wts 2002 annual report

WW A S H I N G TA S H I N G T O NO N , D C, D C CC H A P T E RH A P T E R

2 0 0 22 0 0 2AA N N U A LN N U A L RR E P O RE P O R TT

WTS WASHINGTON, DC CHAPTER P.O. BOX 22314 WASHINGTON, DC 20026 WWW.WTSNATIONAL.ORG

WTS WASHINGTON, DC CHAPTER2002 ANNUAL REPORT

2002 CORPORATE MEMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

2002 OFFICERS & COMMITTEE CHAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

25TH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY & HOLIDAY RECEPTION2002 CHAPTER AWARD RECIPIENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2002 COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12CORPORATE RELATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7DIVERSITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7LEGISLATIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8MEMBERSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9NEWSLETTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10SCHOLARSHIPS & RECOGNITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12OTHER CHAPTER ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

2002 TREASURER’S REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17

SILVER ANNIVERSARY PHOTO GALLERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

CCONTENTSONTENTS

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The Washington, DC Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar thanks our corporate members for their support in 2002:

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

American Public Transportation Association

Amtrak

Association of American Railroads

Buckley & Kaldenbach, Inc.

District of Columbia Division of Transportation

DMJM + Harris

ITS America

Parsons Transportation Group

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Railway Progress Institute

Siemens Transportation Systems

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

2002 C2002 CORPORAORPORATETE MMEMBERSEMBERS

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EXECUTIVE BOARD

PresidentJamie Rennert

Vice PresidentDonna Aggazio

TreasurerStephanie Roth

SecretaryMargaret Mullins

Past President & HistorianElaine Dezenski

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Corporate RelationsAmy PolkJennifer Clinger

DiversitySherry WaysPhilip Roke

COMMITTEE CHAIRS (CON’T)

LegislativeNadine Hamilton

Media RelationsRosalyn Millman

MembershipLeigh Smythe

NewsletterIsabel Kaldenbach

ProgramsJane BassCheryl Lowrance

Professional DevelopmentNancy Strine

RecognitionsMelissa Loughlin

ScholarshipLora Byala

2002 O2002 OFFICERSFFICERS && CCOMMITTEEOMMITTEE CCHAIRSHAIRS

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Dear Members:

This year was one in which we focused on the services thechapter provides to its members - specifically, our monthly pro-grams and our new mentoring initiative. We hosted five federaladministrator-level speakers, held several brown bag lunches onsubstantive topics impacting diverse segments of our popula-tion, and launched a successful mentoring program to enhancethe careers of ten pairs of participating mentors and mentees.

Building on our prior chapter successes, we accomplished a great deal this yearthrough the efforts of a tremendously dedicated, energetic, and creative Board, andour equally resourceful committee members:

We expanded the features of our electronic newsletter.We increased our corporate membership to a record 13 members.We raised $11,250 in corporate sponsorships to help fund our monthly

events and special programs.We raised $ 6,600 for our Scholarship Fund through a fundraising event,

raffles, and direct donations.We welcomed 66 new members to our chapter.

It has been my privilege to serve as your president during this silver anniversaryyear. I look forward to participating in chapter activities in the future, and helpingour chapter and its members continue to advance in our industry.

PPRESIDENTRESIDENT’’SS MMESSAGEESSAGE

Jamie RennertPresident

WTS Washington, DC Chapter

Nearly 120 members, friends and supportersof WTS gathered at the Hotel WashingtonSky Room to enjoy a special evening of

celebration and camaraderie for the 25th AnnualAwards Ceremony and Holiday Reception.

The WTS-DC Board commemorated the 25th

anniversary of WTS by making the event free toall WTS members. Guests enjoyed a dinner buf-fet highlighted by a pasta bar and steamship roundof beef. While enjoying the food and refresh-ments, the lively jazz trio “Crescendo” enter-tained with old favorites and special requests.

The award and recognitions presentationshighlighted the evening. Melissa Loughlin,WTS-DC Recognitions Chair presented theWoman of the Year tribute to Edith B. Boyden,a long-time WTS-DC member who spent nearlyher entire career in Washington, DC. Edith’stransportation career began at PublicTechnologies, where she learned the complexi-

ties of trans-p o r t a t i o nrequirementsfor local com-munities. Shethen joined theCongressionalOffice ofTe c h n o l o g yAssessmen t ,and later repre-sented theWash ing ton ,

DC office of the Bechtel Corporation. Mostrecently, Edith served at the U.S. Department ofTransportation Volpe National TransportationSystems Center. Throughout her career, EdithBoyden opened many doors for women andminorities through recruitment and internships,research opportunities and diversity programs,and made a significant, positive impact on ourindustry and future transportation professionals.

