Professional Organizations
Need a network? Need research? Need to benchmark? Need to find out where you belong? Need to get published? Need to represent the Metro at industry conferences? We've listed every professional organization that Metro employees currently participate in.
American Public Transit Association (APTA) - American Public Transportation Association (APTA), is an international organization that has represented the transit industry since 1882. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical transit services, and by improving those services to meet national energy, environmental, and financial concerns. APTA members include bus, rapid transit and commuter rail systems, and the organizations responsible for planning, designing, constructing, financing and operating transit systems.
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Eduction (AACE) - Founded in 1981, this association is an international, educational and professional not-for profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the knowledge, theory, and quality of learning and teaching at all levels with information technology. AACE's membership includes researchers, developers, and practitioners in schools, colleges, and universities; administrators, policy decision-makers, trainers, adult educators, and other specialists in education, industry, and the government with an interest in advancing knowledge and learning with information technology in education.
Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Science (ACSE) - The mission of the Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Science is to provide engineers, scientists, and science and engineering students with resources for understanding and addressing ethically significant problems that arise in their work, and to serve those who are promoting learning and advancing the understanding of responsible research and practice in science and engineering.
America Gas Association (AGA) - The American Gas Association (AGA) represents 189 local natural gas utilities that deliver gas to 54 million homes and businesses in all 50 states. Additionally, AGA provides services to member natural gas pipelines, marketers, gatherers, international gas companies and a variety of industry associates. AGA acts as a clearinghouse for gas energy information, as a catalyst in technical and energy policy matters, and as a powerful voice for its members.
Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) - One Voice Serving the Production Community. Founded in 1972, by a small group of television commercial production companies concerned with a single issue, today's AICP has grown to represent exclusively, the interests of United States companies that specialize in producing commercials on various media - film, video, computer - for advertisers and agencies. AICP members account for 85 percent of all domestic commercials aired nationally, whether produced for traditional broadcast channels or non-traditional use.
American Association of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) - The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) is an international organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems. ASPE is dedicated to the advancement of the science of plumbing engineering, to the professional growth and advancement of its members and the health, welfare and safety of the public. The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing engineering industry.
American Association of Training and Development (ASTD) - Founded in 1944, ASTD considers itself as the world's premier professional association and leading resource on workplace learning and performance issues. ASTD provides information, research, analysis and practical information derived from its own research, the knowledge and experience of its members, its conferences, expositions, seminars, publications and the coalitions and partnerships it has built through research and policy work.
American Compensation Association (ACA) - WorldatWork, formerly the American Compensation Association and the Canadian Compensation Association, considers itself as the world's leading not-for-profit professional association dedicated to knowledge leadership in compensation, benefits and total rewards. Founded in 1955, WorldatWork focuses on disciplines associated with attracting, retaining and motivating employees. In addition to providing professional affiliation, WorldatWork offers highly acclaimed certification (CCP®, CBPTM and GRP®) and education programs, the monthly workspan® magazine, online information resources, surveys, publications, conferences, research and networking opportunities.
Americans for the Arts - Americans for the Arts is focused on three primary goals: increasing public and private sector support for the arts; ensuring that every American child has access to a high-quality arts education; and strengthening communities through the arts. Local arts agencies throughout the U.S. comprise their core constituency. A variety of unique stakeholder groups with particular interests like public art, united arts fundraising, rural and small communities, state arts agencies, and emerging arts leaders are also supported.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - This organization provides news, leads and subject area on-line discussion forums for the Architecture profession.
American Planning Association (APA) - The American Planning Association brings together thousands of people - practicing planners, citizens, elected officials - committed to making great communities happen. APA is a nonprofit public interest and research organization committed to urban, suburban, regional, and rural planning. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, advance the art and science of planning to meet the needs of people and society.
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) - The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the national, professional organization for all Certified Public Accountants. Its mission is to provide members with the resources, information, and leadership that enable them to provide valuable services in the highest professional manner to benefit the public as well as employers and clients. In fulfilling its mission, the AICPA works with state CPA organizations and gives priority to those areas where public reliance on CPA skills is most significant.
