Mendes was appointed as the vice chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Legislative Committee by incoming APTA Chairman Gary Thomas. The position with APTA, a prestigious 1,400-member industry association that advocates the advancement of public transportation initiatives and programs, is a two-year term. Mendes is the first appointee from the private sector, and only the second woman to serve in this leadership position in the history of APTA. She previously served on the organization’s board of directors.

“I am honored to be appointed to this position and to help our association and advance industry needs and priorities,” says Mendes. “As the committee works to develop policy and legislative recommendations that eventually become the APTA position, my appointment will provide visibility for AECOM throughout the industry as well as on Capitol Hill.”

The Legislative Committee is responsible for developing consensus recommendations about federal legislative activity including transit authorization legislation, annual appropriation legislation, administration initiatives, and regulatory matters. The committee formulates policy recommendations both in response to federal initiatives and to propose guidance for federal actions.

In her role,  Mendes will assist in leading the development of APTA legislative positions for consideration by the APTA executive committee and board of directors, based on coordination and collaboration with several subcommittees including business member government affairs, commuter rail and intercity, federal procedures and regulations,  finance and tax policy, intergovernmental issues  and small operations.