Each year, Eno proudly celebrates the extraordinary contributions of leaders who have shaped and defined the transportation industry.  The 2025 Leadership Awards honor a distinguished group of individuals who exemplify leadership, commitment, and impact through their careers and personal contributions.  The awards will be presented at the Leadership Awards Reception on January 8, 2025, at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington, DC. Below is an in-depth look at this year’s honorees and their achievements.

Mineta Award for Lifetime Achievement in Transportation: Tom Deen

With a career spanning decades, Tom Deen has been a pioneer in transportation planning, research, and leadership. From organizing one of the first metropolitan transportation studies in Nashville to directing the original planning for the Washington Metro in the 1960s, Deen has laid the foundation for countless systems still in operation today.

As a partner and president at Alan Voorhees and Associates, Deen influenced transportation infrastructure in cities worldwide, including Washington, Los Angeles, and London. Later, as the Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), he spearheaded national policy studies and launched initiatives like the Strategic Highway Research Program, which reshaped transportation research in the U.S.

Deen’s legacy includes transformative projects such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge recommendations and early investigations into transportation’s role in addressing climate change. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including TRB naming its distinguished lecture series in his honor.

Deen remains a testament to resilience and vision. His career exemplifies the values of the Mineta Award, and his leadership continues to inspire the next generation of transportation professionals.

Wilbur S. Smith Friend of Eno Award: Linda O’Bryant

Linda O’Bryant has advanced transportation leadership through her commitment to fostering the development of graduate students in transportation-related fields.

In honor of her late husband, Thomas J. O’Bryant, Linda endowed the Thomas J. O’Bryant Fellowship, which has become a cornerstone of Eno’s work in nurturing future leaders. The Fellowship supports emerging professionals conducting critical transportation policy research, ensuring a legacy of creativity and progress.

Linda’s work embodies the spirit of the Wilbur S. Smith Friend of Eno Award by ensuring that leadership and education thrive in the industry.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Debra Johnson

As General Manager and CEO of Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), Debra Johnson is the first woman to serve in the role. An alumna of Eno’s Transportation Senior Executive Program, Johnson is recognized for her forward-thinking approach and dedication to equitable transit solutions.

Johnson’s career includes leadership roles at Long Beach Transit, LA Metro, and other major transit agencies. Her efforts have improved service delivery, expanded access, and built stronger community connections. Her extensive board service, including positions with APTA and COMTO, highlights her influence on the industry.

The Distinguished Alumni Award celebrates Johnson’s accomplishments as a trailblazing leader and advocate for public transportation’s essential role in enhancing quality of life.

Downey Legacy of Service Award: Paul J. Wiedefeld

Paul Wiedefeld has spent over 40 years championing safe, sustainable, and multimodal transportation. Currently serving as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, Wiedefeld oversees a vast network of highways, transit systems, airports, and maritime operations.

Previously, Wiedefeld led WMATA, navigating operational challenges and instilling a culture of accountability. At BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, he transformed the facility into the region’s busiest, implementing innovations that set industry standards. His career also includes leadership roles at the Maryland Transit Administration and private sector contributions.

The Downey Legacy of Service Award, named in honor of the late Mortimer Downey, recognizes Wiedefeld’s unwavering dedication to public service and his transformative impact on transportation systems nationwide.

Celebrating Excellence and Legacy

The 2025 Leadership Awards Reception promises to bring together transportation leaders across public, private, and academic sectors. Each awardee represents the values and mission of Eno—advancing innovation, equity, and leadership in transportation.

“The Leadership Awards recognize those whose contributions have elevated the transportation industry and created lasting improvements,” said Patrick McKenna, Eno President & CEO. “Our honorees exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and leave a meaningful legacy.”

Join us on January 8, 2025, at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington, DC, to celebrate these exceptional individuals and their contributions to the future of transportation.

For more details and to RSVP, visit the Leadership Awards page.