American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association - The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) was formed on October 1, 1997, as the result of a merger of three engineering support associations, namely the American Railway Bridge and Building Association, the American Railway Engineering Association and the Roadmasters and Maintenance of Way Association, along with functions of the Communications and Signal Division of the Association of American Railroads. The rich history of the predecessor organizations, each having over 100 years of service to the rail industry, is the legacy of AREMA. Each of the four groups that came together to form AREMA have, in the own way, built an excellent foundation upon which to base the new Association, whose mission is the development and advancement of both technical and practical knowledge and recommended practices pertaining to the design, construction and maintenance of railway infrastructure.
American Society of Plumbing Engineers - The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) is the international organization for professionals skilled in the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems. ASPE is dedicated to the advancement of the science of plumbing engineering, to the professional growth and advancement of its members and the health, welfare and safety of the public. The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing engineering industry. ASPE members are leaders in innovative plumbing design, effective materials and energy use, and the application of advanced techniques throughout the world.
American Marketing Association - MarketingPower.com, provided by the American Marketing Association, supplies marketing professionals with the information, products and services required to succeed in their jobs and careers.
American Payroll Association - The American Payroll Association (APA) offers valuable services, educational events, publications and products for every Payroll Professional. American Payroll Association represents the interests of Payroll Professionals to legislators, government, and regulatory agencies by advising and testifying before committees, providing a single voice and a clear message on payroll issues.
American Planning Association - The need for planners to shape a community vision has never been greater. The American Planning Association brings together thousands of people - practicing planners, citizens, and elected officials - committed to making great communities happen. APA is a nonprofit public interest and research organization committed to urban, suburban, regional, and rural planning. The American Planners Association and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, advance the art and science of planning to meet the needs of people and society.
American Society of Non-Destructive Testing - The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. (ASNT) is the world's largest technical society for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals. Through the organization and membership, they provide a forum for exchange of NDT technical information; NDT educational materials and programs; and standards and services for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel. ASNT promotes the discipline of NDT as a profession and facilitates NDT research and technology applications.
American Society for Professional Estimators - The American Society of Professional Estimators serves construction estimators by providing education, fellowship, and opportunity for professional development.
American Society for Quality - The American Society for Quality (ASQ) has been the leading quality improvement organization in the United States for more than 50 years. Its members have initiated most of the quality methods used throughout the world, including statistical process control, quality cost measurement and control, total quality management, failure analysis, and zero defects.
American Society of Civil Engineers - To provide essential value to its members, their careers, its partners and the public by developing leadership, advancing technology, advocating lifelong learning, and promoting the profession.
American Society of Safety Engineers - Founded in 1911, ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization. Its more than 30,000 members manage, supervise and consult on safety, health, and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education. ASSE is guided by a 16-member Board of Directors, which consists of 8 regional vice presidents; three council vice presidents; Society president, president-elect, senior vice president, vice president of finance and executive director. ASSE has 12 practice specialties, 150 chapters, 56 sections and 64 student sections.
American Public Transportation Association - Be the leading force in advancing public transportation. APTA serves and leads its diverse membership through advocacy, innovation, and information sharing to strengthen and expand public transportation.
Appraisal Institute - The Appraisal Institute is an international membership association of professional real estate appraisers, with more than 18,000 members and 99 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Its mission is to support and advance its members as the choice for real estate solutions and uphold professional credentials, standards of professional practice and ethics consistent with the public good.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers - National Institute - ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers is an international organization of 50,000 persons with chapters throughout the world. The Society is organized for the sole purpose of advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration for the public's benefit through research, standards writing, continuing education and publications.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, today ASME International is a nonprofit educational and technical organization serving a worldwide membership of 125,000. To promote and enhance the technical competency and professional well-being of our members, and through quality programs and activities in mechanical engineering, better enable its practitioners to contribute to the well-being of humankind.
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners - The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, established in 1988, is based in Austin, Texas. The 26,000-member professional organization is dedicated to educating qualified individuals (Certified Fraud Examiners), who are trained in the highly-specialized aspects of fighting fraud and white-collar crime. Each member of the Association designated a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) has earned certification after an extensive application process and upon passing the uniform CFE Examination.
