Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) officials announced Nov. 9, that the agency has been selected as a 2015 recipient of the WTS – Philadelphia Chapter Diversity Award. The WTS is an international organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women.
The award acknowledges the efforts of the DRPA to expand its contracting and vendor pool to reflect and embrace diversity. Under the direction of the authority’s office of business development and equal opportunity (OBD&EO), the DRPA has paid more than $300 million to certified M/W/DBE and veteran-owned businesses (VOBs), since 1994.
“This is a tremendous honor which truly validates the hard work of the DRPA staff and the OBD&EO department, under the direction of our Chief Administrative Officer Toni Proffitt Brown,” said DRPA Chairman Ryan N. Boyer. “Ensuring that the DRPA embraces diversity in every element of our operation – including but not limited to our contracting and procurement, hiring, retention and outreach – is a priority that is wholeheartedly supported by our Board of Commissioners and DRPA leadership, under the direction of our CEO John Hanson. I could not be more proud of our team.”
As a regional award winner, the DRPA’s winning nomination will now be entered into consideration for the WTS 2016 International Diversity Award.
“This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of the work that has been done thus far, and a strong indication that we are on the right track,” said DRPA Vice Chair Jeff Nash. “While it is gratifying to receive this type of recognition, I don’t think that any of us will rest until the concept of diversity is integral and apparent throughout all aspects of the DRPA. I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners and the leadership and staff of the DRPA in support of this important goal.”
“This award is the result of the hard work of CAO Toni P. Brown, Chief Engineer Mike Venuto and their respective teams,” said DRPA CEO John T. Hanson. “Equally as important has been the unwavering support of our Board of Commissioners who have clearly and demonstrably supported diversity as a core value. I am committed to ensuring that this effort permeates our organization and continues to bring positive value to the DRPA. Awards are great…but we’re in this for the long haul.”
