Urban is pleased to announce that firm president and CEO, Kenneth R. Fulmer, PE, was given the Secretary Ray LaHood Award by WTS Philadelphia at its annual Winter Wonderland Awards Gala. The award honors a man who is a leader in transportation and has contributed toward the advancement of women and minorities in the industry. Ray LaHood served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2009 to 2013, and he was responsible for the signing of a memorandum of understanding to create programs that encourage teenage girls to pursue an academic path that leads to a career in transportation.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award from a great organization like WTS Philadelphia,” Mr. Fulmer said. “As the father of two daughters, ensuring the equal mentorship and career advancement opportunities of women at in the transportation industry has been, and will continue to be, a consistent pursuit of mine.”

Urban has been a supporter of WTS for more than 20 years and has continued to be one with Mr. Fulmer at the helm. He has also taken steps to increase the visibility of women at Urban. Since Mr. Fulmer became chairman of the firm’s board, the number of female directors has increased by almost 20%. The leadership of the firm’s Younger Member Forum – an employee resource group that provides young employees of Urban with opportunities for professional development – is 80% female. Additionally, Mr. Fulmer is a founding member of the Society or Women Engineers’ HeForSWE, an allyship group that empowers men to be advocates for women in engineering, tech, and transportation.

Since 1979, WTS Philadelphia has focused on creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable transportation industry through the global advancement of women. The organization annually honors achievements in the industry at its popular awards dinner. The chapter recognizes individuals, firms, agencies, and projects that have made extraordinary contributions to the regional transportation network. Student scholarships are also presented at this popular professional event. In years past, over $20,000 in educational grants have been allocated.