The Conference of Minority Transit Officials (COMTO) announced Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes as winner of the prestigious Gerald Anderson Service Award during the 2018 Industry Awards Banquet in Baltimore. The award recognizes a COMTO member who has displayed excellent teamwork and service within the transportation industry. 

Forbes' distinguished career in transportation spans more than 25 years. He has been an active member of COMTO for more than 15 years and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2016.  Since joining COMTO, Forbes has referred several members and educated others about the tools and educational opportunities available through COMTO.

In addition, Forbes started the Palm Beach County, Fla. chapter and resurrected the Columbus, Ohio chapter. The Columbus, Ohio chapter earned “Chapter of the Year” during the awards banquet, the highest honor bestowed upon a chapter for outstanding service and enhancement of COMTO's image.

“Throughout my 15 years as a member of COMTO, I have strived to ensure there is equality and opportunity for minorities in the transit industry,” Forbes said. “It is an incredible honor to be selected as recipient of the Gerald Anderson Service Award. It is gratifying to earn recognition from an organization I hold dear to my heart.”

The Palm Beach County chapter is only two years old and already has more than 50 members.  Since inception, the chapter has hosted successful events including “Up Close and Personal” — an event during which Forbes spoke directly to minorities about his experience succeeding in the transportation industry.

“It was not a surprise to me that Clinton received COMTO’s National Gerald Anderson Service Award,” said Bruce Guyton, president of the Palm Beach County COMTO chapter. “Clinton epitomizes what the award represents. He demonstrates a commitment to the philosophy that the success of one is contingent upon the success of all.”

Established in 1971, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) was created to provide a forum for minority professionals in the transportation industry. The first Gerald Anderson “Service Award” was presented to COMTO's founding members for the perseverance and belief that there is a viable role for minorities within the industry. 

The 48th National Meeting and Training Conference will be held in Tampa, Fla.  

To learn more about COMTO, click here.