Linda S. Watson, president/CEO of Capital Metro, was honored July 15 with the 2014 Executive of the Year award during the 43rd National Meeting and Training Conference held by the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) in Atlanta.
Watson accepted the award at the COMTO Industry Awards event that evening.
“I am humbled by this incredible honor from my colleagues and friends at COMTO,” said Watson. “My goal has always been to surround myself with a talented team from diverse backgrounds. Supporting the minority and small business community is our way of ensuring that our small businesses thrive and continue to be successful. Capital Metro’s commitment to being all inclusive is something I’m very proud to say has become a mantra for the agency.”
COMTO recognized Watson for her work in implementing aggressive outreach efforts in Capital Metro’s hiring practices. In the last Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program data submitted to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in 2013, the Capital Metro workforce analysis included:
- 38 percent minorities and 38 percent female for executive/management.
- 36 percent minorities and 49 percent female for professionals.
Additionally, under Ms. Watson’s leadership, Capital Metro established the Office of Diversity which ensures Civil Rights compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and EEO.
Currently, Capital Metro is on target to meet its 20 percent DBE annual goal. Through the Office of Diversity, Capital Metro has increased its outreach to women and minorities to increase business and employment opportunities.
Watson was previously recognized in 2011 as the Executive of the Year by the local Austin chapter of COMTO.
