FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2019
MARTA GM/CEO JEFFREY PARKER SELECTED AS WTS
'MAN OF THE YEAR'
Women in Transportation Seminar’s Atlanta Chapter Cites Parker’s Strong Track Record of Hiring and Promoting Women as Reason for Selection
ATLANTA – Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker has been selected by Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS-Atlanta) as its 2019 “Man of the Year.” Parker was awarded the distinction during the WTS annual luncheon on Friday, October 25.
WTS, a non-profit organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women, cited Parker’s outstanding track record of hiring and promoting women in transportation roles.
“What stands out about Jeff is his role in advancing women’s reputations and credibility,” said MARTA Board Chair Freda B. Hardage. “He displays a willingness to leverage the professional respect he has earned and his robust relationships in the industry to ensure women get the opportunities they deserve.”
With more than 30 years of experience in transit and more than 25 years in leading operations, Parker has contributed to the growth and expansion of transit systems in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Atlanta. Additionally, he has forged social and political relationships that increase public awareness and build support for systems that promote connectivity and grow the economy.
At MARTA, Parker leads an executive team comprised of four women – chief of staff, chief legal counsel, chief administrative officer, and chief of MARTA Police. Additionally, the leadership team includes four female assistant general managers, one of whom is responsible for helping to deliver MARTA’s groundbreaking capital expansion program.
“The vision of WTS is equity and access for women in transportation,” said WTS Atlanta Chapter President Tonya Saxon. “Mr. Parker supports this vision from the C-suite to our front-line employees. Women, and especially women of color, are given opportunities to retain and advance their careers at MARTA.”
“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition from WTS,” said MARTA GM/CEO Jeffrey Parker. “Smart, strong women are the future of transportation. I have the great fortune of being married to a woman with those characteristics - my wife Erin - and in working for smart, strong women throughout my career in transportation and transit, from Anne Herzenberg at MBTA to Dr. Beverly Scott during my first foray at MARTA and Governor Jodi Rell in Connecticut. In my leadership roles, I am honored to be able to pay the support forward.”
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Contact:
Stephany Fisher
sfisher@itsmarta.com
(470) 419-9216