Also, Federal Transit AdministratorJennifer L. Dorn, made presentations ofrecognition on behalf of the Chapter tothe Professional DevelopmentMentoring Initiative Committee –Nancy Strine, Patricia Carroll,Stephanie Roth and Jeanette Kramer.The Mentoring Initiative program is thefirst program of its kind for the Chapter and wasquite successful. Nancy Strine (above right)spoke on behalf of her committee and indicatedthat mentors and mentees alike found the programa constructive learning experience.

Organized byChapter Vice PresidentDonna Aggazio, the“WTS at 25” contestasked participants toname three prominentmoments in trans-portation history thatfeatured women.Gerri Mason Hall,Vice President ofBusiness Diversity andStrategic Initiatives for Amtrak, presented theprize – two round-trip Acela train tickets toNew York City – to contest winner and memberJosh Sawislak of DMJM+Harris.

Also, the Chapter raisedover $1,500 through raffleticket sales for the WTS-DC Scholarship Fund.Diversity Chair Phil Rokeand his wife Theresa creat-ed and donated two basketsof chocolate and Frenchspecialty food items for theraffle (right).

Lastly, to commemoratethe 25th anniversary of WTS,all attendees received an engraved chrome pen.

2525 THTH AANNUALNNUAL AAWWARDSARDS CCEREMONYEREMONY & H& HOLIDAOLIDAYY RRECEPTIONECEPTION

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Members congratulate WTS-DC Woman ofthe Year Edith B. Boyden (center) on her

award during the 25th Anniversary Receptionand Annual Awards Ceremony.

“WTS at 25” contest winner JoshSawislak (left) along with fellowmember Lydia Mercado (center)

and Past Chapter President Elaine Dezenski (right).

CORPORATE RELATIONS. WTS-DC providedmany ways for organizations to supportChapter activities in 2002, such as: corporatememberships; Chapter program sponsorships;Mentoring Initiative sponsorships; and, 25th

Annual Awards Ceremony contributions. TheWashington, DC area community respondedgenerously in 2002, with organizations takingadvantage of all these opportunities.

In 2002, several new organizations joinedWTS-DC as corporate members for the firsttime, increasing the total number of corporatemembers from 12 to 13. New members includ-ed DMJM+Harris, the public relations firmBuckley & Kaldenbach, Inc., and the District ofColumbia Division of Transportation – our firstcorporate member from a local government.

Three organizations gave financial supportto the Mentoring Initiative: the Association ofAmerican Railroads (AAR), Amtrak, and theWashington Metropolitan Area TransitAuthority (WMATA). In return, these organi-zations received special access for theiremployees to participate in MentoringInitiative events. We hope to continue thisactivity in the future, providing a way for localorganizations to use the Chapter’s MentoringInitiative as part of their own employee profes-sional development program.

Washington, DC area companies also eager-ly supported Chapter programs. This year, fivemonthly programs received corporate sponsor-ships, offering a great marketing opportunity inreturn. Similarly, eight organizations con-tributed as sponsors to the 25th Annual AwardsCeremony.

In 2003, the chapter expects to continue itsfundraising success. The challenge is to main-tain the number of corporate members and rev-

enue from other forms of corporate support in atime of national economic uncertainty.

DIVERSITY. Throughout 2002, the DiversityCommittee successfully continued to promotediversity among the WTS-DC membership andin its programs. Sherry Ways chaired the com-mittee from January to June; Phil Rokeassumed the chair in July. Both chairpersonsworked to incorporate diversity into theChapter.

Sherry Ways recommended that two minori-ty women serve as senior advisors in theMentoring Initiative. She also assisted in therecruitment of diverse transportation profes-sionals to participate as mentors/mentees in theprogram. Ms. Ways was appointed to the WTSNational Diversity Committee in August 2002and participated on the “Leadership from theFront Lines” panel at the 2002 WTS NationalConference where she discussed her involve-ment in the WTS National LeadershipDevelopment Program.

