August 05, 2026
National Honor Marks Second Consecutive Year a CDTA Board Member Has Earned APTA’s Highest Recognition for Board Leadership
ALBANY, NY (August 5, 2026) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) proudly announces that Board Member Denise A. Figueroa has been named the 2026 Board Member of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), one of the public transportation industry’s highest honors recognizing exceptional leadership and service.
Figueroa’s recognition marks the second consecutive year that a member of the CDTA Board of Directors has received APTA’s Board Member of the Year Award, underscoring the strength of the Authority’s leadership and its commitment to advancing public transportation at both the regional and national levels. Longtime Board Member David Stackrow, who represents Rensselaer County, was named APTA’s Board Member of the Year in 2025.
The award recognizes board members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, governance, and commitment to advancing public transportation within their communities and across the nation.
Figueroa, who joined the CDTA Board of Directors in 2003, has been a tireless advocate for accessible, equitable, and innovative public transportation. As a member and former Chair of the Board, she has helped guide the Authority through a period of transformative growth, supporting strategic investments in mobility, sustainability, workforce development, and customer experience while ensuring CDTA remains focused on delivering exceptional service throughout New York’s Capital Region, including both fixed route and paratransit (STAR) service. Figueroa is the Executive Director of the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley.
In addition to her leadership at CDTA, Figueroa has made significant contributions to APTA. She currently serves on APTA’s Board of Directors, chairs the Transit Board Members Committee, serves on the Leadership APTA Committee, and co-leads the newly formed Paratransit Committee. She is also a former chair of APTA’s Research and Communications Advisory Council, where she helped guide industry collaboration and knowledge sharing on emerging issues and best practices.
“On behalf of the CDTA Board of Directors, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Denise on this well-deserved national recognition,” said CDTA Board Chairman Peter Wohl. “Denise’s passion for public transportation, steadfast commitment to accessibility, and visionary leadership have made a lasting impact not only on CDTA, but on the transit industry across the country. We are incredibly proud to have her representing our organization and our region on the national stage. This award reflects her exceptional service and the respect she has earned from her peers throughout the industry.”
“Denise has dedicated her career to improving mobility and expanding access to opportunity for everyone,” said CDTA Chief Executive Officer Frank Annicaro. “Her vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public transportation have strengthened CDTA and inspired colleagues across the country. We are thrilled to see her receive this well-deserved national recognition.”
Figueroa’s career spans decades of public service and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and underserved communities. She has played a pivotal role in advancing accessible transportation through landmark policy initiatives, public leadership, and national advocacy. Her collaborative leadership style and passion for public service have earned the respect of peers throughout the transit industry.
“It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition from APTA,” said Figueroa. “Public transportation changes lives by connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and each other. I share this award with my fellow CDTA board members, our exceptional leadership team, and the dedicated employees who serve our customers every day. Together, we are building a stronger and more connected future for our region.”
APTA’s Board Member of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose leadership has significantly advanced public transportation through governance excellence, strategic vision, and industry engagement. Figueroa will be formally recognized during APTA’s TRANSform Conference this fall.