Association for Commuter Transportation - Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) provides the latest news information about legislation decisions that affect the commuter. ACT contributed to several legislative initiatives, including the tax-free commuter benefit.
Association of Contingency Planners - The Association of Contingency Planners (ACP) is a non-profit trade association dedicated to fostering continued professional growth and development in effective Contingency & Business Resumption Planning.
Association of Environmental Professionals - The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) is the multidisciplinary association dedicated to the advancement of the environmental professions in the U.S. and abroad. NAEP is a forum for state-of-the-art information on environmental planning, research and management.
Association of Financial Professionals - The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) in Bethesda, Maryland, supports more than 14,000 individual members from a wide range of industries throughout all stages of their careers in various aspects of treasury and financial management. AFP is a resource for financial professionals for continuing education, financial tools and publications, career development, certifications, research, representation to legislators and regulators, and the development of industry standards.
Association of Government Accountants - Association of Government Accountants (AGA) serves professionals in the government financial management community by providing quality education, fostering professional development and certification, and supporting standards and research to advance government accountability. AGA serves the professional interests of financial managers, from local, state and federal governments, as well as public accounting firms, responsible for effectively using billions of dollars and other monetary resources every day.
Association of Information Technology Professionals - Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) offers opportunities for Information Technology (IT) leadership and education through partnerships with industry, government and academia. AITP provides quality IT related education, information on relevant IT issues and forums for networking with experienced peers and other IT professionals.
Board of Certified Safety Engineers - The Board of Certified Safety Professionals, governed by 14 directors and sponsored by six organizations, establishes standards for and verifies minimum competency in professional safety practice. BCSP also evaluates Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) for compliance with re-certification requirements.
California Alliance for Advanced Transportation Systems - California Alliance for Advanced Transportation Systems (CAATS) vision is of a sustainable and seamless intermodal transportation system that effectively ties California communities together and links them to the world. This system will help citizens and businesses satisfy their needs by providing efficient, safe, secure, and environmentally friendly transportation of people, goods and information.
California CPA Education Foundation - California CPA Education Foundation provides quality continuing education and information to CPAs, other accounting professionals, and professionals in related fields. California CPA Education Foundation is in partnership with these professionals to help them achieve their goals.
California Hispanic Corporate Council - California Hispanic Corporate Council (NHCC) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to serve member companies and their representatives as a principal resource for information, expertise, and counsel on selected Hispanic issues affecting corporate objectives. NHCC is also an advocate for increased employment, leadership, and business opportunities for Hispanics in Corporate America.
California Society of CPA's - California Society of CPA's (CalCPA) efforts cause CalCPA members to be viewed as leaders in professional competency and integrity by clients, employers, the public and government officials. CalCPA's mission is to increase the value and promote the integrity of the CPA profession, contribute to the success of our members, and strengthen client, employer, public and government trust in CalCPA member advice, work products and opinions.
Conference of Minority Transportation Officials - Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is most widely recognized for its program nationally and locally through networking, training, MBE/WBE/DBE opportunity programs, education, scholarships and research. Through legislative efforts and educational components, COMTO hopes to raise the consciousness of minority communities regarding policies, programs, and opportunities ranging from professionals to general managers of transit properties.
Department of Consumer Affairs - The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is here to promote and protect the interests of California consumers. DCA helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. The Department also protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners.
Ethics Officer Association - A professional association for ethics officers and the organizations for which they work, that provides for sharing of ideas and best practices, continuing education and professional development, is international in scope and with national and local opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange.
Employee Services Management Association - Employee Services Management Association, (ESM Association), is a nonprofit association that serves as an information resource network for nearly 2,000 members nationwide. These members are responsible for implementing and maintaining a diverse range of employee services. ESM Association believes that employee services, practical solutions to work/life issues, are essential to sound business management. These programs improve relations between employees and management, increase overall productivity, boost morale and reduce absenteeism and turnover.
Government Finance Officers Association - GFOA is the professional association of state/provincial and local finance officers in the United States and Canada, and has served the public finance profession since 1906. The association's nearly 15,000 members are dedicated to the sound management of government financial resources.
International Conference of Building Officials - International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) has developed building and construction codes for more than 75 years. ICBO provides excellent products and services to ensure the public's safety. In addition to codes, ICBO offers a broad variety of certification programs and seminars, CD-ROM code resources, training manuals, videos, and more.
