October 01, 2026
National leadership role adds to Figueroa's decades of service to public transportation and accessibility
ALBANY, NY (October 1, 2026) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) today announced that Board Member Denise A. Figueroa has been selected to serve as an At-Large Transit Board Member on the Executive Committee of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), one of the public transportation industry’s leading national organizations.
Figueroa will serve a three-year term representing transit board members from across the country. APTA’s 2026 Nominating Committee selected Figueroa as part of its slate of Executive Committee nominees for 2026–2027. APTA members are scheduled to vote on the slate on October 3 during the association’s Annual Meeting of the Members at the TRANSform Conference & EXPO in Chicago.
The appointment represents another significant milestone in Figueroa’s longstanding involvement with 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 association’s newly formed Paratransit Task Force. She is also a former chair of APTA’s Research and Communications Advisory Council.
Figueroa has served on the CDTA Board of Directors since 2003 and was Board Chair from 2010 to 2014. She currently serves as the treasurer on the board. Her leadership has helped guide CDTA through significant growth and innovation while maintaining a strong focus on accessibility, customer service, community partnerships, and the needs of people with disabilities.
“I couldn’t think of someone more deserving of this recognition,” said Peter Wohl, CDTA Board Chairman. “Denise has given so much to CDTA and to public transportation over the years. She brings a wealth of experience, a great perspective, and a real passion for transit. We’re proud to see her take on this role and represent CDTA on the national stage.”
“Denise’s leadership extends well beyond our region,” said CDTA CEO Frank Annicaro. “She has spent decades advocating for accessible transportation and ensuring that public transit works for everyone. Her new role with APTA gives her an even greater opportunity to bring the Capital Region’s perspective to the national stage.”
Figueroa was recently named APTA’s 2026 Board Member of the Year, recognizing her outstanding leadership, governance, and commitment to advancing public transportation. Her award marked the second consecutive year that a CDTA Board member received the national honor.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on APTA’s Executive Committee and represent transit board members from across the country,” said CDTA Board Member Denise Figueroa. “Public transportation is at an important moment, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen our industry, expand accessibility, and ensure transit continues to connect people with opportunity. I am proud to bring the experience and perspective of CDTA and the Capital Region to this national conversation.”
Figueroa is the executive director of the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley and has dedicated her career to advancing independence, accessibility, and opportunity for people with disabilities. Her extensive public transportation and advocacy experience has made her a respected voice on accessibility and inclusive mobility.
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About CDTA
CDTA is the premier mobility provider in the Capital Region, providing local, express, commuter and bus rapid transit services across its six-county service area. CDTA also operates the regional bike-share program, CDPHP Cycle! and carshare program, DRIVE. CDTA owns and operates the Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station and the Saratoga Springs Train Station. CDTA was named the 2017 Best Mid-Sized Transportation System in North America by the American Public Transportation Association.