Nicole M. DuPuis
Program Manager-Policy and Planning
Policy Department

What are your primary job responsibilities?
In my work for APTA’s Policy Department, I wear a number of different hats. I track federal transit regulations including planning, land use, livability, and capital funding streams. I support ongoing transportation planning research efforts, serving as primary staff advisor to APTA's Sustainable Urban Design Standards Working Group. I also serve as staff advisor to four member committees—I am the primary staff advisor to the Mobility Management Committee and secondary staff advisor on the State Affairs and Policy and Planning committees and the Intergovernmental Issues subcommittee—directing and organizing committee products and reports.

I also manage the continuing development and implementation of the APTA Mobility Management Outreach and Education Initiative. This includes our engagement as a national member of the Partnership for Mobility Management and the ongoing development and management of APTA’s online Mobility Management Technical Assistance website.

Finally, I manage, build, and energize overall participation in the National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates (NAPTA), directing outreach and advocacy efforts for state and local level grassroots advocates and coalitions. This includes developing outreach products, resources, and legislative action alerts, and managing our Local Coalition Grant Program.

How did you “land” at APTA?
I saw an ad on the APTA website for what is now my position, and I applied for it. I was working in the housing policy sector as a research assistant, dealing with some of the same planning, land use, and livability issues that I deal with at APTA —but on the affordable housing side. I decided I wanted to pursue my passion for transportation policy and took the leap into the public transportation world.

Do you have direct contact with APTA members? If so, please talk about recent times you’ve helped out a member.
Because of my role as staff advisor to various committees, I work directly with members regularly. Recently, a member called inquiring about the program and audience for our upcoming Mobility Management Conference in Long Beach. I was able to direct that individual to our website, walk the member through our preliminary program, and explain why attending would be beneficial both personally and to colleagues.

I also work frequently with our state association leadership keeping an up-to-date list of upcoming state association conference information on our website. Recently one of our members, the executive director of a state association, e-mailed me, asking me to update our website with the dates of their upcoming conference. I was also able to assist in coordinating APTA’s participation in their meeting.

What initiatives, projects, or programs have you worked on at APTA that you have taken particular pride in completing?
I take pride in my work and APTA’s role in the Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative. (VTCLI) This initiative is an innovative, federally coordinated partnership that will make it easier for U.S. veterans, active service members, military families, and others to learn about and arrange for locally available transportation services that connect them with work, education, health care, and other vital services in their communities. The VTCLI reaches out to a population I wasn’t familiar with before I started working here, so working on this initiative has given me the opportunity to learn more about veterans and the military community. I think it’s so important to engage this group, and to educate them as to the transportation options available for any place they need to go.

How long have you worked here?
1-1/2 years.

What professional affiliations do you have?
WTS, Young Professionals in Transportation, NAPTA.

Could you tell us something about yourself that might surprise us?
I’m a Crossfitter and a physical fitness junkie in general. I can dead lift 145 pounds, and I did an Olympic triathlon in 2008.

Make sure you see Nicole DuPuis' video, now that you've read this!