IEEE - To advance global prosperity by fostering technological innovation, enabling members' careers and promoting community world-wide. The IEEE promotes the engineering process of creating, developing, integrating, sharing, and applying knowledge about electro and information technologies and sciences for the benefit of humanity and the profession.
International Facility Management Association - The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the premier professional association for facility management. Supporting the largest community of FM professionals in the industry, IFMA membership comprises more than 18,000 facility professionals throughout 50 countries.
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America - The IESNA is the recognized technical authority on illumination. Its objective has been to communicate information on all aspects of good lighting practice to its members, to the lighting community, and to consumers through a variety of programs, publications, and services. The Society publishes nearly 100 varied publications including recommended practices on a variety of applications, design guides, technical memoranda, and publications on energy management and lighting measurement.
Industrial Relations Research Association - The Industrial Relations Research Association is a singular organization of professionals interested in industrial relations and human resources. If you are a professional or an academic in the field of industrial relations and human resources, we invite you to join the IRRA. If you are a member of an IRRA chapter but not a member of the National IRRA, we want to extend a special invitation for you to become one. The National IRRA provides a network of practitioners and academics interested in the field of IR and HR who share their knowledge and insight through regular IRRA publications and at IRRA meetings twice a year.
International Association for HR Information Management - International Association for HR Information Management (IABC) links communicators in a global network that inspires, establishes and supports the highest professional standards of quality and innovation in organizational communication. We are recognized as the professional association of choice for communicators who aspire to excel in their chosen fields.
International Personnel Management Association - IPMA is a non-profit membership organization for agencies and individuals in the public sector human resources field, and others interested in the Association's objectives. Over 5,500 members are located in federal, state and local governments throughout the United States and overseas.
Information Systems Audit & Control Association - The Information Systems Audit & Control Association (ISACA) exists to assist IT governance, control and assurance stakeholders deal with IT management, IT risk and IT process, and their interaction with corporate governance, corporate management, corporate risks and corporate processes. ISACA does that by providing value through various services, such as research, standards, information, education, certification, and professional advocacy. The Association helps IS audit, control and security professionals focus not only on IT, IT risks and security issues, but also on the relationship between IT and the business, business processes and business risks.
Institute of Internal Auditors - The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) serves over 75,000 members in internal auditing, governance and internal control, IT audit, education, and security from more than 100 countries. The world's leader in certification, education, research, and technological guidance for the profession, The Institute serves as the profession's watchdog and resource on significant auditing issues around the globe.
Institute of Transportation Engineers - The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), an international individual member educational and scientific association, is one of the largest and fastest-growing multi-modal professional transportation organizations in the world.
International ROW Association - The International Ride of Way Association (IRWA) is a single corporation, with approximately 100 entities that manage and deliver the Association's quality services. It is the only professional association that is the pre-eminent source of right of way educational and professional services worldwide.
Local Government Commission - A nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization, the Local Government Commission (LGC) is composed of forward-thinking elected officials, city and county staff, and other interested individuals. Commission members are committed to developing and implementing local solutions to problems of state and national significance. The LGC provides a forum and technical assistance to enhance the ability of local governments to create and sustain healthy environments, healthy economies, and social equity.
Los Angeles Organization Development Network - Organization Development Network is an association of organization development practitioners representing a range of professional roles in a wide variety of organizations. About half the Organization Development Network (OD Network) members are employed by private industry, non-profit organizations and government agencies. The other half-operate their own consulting firms, engage in private practice and/or teach.
Los Angeles Compensation and Benefits Association - The Los Angeles Compensation and Benefits Association is a group of professionals from throughout the greater Los Angeles area. They bring together the resources to present forums, share information, conduct surveys, and provide education for the benefit of members and the community.
National Association of Financial Services Auditors - In 1995, the National Association of Financial Services Auditors, Inc. was established to provide services to professional internal auditors practicing in the financial services industry. NAFSA's primary mission is to support, promote, and enhance the financial services audit profession and the practicing audit professional. To accomplish this, NAFSA will sponsor a certification program, maintain a continuing professional education program, and provide effective, cost beneficial training to financial services internal auditors. In addition, NAFSA will actively represent the financial services audit profession regarding issues affecting the profession.
