2023 Annual Luncheon

Congressman Colin Allred was born and raised in North Dallas by a single mom who was a Dallas public school teacher. He attended Hillcrest High School and earned a football scholarship to Baylor University, eventually playing five seasons in the NFL. After a career-ending injury, he went to law school to become a voting rights attorney and went on to serve at the U.S. Department of Housing before returning home to run for Congress. Colin’s top priorities in Congress are working to lower health care costs, protecting Medicare and Social Security, investing in our infrastructure, and growing the Texas economy.

Richard Andreski has served as Trinity Metro’s President and Chief Executive Officer since June 2022. In this role, he focuses on delivering exceptional service and finding ways to bring additional value to the communities served by Trinity Metro. The agency provides bus, rail, paratransit, on-demand ridesharing, vanpool and bike sharing services throughout much of Tarrant County. Under Andreski’s leadership, Trinity Metro is laying the groundwork for an expanded transit system to support growth in Fort Worth, the nation’s 13th largest and fastest growing big city.

Andreski is motivated by a mission of public service and believes transit plays a critical role in communities by providing access to employment, education and other opportunities, spurring economic development and improving the quality of life. He keeps the customer experience at the heart of every investment decision.

Paul Cristina is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA). Cristina previously served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for DCTA, and was responsible for overseeing rail operations and capital planning and development for the agency.

A licensed professional engineer, Cristina came to DCTA from BNSF Railway where he led the company’s engagement with public agencies across the railroad’s extensive network, directing new infrastructure development and agreement execution for BNSF and the public. Cristina brings direct experience working with public and private railroads, regional transit agencies, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and other coalitions across North Texas. He is also an Air Force veteran, having served as a Civil Engineer Officer at stateside and overseas locations.

Cristina received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Business Administration from Florida State University - Panama City.

The Honorable Yvonne Davis has been a member of the Texas State House of Representatives since 1992. Representative Davis represents District 111 in Southwest Dallas County. She is currently the most senior member on the House Transportation Committee, having served on the committee for over 25 years, and is a member of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence committee.  Previously, Representative Davis has chaired the Local and Consent Calendars and the Urban Affairs Committees.  Additionally, she has served on Appropriations, Ways and Means, Criminal Jurisprudence, Energy Resources and Land & Resource Committees.

Representative Davis’ legislative focus has been one of helping Texans build a stronger Texas by sponsoring and advocating for legislation to support and improve the quality of life for all Texans.  This includes protecting Texans property rights, working to create a fair tax system where businesses pay their share along with citizens, working to improve budget priorities including health care for children and seniors, and support for public and higher education.  Representative Davis has offered legislation to promote Jobs for Texans, Buy America, and to eliminate tax breaks to companies that outsource jobs overseas. 

Nadine Lee is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), a 13-city transit system covering a 700-square mile service area with bus, light rail, commuter rail, and paratransit services, where she leverages the talents and expertise of 3,700 employees to deliver the People's Transit System.

Previously, Nadine was the Chief of Staff for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). Prior to arriving in Los Angeles, Nadine led the development and implementation of the Flatiron Flyer Bus Rapid Transit for Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), a project that produced a 40% increase in corridor ridership in its first few months of service. Nadine also led the Northwest Rail and Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility projects in the FasTracks Program.

Nadine was appointed to the Leadership APTA Committee in 2019 and is a past Director on the WTS International Board. She was awarded 2019 WTS International Woman of the Year. A registered Professional Engineer in Colorado and Kansas, Nadine received her B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Despite her engineering training, Nadine flexes her creative muscles in Adult Beginning Ballet several times a week and has participated in several performances.

Michael Morris has been on staff in the Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, since 1979.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization serves the region by developing transportation plans and programs that address the transportation needs of a rapidly growing metropolitan area. Mr. Morris became the Director in 1990. As the Director of Transportation, Michael is also responsible for coordinating plans, programs, and projects to improve mobility and reduce vehicle emissions.

Mr. Morris received his Master's in Civil Engineering from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1979 and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.  He previously served as the Chairman of the Transportation Research Board Executive Committee and a National Associate of the National Academies of Science.