Last week, Eno celebrated the accomplishments of transportation officials across the country in our 2023 annual awards reception. The ceremony was attended by over 200 transportation leaders and executives across all modes of transportation. The accomplished and diverse awardees of the night included:

Nadine Lee, President & Chief Executive Officer for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), who was presented Eno’s Distinguished Alumni Award. This award honors an individual who, having graduated from an Eno professional development program, has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout their career in the transportation industry. Previously, Nadine enrolled in Eno’s joint Eno/MAX program and served in the roles of Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief Innovation Officer for Los Angeles County Metro. There she established the Vision 2028 Strategic Plan, the Offices of Equity & Race and Customer Experience, and the Better Bus Program.

Senator Byron Dorgan, who was honored with the Martin Wachs Thought Leader Award. This award honors exemplary achievement in the field of transportation research, scholarship, and thought leadership. Senator Dorgan is now active in his post Congressional life teaching, speaking, consulting, writing and much more. He is a recognized leader in the fields of energy policy, economic issues, aviation policy, Indian issues, trade policy, health care and more.

Jerry Premo, who was presented the Wilbur S. Smith Friend of Eno award. Before joining AECOM in 1989, Jerry held major transit leadership positions at the federal, state and local levels. His prior experience includes service as the first Executive Director of the New Jersey Transit Corporation and first Chief Executive of the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, as well as Associate Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration. He served  Eno’s Board of Directors for nine years, two of which were as Vice Chair. He spent countless hours supporting Eno’s Professional Development Programs, and was a founding instructor or Transportation Senior Leadership and Mid Manager Program.

And former U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, who was awarded with the Mineta Award for Lifetime Achievement in Transportation, which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout their career in the transportation sector. Peters has extensive experience in transportation and served as the 15^th U.S. Secretary of Transportation from 2006-2009, the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration from 2001-2005, and directed the Arizona Department of Transportation from 1985-2001. Among her honors, she was recognized as the Most Influential Person in Arizona Transportation by the Arizona Business Journal and as the 2004 National Woman of the Year Award from the Women’s Transportation Seminar.

Eno CEO and President Robert Puentes was also recognized by former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and current chair of Eno’s Board of Directors James Burnley with an award for his dedication over the last eight years to Eno and its continued success.

“I am grateful for the recognition of Eno’s impact and for the focus of Eno’s talented staff and partners to our mission and vision for a transportation system that fosters economic vitality, advances social equity, and improves the quality of life for all,” Puentes said.

Chief Development Officer and event organizer Karen Price was elated at how the event turned out. “It’s always great seeing so many friends of Eno in one place,” she said. “we value our role as the hub of this amazing network of hardworking and enthusiastic transportation officials and we are so grateful to get the opportunity to celebrate them all.”

Eno will host its next leadership awards ceremony in 2025. We hope to see you there!