In April 2002, committee members attendeda program sponsored by the Washington, DCChapter of the National Forum for Black PublicAdministrators. WTS member Gerri MasonHall, Vice President of Business Diversity andStrategic Initiatives for Amtrak, spoke on“Diversity in the Business Place.”

The committee organized brown bag pro-grams this year that were held atPricewaterhouseCoopers. In June, the topic“Seat Belt Use Among Minority Populations”was presented by Dr. Linda Cosgrove of theNational Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA). Dr. Cosgrove spokeon seat belt use and other traffic safety behav-iors, attitudes, perceptions, and countermea-sures for various ethnic and racial groups com-

2002 C2002 COMMITTEEOMMITTEE AACTIVITIESCTIVITIES

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pared to the U.S. population as a whole. InAugust, the committee held another brown bagon “Transportation Needs for the Elderly” pre-sented by NHTSA’s Dr. John Eberhard andEssie Wagner, M.A. Ms. Wagner reported onrecent motor vehicle traffic statistics and theircost to society. Wagner indicated that older

drivers areinvolved in thefewest fatalcrashes of anyage group. Ms.Wagner con-cluded that ourtransportationsystems are notprepared forolder drivers.Dr. Eberhard

explained USDOT’s approach to provide safemobility for the elderly. Articles on bothDiversity Committee programs appeared in theJuly/August and October newsletters.

LEGISLATIVE. Security remained the legisla-tive emphasis in 2002. With passage of theHomeland Security Act, the most sweepinggovernment reorganization in over 50 years isnow underway. By combining 22 federal agen-cies and their 177,000 employees, aDepartment of Homeland Security (DHS) iscreated. The Transportation SecurityAdministration and the Coast Guard, formerlyhoused within USDOT, are among the organi-zations transferred to DHS. Congress alsoenacted the Maritime Transportation SecurityAct and the Pipeline Infrastructure Protectionto Enhance Security and Safety Act.Unfortunately, at the conclusion of calendaryear 2002, agreement was not reached on mostof the spending measures for Fiscal Year 2003,including the transportation appropriations bill.

Throughout the year, the LegislativeCommittee provided updates on transportation-related legislation and nominations beginningwith the annual WTS-DC legislative program.Held in March, the Legislative Committeeinvited staff from major authorizing and appro-priating committees to discuss the outlook forthe second session of the 107th Congress.Serving as panelists were Joyce Rose, HouseTransportation and Infrastructure Committee;Mitch Warren, Senate Environment and PublicWorks Committee; Sam Whitehorn, SenateCommerce Committee; and, Peter Rogoff,Senate Transportation AppropriationsSubcommittee. The speakers discussed high-way-funding levels, reauthorization of TEA-21and AIR-21, funding for Amtrak, transit securi-

ty and implementation of the 2001 transporta-tion security legislation. Committee ChairNadine Hamilton moderated the program.Committee members—Nicole Austin, MegCederoth and Charlotte Hrncir—assisted in theplanning for the program. The lively sessionattracted 146 guests, making it one of the best-attended WTS-DC programs in 2002.

With the reauthorization of TEA-21 due in2003, debate on many policy issues is wellunderway. An emerging concern related toreauthorization is sprawl. In October, commit-tee member Carol Stroebel organized the


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Dr. John Eberhard (left) and EssieWagner, M.A. (right) at the WTS-

DC August Brown Bag

WTS-DC Annual Legislative ProgramThe panel addressed a variety of transportation issues

and fielded questions from the audience.

“Health Effects of Sprawl” program (seePROGRAMS for details).

MEMBERSHIP. Despite some membership loss-es early in 2002, the Chapter gained 66 newmembers bringing the total membership at theclose of the year to 280. As was the case in2001, without the benefit of a formal recruit-ment campaign, the Chapter continues to growbased on word-of-mouth, “brand recognition,”improved program outreach, and increasedcommunication efforts for WTS-DC programsand events to non-members.

This was also the first full year under the newtiered dues structure implemented by WTSNational for 2002 dues. The structured systemwas developed to make dues more equitable,based on members’ income brackets. UnderWTS National, all the chapters are provided witha centralized administrative conduit for dues pro-cessing and membership reporting. In 2002, theWTS National web site was designed so thatmembers from any chapter can open their mem-bership record to renew online and/or updatetheir contact information. Also, the web siteenables new members to join online.

