SPEAKER BIOS - Flipbook - Page 3
Alexander Houck is the Deputy Chief Safety Officer for Safety Management
Systems at the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit
Administration (MDOT MTA), where he leads strategic safety initiatives
focused on strengthening safety culture, workforce engagement, and practical
risk management solutions. With more than 15 years in public transportation,
beginning as a student bus operator at the University of Virginia, he has led
award-winning initiatives in operator and passenger safety, mental health and
suicide prevention, and vulnerable road-user safety. His national contributions
include service on APTA’s Safety Coordinating Council and the Transportation
Cooperative Research Program panel on SMS implementation, as well as
presenting for the Federal Transit Administration on safety plans and SMS.
Recognized as one of Mass Transit magazine's "40 Under 40" honorees and a
current participant in the Latinos in Transit Leadership Academy, Alexander is
passionate about translating systemwide safety principles into meaningful
frontline results. Outside of transit, he is a beekeeper, licensed tour guide, and
trivia host.
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.
