The Women’s Transportation Seminar International held its annual conference and awards banquet on May 17, 2018 at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California. During the event, VHB was named 2018 Employer of the Year. President and CEO Mike Carragher and Mid-Atlantic Regional Applied Technology Manager Taruna Tayal accepted the award.
As a generational company, VHB shares in the WTS mission of advancing women in the transportation industry. A proud sponsor of WTS since the company’s founding, VHB actively supports and participates in the advancement of women in transportation through sponsorship of student scholarships, positions on WTS Boards of Directors, chairing and supporting committees, participating and sponsoring WTS events, and sharing the benefits of involvement with WTS at VHB and throughout the industry.
“I’m proud and humbled to be a VHBer and part of this company that is dedicated to providing an environment where all employees have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and grow to be the next generation of leaders,” said President and CEO Mike Carragher. “Thank you to our dedicated team members for helping to set VHB apart and achieve this remarkable recognition.”
Ownership transition is an important part of VHB’s generational company model. The company has an ongoing program that identifies and rewards new generations of outstanding professional owners. The company has also created robust learning opportunities for employees at various stages in their careers, beginning with onboarding, to foster leadership development.
In 2017, VHB welcomed 360 new employees, 43 percent of whom were women. Women serve in all levels of leadership at VHB, including the firm’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Regional Management. From leading internal efforts for career progression, to managing projects that shape the communities we live in, VHB’s women in leadership are influencing the progression of the organization, while serving as innovative thought leaders and stewards to the cities and towns around us.
“WTS and its members have been instrumental in growing my career, providing me with the opportunity to build relationships with professionals in the industry at every level and with the tools to strengthen my leadership skills,” said Taruna. “Every step along the way, VHB has supported my involvement and leadership in the organization and my leadership development at VHB.”
In addition to the company’s Guardian sponsorship of WTS International, VHB maintains active leadership roles and supports local WTS chapters, including, Atlanta, Boston, Connecticut, Greater New York, Maine, North Carolina Triangle and Rhode Island. VHB is a proud Gold Sponsor of the WTS-Boston new public art installation to celebrate the contributions, diversity, and creativity that women bring to the transportation industry. The public art piece will be a site-specific, permanent work commemorating women’s contributions to transportation in the Greater Boston area.