National Association of Purchasing Managers - The association exists to educate, develop, and advance the purchasing and supply management profession.
National Forum of Black Public Administrators - The mission of the NFBPA is embodied in the organization's commitment to strengthen the position of Blacks within the field of public administration; to increase the number of Blacks appointed to executive positions in public service organizations; and, to groom and prepare younger, aspiring administrators for senior public management posts in the years ahead.
National Property Management Association - The NPMA is dedicated to building leadership through training, certification and continuous educational opportunities.
National Society of Professional Engineers - The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is the only engineering society that represents individual engineering professionals and licensed engineers (PEs) across all disciplines.
National Contract Management Association - National Contract Management Association's (NCMA) vision is to be the preeminent source of professional development for contract managers. Contract management is a strategic management discipline employed by both buyers and sellers whose objectives are to manage customer and supplier expectations and relationships, control risk and cost, and contribute to organizational profitability/success.
National Fire Protection Association - The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, training and education.
Professionals in Human Resources Association - Professionals in Human Resources Association was founded as the Personnel and Industrial Relations Association in 1944 by a small group of Los Angeles personnel executives. They organized to provide a forum of in which Human Resource professionals could exchange ideas, increase their knowledge of and work together for the betterment of the profession.
Project Management Institute - Project Management Institute (PMI®) has grown to be the organization of choice for project management professionalism. With over 90,000 members worldwide, PMI® is the leading nonprofit professional association in the area of Project Management. PMI establishes Project Management standards, provides seminars, educational programs and professional certification that more and more organizations desire for their project leaders.
Public Agency for Risk Managers Association - PARMA is a forum that promotes, develops and facilitates education and leadership in public agency risk management.
Society for Human Resource Managers - The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management.
Society of Automotive Engineers - The Society of Automotive Engineers is your one-stop resource for technical information and expertise used in designing, building, maintaining, and operating self-propelled vehicles for use on land or sea, in air or space.
Southern California Personnel Management Association - The IPMA Assessment Council (IPMAAC) is the leading organization of applied personnel assessment professionals with more than 600 members actively engaged in practice, research, and training in personnel assessment to meet the needs of both public and private organizations.
Southern California SL-1 Users Association - To educate, develop and inform members in all areas of telecommunications with major emphasis on Nortel Networks product line. To maintain an ongoing channel of communications between the manufacturer, Nortel Networks, the authorized distributors and the chapter members to relate any common problems, concerns and/or ideas. To provide a network of individuals with common concerns related to the field of telecommunications.
Special Library Association - Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Special Libraries Association (SLA) is the international association representing the interests of thousands of information professionals in over seventy countries. Special librarians are information resource experts who collect, analyze, evaluate, package, and disseminate information to facilitate accurate decision-making in corporate, academic, and government settings.
Urban Land Institute - The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a community of practice for those engaged in the entrepreneurial and collaborative process of real estate development and land use policy-making.
Toastmasters - Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, who conceived and developed the idea of helping others to speak more effectively, established the first Toastmasters club on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California. At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment.
Transportation Research Board - The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is a unit of the National Research Council, a private, nonprofit institution that is the principal operating agency of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. The Board's mission is to promote innovation and progress in transportation by stimulating and conducting research, facilitating the dissemination of information, and encouraging the implementation of research results.
Southern California Association of Financial Professionals - The Southern California Association of Financial Professionals, founded in 1975 as the Cash Management Association of Southern California, is an association for treasury and cash management professionals. It is affiliated with the Association for Financial Professionals, based in Bethesda, Maryland. The Southern California AFP holds monthly meetings in downtown Los Angeles, conducts periodic training and educational seminars, and presents a major two-day symposium annually each year.
Western Council of Construction Consumers - Western Council serves as a forum for those involved with commercial, institutional and industrial construction. Western Council's mission is to provide resources and support to assist individuals in the construction industry in professional development, improved company operations and maintenance; safety; and quality, cost-effective construction.
Women's Transportation Seminar - Women's Transportation Seminar is dedicated to excellence in transportation through the achievement and success of women.