WASHINGTON D.C. – WTS International, the leading organization advancing women’s careers to strengthen the transportation industry, honored Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner with the Honorable Ray LaHood Award at its 2023 Annual Conference in Atlanta.
The award honors the 2009-2013 U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood who supported WTS International’s mission to advance transportation and the professional women who lead it. The Ray LaHood Award honors a “man of the year” who was instrumental in attracting, retaining and advancing women in transportation.
“Stephen joins an esteemed group of past WTS International ‘Man of the Year’ awardees,” said Sara Stickler, President and CEO of WTS International. “We are proud to recognize, celebrate, and continue to support organizations and leaders who prioritize not only advancing women and minorities into decision-making roles in our industry, but also are committed to developing the next generation of a diverse workforce.”
Under Gardner’s leadership, Amtrak has worked to cultivate an inclusive culture that reflects the customers and communities it serves. “I’m humbled to have received this respected award from WTS International,” Gardner said. “This recognition serves as a testament to our collective efforts at Amtrak to put diversity, inclusion and belonging at the forefront. I am honored to work with all the amazing women at Amtrak who are leading a new era of rail.”
In 2022, Amtrak hired more than 3,700 new employees in line with the company’s broader goal to recruit a more diverse workforce. Amtrak also supports eight Employee Resource Groups, who join together based on shared characteristics, interests or life experiences to provide friendship, career and personal development. For more on Amtrak’s diversity initiatives, find the company’s third annual Diversity Report here.