FHWA Administrator Peters recognized as Woman of the Year

Topics:  Mary Peters

Federal Highway Administration
23 December 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Contact: Lori Irving, 202-366-0660
FHWA 36-03

Washington, DC area transportation leaders have declared Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters their "Woman of the Year." Peters was recognized by the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) for her leadership and dedication to excellence in improving transportation for all Americans.

"Peters has built upon her reputation as a hard driving leader at the FHWA." said Margaret Mullins, President of the Washington, DC, Chapter of WTS. "Throughout her career, she has been recognized as a solid, politically savvy leader dedicated to public service."

"The presence of women in transportation as leaders and expert staff has helped make transportation better," Peters said. "Women bring an important new perspective to leadership that is good for the industry and for our country."

Peters said she would like to see her agency, the Federal Highway Administration, make important contributions to America - to take great strides in protecting lives on its roads, relieving congestion, and completing construction projects while safeguarding the environment.

Peters began her transportation career with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in 1985. At ADOT she established a reputation as an effective manager, working collaboratively with local governments and other partners. For example, she accelerated work on Arizona's Valley freeway system by developing a plan with Valley mayors in 1998 that enabled them to use previously unanticipated federal funds to complete the network by 2007, seven years ahead of schedule.

Peters also has served in positions of leadership for numerous other transportation and government organizations. She was recognized as one of the Top 100 Who's Who of Arizona Women in Business and as the Most Influential Person in Arizona Transportation by the Arizona Business Journal. The WTS-Phoenix Chapter honored her with its "Person of the Year Award" in 1994.

Most recently, in October 2003, the Greater New York Chapter of WTS recognized Peters as a "Woman of Inspiration." "As the first woman to lead the nation's highway system, her leadership in transportation during this time of heightened security and safety is vital and inspiring," said L. Dedi Gonga, WTS-Greater New York President.

President Bush and Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta have appointed more women than ever before to positions of leadership in the U.S. Department of Transportation. Peters is one of four women who are agency chiefs in the Department.