DRPT Director Recognized among Top Ten Women to Watch in Transportation

March 25, 2016
Jennifer Mitchell, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), was named as one of the Top Ten Women to Watch in Transportation by the Eno Center for Transportation and the Women’s Transportation Seminar.

Jennifer Mitchell, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), was named as one of the Top Ten Women to Watch in Transportation by the Eno Center for Transportation and the Women’s Transportation Seminar. The distinction was based on the professional efforts of women in the transportation industry including mentorship, engaging volunteer networks, and seeking out-of-the-box solutions to today’s toughest transportation challenges. The list includes women from across the country and from varying occupations in transportation. Ms. Mitchell, who was appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe to be the Director of DRPT in 2014, was noted for her leadership of the agency, as well as for her previous work with Parsons Brinkerhoff and on the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

“This distinct recognition is very well-deserved,” Virginia Transportation Secretary Aubrey L. Layne stated. “Jennifer has shown exceptional talent throughout her career, which is why I am so pleased to have her as part of the McAuliffe administration. Her participation on our transportation team has brought innovation and success to the Commonwealth, and I expect she’ll continue to thrive in her future endeavors.”

The Eno Center for Transportation is a nonprofit, non-partisan think-tank dedicated to shaping policy, fostering innovation and developing tomorrow’s transportation leaders in both the public and private sector. The Women’s Transportation Seminar is an international organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women. As a celebration of March being Women’s History Month, the two groups collaborated to identify ten transformative female leaders in the transportation industry.

Cheryl Openshaw, deputy director of DRPT, concurred with the groups’ selection saying, “Our agency is extremely fortunate to have such a dynamic and capable leader who is passionate about our mission and the direction we’re going. Jennifer is an excellent role model for all women in the transportation industry.”