FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 1, 2018

MDTA DIRECTOR OF STATUTORY PROGRAMS COMPLIANCE HONORED WITH ROSA PARKS DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

BALTIMORE, MD - On Jan. 16, Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Director of Statutory Programs Compliance Meshelle Howard was honored by the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) Baltimore Chapter with its 2017 Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award. The award is given yearly to women who "exhibit extraordinary efforts or initiatives in facilitating professional opportunities for women and minorities."

"What sets Meshelle apart from other individuals is the investment of her personal time to educate, support and coach businesses that are primarily women- and minority-owned," said MDTA Deputy Executive Director Deb Sharpless. "Meshelle has a passion for educating others, and she receives no greater satisfaction than when her teaching, mentoring or guidance has helped an individual or business succeed."

The MDTA Procurement Review Group, chaired by Ms. Howard, is responsible for reviewing the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Reserve and Veteran Owned Small Business Enterprise goals set for every contract. Meshelle's proactive approach to business development has led the MDTA to achieving a 26.79 percent MBE attainment to date. This makes the MDTA one of the more successful MBE programs in the State.

For nearly 15 years, Meshelle has worked in various capacities in the field of Statutory Programs, and for the past five years, she has served as the MDTA's Statutory Programs Compliance Director. Prior to her State career, Ms. Howard retired from the military at the rank of Staff Sergeant after serving for 21 years. She served in three military campaigns: the Panama Invasion, Desert Shield/Storm and the Somalia Invasion.

Financed solely by toll revenue, the MDTA is the State agency that finances, owns, operates and maintains the State's eight toll facilities. WTS, founded in 1977, is an international organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women.

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