Renewals for 2002 have a new deadline. Inthe past, lapsed renewals would generallyreceive a reprieve well into the second quarterof the renewal year. However, under the newstructure, deadlines to renew will stand firm(e.g. 2003 renewals - March 1st). Members aregiven two renewal notices. After the stateddeadline, if a member has not renewed, he/shemust rejoin and pay a new member processingfee. All of these measures were imposed tostreamline dues processing and make it moreevenhanded for all members.

The Chapter membership database, which isa helpful tool for the membership chair, func-

tions as a source of immediate, at-your-finger-tips information for members’ contact informa-tion and member type. It is also an excellentplace to input contact information for prospec-tive members and other industry peers. Fromour Chapter database, we are able to constructcontact lists for our “blast” communicationfaxes/e-mails. These “blastcasts” have becomethe Chapter’s primary way of notifying ourmembership of upcoming events, programs,news, and Chapter initiatives.

Since WTS National has streamlined its duesprocessing and reporting features for theChapters, WTS-DC will be able to better focusits efforts on retention and recruitment in thecoming years.

NEWSLETTER. Ten issues were produced anddelivered at minimal cost to the Chapterbecause of electronic distribution and pro bononewsletter lay out, editing, and writing.

WTS-DC members warmly responded to anextensive Mother’s Day issue in May thatfocused on “Moms in Transportation” and pro-filed women in various jobs across the spec-trum of transportation. A transit police chief, acommercial truck driver, a senior level Bush


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WTS National Web Site provides information as well asonline membership application and payment modules.

Administration appointee, and a city bus oper-ator all spoke about the challenges of balancingwork and family.

The newsletter alsofeatured a farewelladdress from formerFederal AviationAdministrator JaneGarvey and a profileof Federal HighwayAdministrator MaryPeters. Columnsappeared from Amtrakrepresentatives, theAmerican Trucking

Associations, and former NationalTransportation Safety Board Chair MarionBlakey (current the FAA Administrator). Ofcourse, the newsletter also followed the progressof the Chapter’s ground breaking MentoringInitiative program.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. The pilot yearof the Mentoring Initiative program ended witha graduation in early November. At that time,ten mentees and ten mentors reflected on theiraccomplishments and how they personally ben-efited from the program.

The Mentoring Initiative was a successfulone. The Senior Advisors’ monthly programsserved to partner mentors and mentees whilealso dispensing advice and knowledge.Valuable advice highlighted these programsand inspired participants to strive toward theirgoals. Specific mentoring programs includedthe following:

Developing and Learning LeadershipSkills. Mort Downey, Principal Consultant,PB Consult, and former Deputy Secretary ofthe USDOT, was the featured speaker;

It’s the Small Things That Count. MichellePourciau, Deputy Director, District ofColumbia Division of Transportation, spokeand led a discussion with Gerri Mason Hall,VP, Business Diversity, Amtrak; MarshaKaiser, Maryland DOT; and, KarleenSwanlund, Assistant Division Administrator,FHWA; and,

Making and Maintaining PersonalContacts to Achieve Success. Featured LuzHopewell, Associate Administrator, Officeof Government Contracting, Small BusinessAdministration and former Director of theUSDOT Office of Small and DisadvantagedBusiness Utilization, and Rosalyn Millman,former NHTSA Acting Administrator.

The mentorship program is indebted to itsSenior Advisors: Barbara Armand (ArmandCorporation); Joan McDonald (Jacobs Civil);and Bea Hicks (WMATA). Also, thanks to allwho contributed to the program’s successfulfirst year.

PROGRAMS. The Programs Committee effec-tively developed and planned six programs in2002. More than 500 attendees participated inthese programs, considered by our members tobe the most visible service provided by theChapter. Programs covered a range of interest-ing topics from health issues caused by sprawlto the latest safety initiatives from the FHWA.

This year, the Chapter changed its primaryvenue for programs to the Hotel Washington,with some programs held at the Marriott MetroCenter and the Pier 7 Restaurant in southwestWashington.

Other highlights included our partnershipwith the Association for Transportation Law,Logistics and Policy (ATLLP) to jointly spon-


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sor the April program featuring speakersFederal Motor Carrier Safety AdministratorJoseph Clapp and Federal RailroadAdministrator Allan Rutter.

The Programs Committee continues to usethe OneBox.com RSVP system for its pro-grams. At the request of our members, we alsoincluded a program committee member phonenumber on the flyer for anyone who had ques-tions. Begun late in the year, this practiceproved helpful to many of our members.

