Louis Fernandez, CEO, Signature Transportation Parts & Service, Inc.

Mr. Fernandez began his career in the transit industry after returning from Vietnam the 1970's. He is well versed in managing transit service operations and developing transportation systems for both public and private organizations around the world, which include Europe, Middle East, Far East along with North and Central America. Managing shuttle service, transit service, Para service, light rail, and ferries have given Mr. Fernandez a broader perspective of Clean Fuels, Alternative fuels and the Environmental Improvements. He has experience working with Low-sulfur diesel, Ultra-Low sulfur diesel, LNG, CNG, Ethanol, Methanol, Electric Battery Drive, and Two-mode hybrid power systems.  He currently serves as the CEO of Signature Transportation Parts & Service Inc. which specializes in the development of transit services, fueling depots, terminals, and technical specifications for future vehicles, including alternatively powered systems.

Most recently, Louis served as the Assistant General Manager and Maintenance Manager of the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) in South Carolina, where he helped the client, South Carolina Electric & Gas, in the ramp up and transition of operations to the newly establish CMRTA. He presently supports the SCDOT Mass Transit in the areas of vehicle maintenance, operation, and specification development as well as facility design and cost analysis. He has also served as Maintenance Manager/Director for public transit operators in Tallahassee (FL), Knoxville (TN), National City (CA), Cobb County (GA), and Tampa (FL). Mr. Fernandez is a member of the University Advisor Committee on Transit at Florida A&M, Florida State, and the University of South Florida.

In 1980, Mr. Fernandez signed on with ATE/DMJM for a two-year contract for the development of the Transit and OTR (Over the Road) system for the country of Saudi, Arabia. During his time in Saudi, he was the coordinator for the manufacturing of products for the project. This position gave him the opportunity to go to Japan, Germany, England, Holland, Africa and the Mid-East and Far East regions. He completed the contract and again returned to America. During the project the staff and workers consisted of 11 nationalities that spoke 7 different languages

Mr. Fernandez’s employment in the private sector includes serving as the General Manger of World Class Transportation Services, a DBE company that provided service to large urban transit operators for bus, light rail, fare collection, and renovation of buses and trains. From 1980-1982, he served as Director of Maintenance for ATE/DMJM Management Company as it developed a transit and OTR (Over the Road) system for Saudi Arabia, where he coordinated manufacture and installation of products for the program and traveled the globe, including Japan, England, Germany, Holland, Africa and the East.

From 1966-1970, Louis served the United States Navy as an Engineering Rate in Vietnam. He has attended over 25 professional certification programs and management seminars, running the gamut of technical training (including alternative fuel systems) to employee management and training, and other management skills. He is a member of several professional affiliates and has served on transit advisory committees for several cities and universities.

Current Memberships:
Member of TASC                                           
Member of Vietnam Veterans of America
Member of APTA                                             
Member of American Legion
Member of C.O.M.T.O. Washington, D.C.