Mary Fernandes

Mary Fernandes was recently named the new president of the Boston Chapter of The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO).

Fernandes, the assistant general manager of Silver Line Communications at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, is a longtime member of COMTO, and was active on the Host Committee for the National COMTO Conference held in Boston in 1999.

Founded in 1971 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C, COMTO aims to strengthen the position of minorities within the transportation industry. The 35-year-old organization, which currently boasts over 2,000 members, works to increase the number of minorities appointed to executive positions by identifying, recruiting and developing emerging professionals and assisting communities in the areas of education, awareness and service equity.

Since its creation in 1984, the Boston Chapter of COMTO has provided a strong network for its members, including professional development programs, scholarships and mentoring programs for minority students.

“I am excited about my appointment and look forward to building and expanding upon the Boston Chapter’s success and implementing a number of the national programs,” said Fernandes.

A graduate of Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, Fernandes has held a number of positions in Massachusetts state government, working at the Executive Office of Transportation and the MBTA for over 15 years.

Fernandes is a mother of three and currently resides in Roslindale with her husband Paul.