The committee also tried new ideas tostreamline the on-site program registration pro-cedures. The Committee also pursued new cor-porate sponsorships, worked on retaining thecurrent sponsorships, developed program fly-ers, and coordinated the writing of newsletterpieces featuring our corporate sponsors.

Programs Co-Chairs Jane Bass and CherylLowrance worked as a team to recruit newcommittee members and to recognize and greetnew and returning WTS members to ourmonthly programs. We believe that the person-al touch combined with outstanding programsis what keeps our attendance at all-time highs.

The 2002 program events were as follows:January 30, Featuring the HonorableJennifer L. Dorn. Federal TransitAdministrator Dorn (left) spoke at the Hotel

Washington to a record num-ber of attendees–130 people.She updated the audience onthe latest issues of interest atthe FTA. Dual sponsorsAmerican Bus Associationand HNTB contributedtowards the event.

March 1, Legislative Outlook. The annuallegislative update program featured a panelof Hill staffers: Joyce Rose, Mitch Warren,Sam Whitehorn and Peter Rogoff providedan update on the legislative transportationagenda for 2002. WTS members and guestsattended (see LEGISLATIVE for details).

April 23, Surface Transportation Policy.This jointly sponsored with the ATLLP fea-tured Federal Motor Carrier SafetyAdministrator Joseph Clapp and FederalRailroad Administrator Allan Rutter. Heldat the Pier 7 Restaurant, the program includ-ed remarks from both administrators on avariety of timely issues. Attendance topped100 and represented many modes and organ-izations.

May 15, Breakfast Briefing: USDOTPresent and Future Fiscal Plans. DonnaMcLean, Assistant Secretary and ChiefFinancial Officer for USDOT Office ofBudget and Programs, spoke at a breakfastmeeting held at the Marriott Metro Centersponsored by Siemens. About 70 membersand guests listened to Assistant SecretaryMcLean discuss budgetary implications oftransportation issues. Metro accessibilityand the early hour of the meeting successful-ly combined to provide an alternative eventthat received favorable feedback from ourmembers.

September 17, Featuring the HonorableMary Peters. FHWA Administrator Petersspoke to over 100 members and guests on anumber of issues, including seatbelt safety.Parsons Brinckerhoff sponsored the highlyattended event.

October 30, Health Effects of Sprawl. Ourfinal program of 2002, held at the Hotel


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Washington, was a “first” for WTS on twofronts. For the first time, non-members out-numbered WTS members at this sold-outevent—nearly 80 professionals from thehealthcare, environmental and congressionalsectors attended. Another milestone—WTSoffered a reduced luncheon price for non-members to ensure that everyone interestedcould attend. Support from the PublicTransportation Partnership for Tomorrow,made this possible.

Panelists included Dr. Susan Cummins,Institute of Medicine of the NationalAcademy of Sciences; Katherine Kraft,Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; and,Daniel Swartz, Children's EnvironmentalHealth Network. They led a thought-pro-voking slideshow, panel discussion and live-ly Q&A period. Among the topics discussedwas the relationship between transportationnetworks and health concerns—especiallythe sharp increases in obesity and asthmaamong adults and children.

SCHOLARSHIP & RECOGNITIONS. Our Chapterawarded two scholarships to students at localuniversities, held a fundraising reception andraffle, and organized a program for the 2001-2002 scholarship winners to make presenta-tions on their research.

Scholarship Fund. In 2002, the chapterspent and contributed about $6,160 on scholar-ship-related activities. The committee raised atotal of $5,560 through a fundraising reception,the raffling of two gift baskets created anddonated by a chapter member, and generaldonations. The Chapter hosted a fundraisingreception in May at the National BuildingMuseum in Washington, DC. The receptionfeatured appetizers, beverages, and a keynoteaddress by Marion Blakey, NTSB Chair. The

Chapter’s two 2001-2002 Scholarship recipi-ents—Jennifer Lee of the Virginia PolytechnicInstitute and Tina Gupta of the University ofMaryland—attended the May reception.

The Chapter conducted a successful raffle atthe 25th Annual Awards Ceremony in December2002, adding $1,500 to the scholarship fund.The Chapter invited all of the 2002-2003 schol-arship applicants to attend the event at no cost,thanks to a donation by chapter memberMargaret Ballard. We invested the funds in ourinterest-bearing scholarship account with LeggMason Wood and Walker, Inc.

