Celebrating Leaders at METRO During Black History Month

As we honor Black History Month, METRO is proud to highlight a few of the many employees who've played a vital role in shaping the agency and improving the transit experience in Houston. These individuals exemplify leadership, dedication, and the community-driven spirit that is crucial to METRO's success in serving the public.

Karen Marshall, Director of Client Services

Karen Marshall began her career in oil and gas before transitioning into banking and then nonprofit work.

Marshall joined METRO in 2002 after a friend encouraged her to apply due to her extensive community connections. She thrived in her role in community engagement, leading outreach efforts during the construction and opening of Houston’s first light rail.

“I love helping others—that’s what I do in my life outside of METRO,” she said. “There’s a reason why so many employees have been here for more than 20 years.”

After some time, she transitioned to her current position, where her community relationships continue to serve her well. Marshall works with corporate partners to encourage them to offer METRO as a commuting benefit for employees.

Kenneth Brown, Director of Service Enhancements

For Kenneth Brown, public transit is more than transportation—it's about improving lives. As METRO's director of service enhancements, Brown leads efforts to install and upgrade bus shelters, ensuring a safer, more comfortable experience for riders.

He began his journey at METRO as a consultant before officially becoming an employee in 2014. Brown attributes much of his success to the support of his mentors.

"They gave me a lot of opportunities to grow and put me in a position to learn. Everyone has always been willing to teach me," he said.

In fiscal year 2024, Brown managed the installation of 500 new standard bus shelters, more than 50 BOOST shelters, and the rehabilitation of 450 existing shelters.

Brown's leadership continues to shape the future of METRO's system. 

Marc Reaux, Superintendent of Rail Control

Marc Reaux came to METRO in 2003 as a rail supervisor after spending 15 years as a rail controller in Chicago.

He played a big part in establishing the METRORail system, witnessing the grand opening of the Red Line in 2004 and the Green and Purple lines in 2015.

Because of his previous rail experience, Marc was assigned to put together programs, rules and regulations for the rail system. While it was challenging to start from scratch, he says he's proud to have played a part in it.

"METRO has been good to me," he said. "I work with a bunch of good people, especially with my superiors. I've watched METRO evolve over the years as a company, and I think METRO is very good. Since I've been here I have nothing bad to say about METRO (and) I think they treat employees fair."

Rosa Mitchell, Assistant Superintendent of Bus Control

The past 13 years at METRO have been nothing but positive for Rosa Mitchell. She never imagined that her experience as a bus driver for Humble ISD would be the foundation for the career she has today.

Her background allowed her to train new bus controllers in her first year at METRO—an opportunity she embraced with enthusiasm.

While she was proud of her early accomplishments, Mitchell wanted to achieve even more. She made the decision to go back to school, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees in business management, a milestone she uses to inspire others.

"I would say my accomplishment here is not only being able to obtain advanced education, but to encourage my team to do the same," Mitchell said. "There are members on my team that are like, 'I don't know if I can do this' and I tell them 'If I can do it, you can do it.'"

One of Mitchell's proudest accomplishments was creating METRO's official bus controller training guide in 2014, which she consistently updates. 

She contributes her ongoing success to her superiors, who supported her overall growth. She looks forward to what METRO has to offer her in the years to come.

Interested in working for METRO? Visit our website to explore available opportunities.