Castillo, a member of the New Jersey Transit Board of Directors, also is APTA's first Latina chair, the organization noted. She also serves as the vice president of Corporate Public Relations at AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies.

"Public transit was something that my family depended on in El Salvador and the United States," said Castillo in remarks made at the APTA meeting. "I know firsthand the value of public transportation and how important it is to those who need it most. That's why my theme for the year will be 'Public Transportation: It's All About the People.'"

Castillo said one of her initiatives in the next year would be focused on the development of the next generation of public transportation workers and leaders. A second initiative will focus on improving public transportation to health services. A third initiative will be to establish a baseline of the policies and plans on diversity in the public transportation industry.