2026 Summit Speaker Bios - Publish - Flipbook - Page 3
Althea Neilson. Director of Training and Organization Development at Dallas
Area Rapid Transit (DART)
With more than 25 years at the forefront of talent and organizational
development, Althea is a visionary leader whose expertise empowers
organizations to unlock transformative business impact. As an executive coach
and learning strategist, she seamlessly connects learning, talent, and change
initiatives to organizational goals, driving sustainable performance and
engagement. Althea’s unwavering passion for elevating people and
organizations is evident in her dynamic approach to designing powerful
learning experiences that foster growth at every level.
Her career spans diverse sectors, including Oil & Gas, manufacturing, federal
government, higher education, and transit, where she has inspired employee
groups, executives, and cross-functional teams to achieve breakthrough results
across North and Central America, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
In June 2022, Althea joined Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) as Director of Organization Development and
Training, where she is spearheading the development of an innovative Learning and Development
portfolio that advances operational excellence, cultivates workforce talent, and positions the Agency for
high-impact business outcomes.
A lifelong learner herself, Althea holds graduate degrees in Adult and Organizational Learning and
Educational Leadership from Fordham and Columbia Universities. She is also a certiûed John Maxwell
Leadership Trainer, ADR mediator, and Associate Certiûed Coach recognized by The International Coaching
Federation. Her commitment to professional excellence and continuous growth inspires those around her.
Based in Dallas, TX, Althea enjoys reading, tennis, international travel, and savoring the adventures of her
adult children.
Aslyne C. Rodriguez – Senior Director, Strategic Partnership
Aslyne Rodriguez joined the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in April of
2020 as the Director of Government Affairs with the goal of ensuring that
some of Central Ohio’s most vulnerable residents have a voice in state
government. In 2023 Aslyne was promoted to Senior Director of Regional
Strategic Partnerships. Aslyne negotiates and establishes new strategic
partnerships for the authority. These partnerships intend to grow COTA’s
ridership and better our system.
Aslyne came to COTA with a background in many areas, from education to
entrepreneurism. She has worked tirelessly to promote access and equity for
others through innovative initiatives and partnerships across all industries.
Aslyne founded EmpowerBus in 2017 with the mission to provide upward
mobility for all by delivering digniûed, reliable, and on-time transportation.
Aslyne has worked as an educator through Teach For America, an executive director for an after-school
program for at-risk youth and the COO for a women’s leadership development organization.
Aslyne, an Ohio native, earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Ohio University and a
Master of Science in early childhood education at Pace University.
Aslyne’s notable work garnered her the