The chapter awarded two scholarships in2002. This year, the Board voted to increasethe amount of the graduate student scholarshipto $1,500. The undergraduate scholarshipremains at $1,000. In total, the Chapter award-ed $2,500 in scholarships in 2002.

2002-2003 Chapter Scholarship Winners.The Chapter distributed scholarship applica-tions to universities in September. The WTS-DC board reviewed the applications and select-ed Alice Ryan and Adriana Rossiter asUndergraduate and Graduate scholarship recip-ients, respectively. Both recipients are highlyqualified and display great commitment to thetransportation field.


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2002 WTS Scholarship Fundraising ReceptionFrom left to right: WTS-DC Scholarship Chair Lora

Byala, 2001-02 Scholarship Winners Tina Gupta andJennifer Lee, WTS-DC President Jamie Rennert, and

NTSB Chair Marion Blakey.

Ms. Ryan is a junior at the University ofMaryland majoring in Aerospace Engineering.She is a participant in the University HonorsProgram and the Aerospace EngineeringHonors Program. Named to the Dean's Listfour times, Ms. Ryan also received the TauBeta Pi Outstanding Sophomore Award. Shealso is a member and is currently secretary forthe National Aerospace Honor Socity and is amember of the Society of Women Engineers.In addition to her studies, Ms. Ryan is current-ly working as an undergraduate research assis-tant in the Smart Structures Lab and in theAviation Engineering Division of the NationalTransportation Safety Board. Her main interestis in aircraft accidents and she would eventual-ly like to work at the NTSB on commercial avi-ation accidents.

In her first year of a PhD program inLogistics, Business and Public Policy at theUniversity of Maryland, Ms. Rossiter has aMasters degree in Transportation Engineeringfrom the Federal University of Rio de Janeiroand a BS in Civil Engineering from the FederalUniversity of Pernambuco. Following herMasters degree, Ms. Rossiter worked as atransportation engineer for a private consultingcompany on many types of projects, includinghighway traffic and capacity studies, highwayoperation design, and on technical and financialproposals for transportation-related public

works projects. She received multiple honors,including being named the top undergraduatestudent in Civil Engineering and being selectedas a team member for a Rotary Internationalprogram for young professionals. Upon gradu-ating from the PhD program, Ms. Rossiterplans to work as a researcher in both academiaand in the private sector, focusing on interna-tional projects.

Based on their outstanding credentials, theChapter forwarded both scholarship recipientsto WTS National for consideration in thenationwide competition.

For the second year in a row, the Chapterheld a luncheon meeting to give our 2001scholarship recipients an opportunity to presentinformation on their studies and work. About25 members attended the presentation. The pro-gram presented a great networking and presen-tation skills opportunity for the students.

Chapter and National Recognitions. TheRecognitions function of the WTS-DC Chaptercarried on this year with February nominationsfor National awards (our 2001 Chapter win-ners); solicitation, evaluation, and selection ofnominees for the 2002 Chapter awards; and,successful completion of our semi-annualChapter board elections.

The Chapter submitted three nominations for2002 WTS National Awards in February. TheChapter submitted the 2001 Woman of the Year(Cindy Burbank), Member of the Year (JanBalkin), and Employer of the Year (FederalTransit Administration) recipients. Despite theoutstanding qualifications of our Chapter’s nom-inees, the National recognitions board commit-tee selected other candidates.


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WTS-DC Scholarship Chair Lora Byala (left) chats withthe 2002-03 Scholarship Winners Alice Ryan (center) andAdriana Rossiter (right) at the 25th Anniversary Reception.

Soliciting the 2002 Chapter-level awards nom-inations began during the summer months. Weplaced newsletter reminders and made announce-ments at Chapter events. The Chapter receivedmany qualified nominations for the Woman ofthe Year category this year, making the decision

a difficult one.Unfortunately, we didnot receive any nomi-nations for Employer ofthe Year and none ofthe nominationsreceived for Member ofthe Year met the speci-fied criteria.

At the 25th AnnualAwards Ceremony, theBoard honored EdithB. Boyden (left) of theVolpe Center as theWTS-DC Woman of

the Year. Members of the ProfessionalDevelopment Committee’s MentoringInitiative—Nancy Strine, Stephanie Roth,Pat Carroll and Jeanette Kramer (aboveright)— were also recognized for their effortsin professional and membership development.The Chapter nominated Ms. Boyden for the2003 WTS National Woman of the Year inFebruary 2003.

