On December 14, 2016 more than 200 Middle Tennessee mayors, legislators, and community leaders met for the Nashville Area MPO’s Annual Partnership Luncheon. The event highlighted the organization’s successes from the year and honored individuals and organizations who have made a significant contribution to Middle Tennessee’s transportation initiatives over the past year.
The ceremony culminated with presentation of The Spirit of Transportation Leadership Award to Diane Thorne, TMA regional transportation director. Thorne’s extensive transportation career encompasses the governmental, political, and transit management arenas. MPO Acting Director Michelle Lacewell presented the award stating: “Over the years Diane Thorne has taken the Nashville Area MPO’s message to local, regional, and national stakeholders communicating the need to plan, fund, and implement a regional multi-modal transportation system that promotes personal and social economic prosperity while encouraging sustainable growth and development practices.”
“This recognition is an honor, but the greater honor is having the opportunity to work with so many respected people who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences and to work together to create transportation products that best fit the needs of Middle Tennessee,” stated Diane Thorne.
TMA Chairman of the Board Patrick G. Emery shared: “Throughout her distinguished transportation career, Diane Thorne’s commitment in seeking solutions to our region’s transportation issues is unparalleled. She is recognized throughout Tennessee, regionally in the Southeast, and nationally in Washington, D.C. as a respected, visionary transportation leader committed to the advancement of regional transportation policy and programs, as set forth by the Nashville Area MPO.”
