customer experiences through emerging payment technologies. Before joining Moneris, John served as Director of Sales at American Express Canada and Senior Manager, Small and Medium Enterprise Markets, at RBC Royal Bank.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

I’m passionate about this industry and want to share my knowledge and experience on how we can get ridership levels back up to pre-pandemic levels. My work experience has been in payments for the last 35 years and with the the recent interest in Open Loop Payments, I believe I can help the board get a better understanding of how to become industry experts in this initiative. I would also like to provide guidance and advice based on my tenure in B2B positions I have had a senior management level.

Doug Parker

Doug Parker, IBI

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

I have been working as a Transit Technology Consultant with public transit agencies for over 30 years. I am an Engineer and Sr Practice Lead, Transit Technology at IBI Group. I lead a team of professionals specialized in working with transit agency staff on how to most effectively and strategically apply transit technology. To improve agency planning, operations, maintenance for electrification, revenue collection, security, and customer information. In addition to strategy development, we work with transit agency staff in supporting technology projects deployment. This includes specifications, procurement, design review, configuration, testing, evaluation, and business process analysis associated with deploying transit technology projects. I have worked with many transit agencies in Ontario (and beyond – in Canada, US, and globally). In Ontario, these agencies include (from roughly west to east): Transit Windsor, Sarnia Transit, London Transit Commission, Grand River Transit, Guelph Transit, Brantford Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, Niagara Falls Transit, Mississauga Transit, Brampton Transit, Metrolinx, Toronto Transit Commission, York Region Transit, Barrie Transit, Belleville Transit, and OC Transpo.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

Through my ongoing involvement with many different transit agencies as a consultant, I have developed a strong understanding of and appreciation for how essential are the benefits of effective public transit (and also of the many associated challenges). I have a strong desire to continue to help foster the development and improvement of public transit in Ontario. Serving on the OPTA Board will be an opportunity for me to continue to apply my experience and expertise, for ongoing contribution to sustaining and enhancing public transit in Ontario. I am very good at collaborating and communicating. I would bring these capabilities to bear in helping to facilitate effective results by the Board (and also its Committees and task groups). I bring a history of ongoing service with transit associations including: – In the Executive for the CUTA Technical Services Committee since 2019 (currently Chair) – Participated in the OPTA Conference Planning Committee since 2017 – Organized and moderated an OTE session each year since 2018

Bill Lupkoski

Bill Lupkoski, BYD

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

A senior manager with more than 40 years’ experience in the transit industry, Bill Lupkoski is known and respected for his comprehensive technical expertise, his ability to build effective, high-performing teams, and his responsive approach to industry colleagues. Bill brings a unique three-pronged perspective to his work, having spent 24+ years as a transit vehicle mechanic for a large transit property in Ontario (Hamilton Street Railway), almost 4 years as a transit fleet manager (Grand River Transit), a combined 14 years with Cummins Eastern Canada, where he intensified his in-depth knowledge of engine and transit products, 5+ years with Alexander Dennis focusing on the double-decker bus world, and now with BYD Canada, helping bring electric buses to the Canadian market. His extensive personal experience in all of these roles has helped Bill to cultivate a unique understanding of the needs of the transit customer – through the lens of the transit manager, the transit mechanic, and the transit supplier. In demand for his technical expertise, Bill enjoys being an ambassador and representing his organization to the broader transit community. Bill also spent 26 years as a well respected volunteer minor hockey coach in Hamilton, where he enjoyed encouraging and inspiring young people to work as a team as they discover, develop and improve their hockey skills.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

Having previously been a member of the OPTA Board (served 3 consecutive terms), I found it very meaningful to be able to learn more about the growth of transit in the province and the many issues that impact the day-to-day operations of Ontario transit properties, including specialized transit services. The collective knowledge shared within the OPTA board environment is very helpful to maintaining a broader understanding of transit industry issues. I would be honoured to have this additional opportunity to serve in this capacity on the OPTA Board as you continue your advocacy efforts on behalf of the OPTA members who rely on that support.

Jordan Brock

Jordan Brock, Strategic Mapping

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

Jordan has been a long time active member at OPTA. Since 2007, Jordan has been advocating for technology advances to improve accessibility, safety, daily operations and the passenger experience.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

Jordan works well with others and has dedicated 16 years of his professional career to Ontario Transit.

Barry Dykeman

Barry Dykeman, USSC

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date and A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

I have been part of the Canadian Transit Industry for over 20 yrs. I began my career with Luminator in the supply community and after 11 years moved to the manufacturing side where I joined New Flyer as their Canadian Sales Manager. After continuing that role for over 10 yrs. I moved back to the supply community in January 2020 where I am now the National Sales Manager for United Safety. I am also active in several CUTA and CUTA Chapter, APTA and State level associations committees, COMTO (Toronto and Region Chapter) and I am currently serving on the Ontario Public Transportation Association (OPTA) Board

After serving previous terms on the OPTA Board and participating in National CUTA committees I am keen to continue with my position on the OPTA Board by representing the interest of fellow business members of the association and assisting the Transit Agency partners at the Board level.

Tom Glover

Tom Glover, MTB

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date and A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

Starting in the bus industry in my mid-teens I developed a passion in the transit industry. Employed at Ontario Bus Industries, I was able to see buses being repaired, refurbished as well as manufactured. Moving into the manufacturing side of Ontario Bus I met individuals that I still converse with today. There I undertook sheet metal working, warehouse inventory control, shipping and receiving and managing key aspects of Aftermarket Parts. Joining MTB in 1989 and with a strong passion for the bus industry, I have been instrumental in the growth of MTB’s business, having managed every single project that has come through our shop for more than three decades. Since 2013 I have been responsible for the Sales and Marketing division for the MTB Team. The transit marketplace has always fascinated me especially with the input, insight and leadership that has developed in individuals and the authorities themselves. Since working with MTB, my friendships and contacts have grown as MTB has been fortunate enough to supply our services to many transit authorities throughout Canada and the United States. With such a push and realization regarding the environmental issues that are forefront, I believe I could offer valuable insight to the transit industry for a push to green/clean power. Though always exciting over the past 40 years, the growth in transit is at a new level. I am very interested in how transit can be further improved by going green as well as exploring the financial risks and gains going forward. I believe my background in the bus industry can offer added value to OPTA and the Ontario transit authorities.