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The Source for Public Transportation News and Analysis November 15, 2013
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MEET THE APTA STAFF
Meet Joe Niegoski!

Joe Niegoski
Director, Educational Services
Workforce Development-Educational Services Department

Q: What are the top job elements you focus on the most—your primary responsibilities?

A: I  balance my time and attention in supporting and addressing three major areas: national workforce development needs, strategies, and initiatives; APTA’s national workforce programs—Leadership APTA, the Mid-Level Manager Magnification Program (MMM), and the Early Career Program; and ­internal staff development and training.

For Leadership APTA, I work closely with the committee to determine curricula, focus, programming, and speakers throughout the year. I also work with class members as they set their goals for the year, and facilitate each of the major sessions.

Leadership APTA has become APTA’s flagship program to develop members of our industry whose career aspirations are to serve in the C (chief) suite, E (executive) suite, and executive top ranks in both the public and private sectors.

MMM is a relatively new program, open to anyone who would like to ­participate. Its activities convene in ­conjunction with the APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference, Rail Conference, and Annual Meeting. We also invite attendees to attend specific conference sessions that focus on topics of interest to mid-managers.

APTA launched its year-long Early Career Program at the 2013 Rail Conference. Targeted for public transit professionals with three to five years of work experience, this program came from the recommendations of the Workforce Development Task Force. Admission is by application only.

Second, I support APTA committees and initiatives that focus on workforce development. The Human Resources Committee is entering the third phase of a five-year program to implement recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Workforce Development. Over the past several years, the committee and its subcommittees have produced more than 20 programs and projects such as National Career Day and the Youth Summit.

Third, I provide educational support for the APTA staff. I coordinate workshops, retreats, and special sessions for staff.

Q: Do you have direct ­contact with APTA members? If so, please talk about recent times you’ve helped out a member.

A: I’m in daily contact with our members. In addition to working with the chairs and leadership of various committees, I frequently hear from members seeking information on topics such as health care policy and practices, job descriptions, and compensation information.

Members often ask if I can post questions on their behalf and share them with the committee.

Q: What initiatives, projects, or programs have you worked on at APTA that you have taken particular pride in completing?

A: I helped to improve and enhance Leadership APTA, worked to develop and launch the Early Career Program, and partnered with APTA employees to create the association’s first staff-wide retreat.

Q: How did you “land” at APTA? How long have you worked here?

A: I worked for more than 20 years in the high-tech private sector, directing a company’s education center and educational programs for more than 9,000 staff worldwide, and overseeing a staff of program and curricula developers and specialists. Then I had my own consulting practice for a few years, working with the private sector, universities, and associations. APTA was looking to hire a director of education and I wanted to get into the association community. Almost 12 years later, here I am.

Q: Have you held other jobs in the public ­transportation industry (besides working at APTA)?

A: No, but I am a consumer. I am a frequent rider of Metro and, especially in my overseas assignments in the private sector, I used bus, tram, and rail services throughout Europe.

Q: What professional affiliations do you have?

A: I represent APTA on the board of the Southern California Regional Transit Training Consortium. I’m also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and American Society of Association Executives.

Q: Could you tell us something about yourself that might surprise us?

A: First of all, I’ve had a passion for singing and performance my entire life. I was a charter member of a ­chorus founded in the late 1980s, which raised more than $250,000 for local charities in its 24 years. I’ve been on three international concert tours with my church choir—to Portugal and Spain, France, and Brazil.

I’ve done community theater for many years, both under the lights and backstage as director, producer, or scenic designer. I’ve got a passion for cooking and do volunteer catering for charity and church functions. Also, when I was in ­college I scaled down an Alp in France.

I’ve done volunteer work for the Arlington County (VA) Arts Commission and have been invited to advise an area opera company that specializes in ­original works.

Make sure you see Joe Niegoski's video, now that you've read this!

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