The Chapter conducted its annual electionsfor board positions. Members selected the2003 board by 98 percent affirmative vote,based on approximately 25 percent chapter par-ticipation.

Proposed goals for the Chapter’sRecognitions program in 2003 include the fol-lowing:

Stimulate wider involvement in the recog-nitions program by clarifying and improv-

ing awareness of the selection criteria andprocess.Re-evaluate the goals of the Chapter’srecognitions program as compared to theWTS National program: is it appropriateto make all chapter award criteria identicalto those of the National organization?Revise the Chapter’s Bylaws and Policies& Procedures document to better reflectbest, or at least accurate, practices of thisChapter function.Investigate alternative methods to a mail-out balloting for Chapter elections.Electronic balloting has been tried in thepast, but participation was no strongerthan in this year’s paper-driven election.Paper elections cost the Chapter in ballotproduction and postage, but have tradi-tionally been used for security, logistical,and publicity purposes.

OTHER CHAPTER ACTIVITIES. The Chapteradopted a new policy for reimbursement forattendance at the WTS National Conference.This policy is designed to address when chap-ter members or their employers cannot coverthe expenses associated with attending the con-ference.


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2002 Woman of the YearEdith B. Boyden

Professional Development Mentoring InitiativeCommittee members (from left to right) Jeanette

Kramer, Patricia Carroll, Nancy Strine (Chair) and (notpictured) Stephanie Roth were presented with certifi-cates of recognition for the success and production ofthe Chapter’s first-ever mentorship program in 2002.

At the direction of the President, the VicePresident drafted program planning responsi-bilities for Diversity, Legislative, ProfessionalDevelopment and Scholarship committees.These guidelines assist the program planningprocess by providing a step-by-step list ofresponsibilities so that all specialized commit-tees work in harmony with the program com-mittee.

Asking members to take a moment to reflect onthe past 25 years in transportation, the Chaptersponsored a contest to recognize the most influ-ential events or milestones for women in trans-portation. The drawing took place at the 25th

Annual Awards Ceremony on December 4,2002. The winner received two roundtrip tick-ets on Amtrak’s Acela train to New York City,thanks to Amtrak’s support and generosity. TheChapter also contributed a selection of “memo-ries” to the 25th Anniversary Memory Bookcoordinated by WTS National.

Several board members hosted informal“happy hour” social events in June, August andOctober 2002. The goal of these informal gath-erings is to provide members with an alterna-tive way to enhance their network and intro-duce non-members to WTS in a casual setting.Also, the alternate time frame and locations canbe more flexible for members who are not ableto regularly make it to programs during the dayin the town. These events proved popular withmembers and non-members alike and promiseto continue into 2003.

The Chapter continues to believe that the web-site is an important communication tool. TheChapter Secretary provided in-depth commentsto the WTS National’s Web Site Task Force,resulting in strategic online improvements.


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TREASURER’S REPORT. Financially, theChapter performed well in 2002. We began theyear by transferring $8,500 from the operatingaccount to our cash reserve account, which isinvested in Legg Mason bond and money mar-ket funds. Despite the performance of the stockmarket in 2002, these conservative funds post-ed steady earnings throughout the year.Overall, the cash reserve account earned over$1,100 in 2002.

With the new dues structure, the chapter expe-rienced a degree of uncertainty over the rev-enues we would receive for membershiprenewals. We budgeted conservatively, and ouractual membership revenues exceeded budget-ed by over $500. Other categories in whichactual revenues exceeded budgeted includecorporate membership (we added two morecorporate members in 2002), corporate spon-sorship (for programs and the holiday party)and programs revenues. Actual spending alsoexceeded budgeted, but the Chapter still endedthe year with a strong carry-forward balance.

In honor of the WTS 25th anniversary, the WTS-DC Board decided to make the annual holiday

party and awards reception free of charge formembers. The Board wanted to thank ourmembers for their support of the Chapter andthought that the holiday party would be a goodoccasion to do so, even though we knew wewould take a financial loss on the event itself.We did incur a loss, but not a significant one,thanks to the corporate sponsorships securedfor the event.

The WTS-DC Scholarship Fund also fared wellin 2002. Overall, the Chapter raised $6,600 forthe Scholarship Fund this year. Contributionscame as a result of the fundraising receptionheld in May, a benefit raffle organized in con-junction with the holiday party and individualcontributions. The Chapter also made a dona-tion to the Scholarship Fund. The ScholarshipFund, like the reserve account, is invested inconservative bond funds, which also postedgains in 2002. The robustness of theScholarship Fund enabled the Chapter to raisethe amount of the graduate scholarship award to$1,500. In the future, the Chapter may consid-er a boost to the undergraduate award as well.

2002 2002 TTREASURERREASURER’’SS RREPOREPORTT

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2002 Balance Sheet

As of 12/31/02 As of 01/01/02 Change ASSETS Cash $6,559.90 $14,020.50 ($7,460.60) Cash Reserve Acct. $23,310.06 $13,686.06 $9,624.00 Accounts Receivable $1,000 $40.00 $960.00 Total Assets $30,869.96 $27,746.56 $3,123.40

LIABILITIES Accounts Payable $126.59 $424.85 ($298.26) Total Liabilities $126.59 $424.85 ($298.26)

FUND BALANCE $30.743.37 $27,321.71 $3,421.66

2002 2002 TTREASURERREASURER’’SS RREPOREPORTT

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2002 Income Statement

EXPENSES Actual 2002 Budgeted 2002 Difference Membership Expenses

$1,175.56 $2,000.00 $824.44

Programs $20,894.97 $16,500.00 ($4,394.97) Holiday Party $8,921.90 $9,000.00 $78.10 Bank Service Fees $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Corporate Fundraising

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Professional Development

$841.93 $500.00 ($341.93)

Mentoring Initiative $2,212.61 $2,000.00 ($212.61) Blast Communications

$3,828.30 $3,800.00 ($28.30)

Administrative $975.76 $2,200.00 $1,224.24 Scholarship Expenses

$3,662.59 $3,000.00 ($662.59)

Donation to Scholarship Fund

$1,040.00 $0.00 ($1,040.00)

Recognitions $232.72 $700.00 $467.28 Special Events $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Total Expenses $43,786.34 $39,700.00 ($4,086.34) *Note: the Chapter also deposited $8,500 into our Reserve Account in 2002.

REVENUE Actual 2002 Budgeted 2002 Difference Membership Dues $7,690.00 $7,187.50 $502.50 Corporate Membership Dues

$12,000.00 $10,000.00 $2,000.00

Programs $14,574.00 $11,200.00 $3,374.00 Holiday Party $570.00 $750.00 ($180.00) Corporate Sponsorships

$11,250.00 $10,000.00 $1,250.00

Professional Development

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Earnings from Investments

$1,124.00 $0.00 $1,124.00

Total Revenue $47,208.00 $39,137.50 $8,070.50

CCELEBRAELEBRATINGTING 25 25 YYEARSEARS OFOF WTSWTS- S- SILILVERVER AANNIVERSARNNIVERSARYY PPHOTHOTOO GGALLERALLERYY --

The Chapter commemorated its Silver Anniversary during the WTS-DC 25th Annual Awards Ceremony and Holiday Reception .

“T“TA L K I N GA L K I N G SS H O PH O P ””

“M“M A K I N GA K I N G CC O N N E C T I O N SO N N E C T I O N S ””

WTS-DCPresident

Jamie Rennertwelcomes every-one and thanks

them for coming.

Legislative Chair Nadine Hamilton con-gratulates WTS-DC 2002

Woman of the Year Edith B. Boyden.

Annual Awards Ceremony EventCoordinator Jeanette Kramer

thanks her Jacobs Civil co-workers Molly Wagner and

Dawn Bracken for their event-planning assistance.

Long-time member and supporterMort Downey looks on with

FTA Administrator Jennifer Dorn as the awards and recognitions

were presented.

Ann Wilson and Programs CommitteeCo-Chair Jane Bass

Bob LePore, Philip Braum and CorporateRelations Co-Chair Jennifer Clinger

KellyAnne Gallagher and William Millar

Members take advantage of the casual receptionenvironment to catch up with fellow members andmeet top-level transportation officials and col-leagues. This annual event is also a wonderful wayto reflect on the Chapter’s accomplishmentsthroughout the year.

Clockwise beginning at far left: Fran Bents and BillScott,; Elaine Dezenski and Jenna Dorn; Bill Millarand Tony Kane; Jolene Molitoris and RobertSkinner, Jr.; Federico Cura and Sarah Clements;Bryna Helfer, Phil Roke and Vi Truong.

wts 2002 annual report

Documents