Deputy Secretary Louwerse Honored as an Outstanding Leader in Transportation

As part of the 'Women in Rail Awards' program, PennDOT's own Deputy Secretary Jennie Louwerse was recognized for 24 years of progressive public- and- private sector experience in all facets of management and technical knowledge of multimodal transportation development.

Since 2017, Railway Age, an online transportation publication has been honoring women railroaders from the freight, transit, and supplier sectors as well as government and trade organizations.

The awards program honored 25 other outstanding leaders for driving businesses forward while making a difference in the industry, and the communities they live in.

"Jennie is smart, intelligent with vast experience in Transportation," PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. "Her resume speaks volume of her qualifications, but what distinguishes Jennie in this position is her passion for people – serving the underserved population by providing access and mobility to jobs, healthcare, education, and a better life and a better future."

Railway Age Publisher Jonathan Cholon added:

"Our annual awards program keeps getting stronger," Chalon said. "Our honorees this year were drawn from close to 100 applicants. They are making their mark on the industry with their outstanding leadership, vision, innovations, community service involvement and accomplishments." In addition to the 26 honorees, five women received honorable mention in 2021.

The judges for the event included, Barbara Wilson, President and CEO of RailUSA LLC, and KellyAnne Gallagher, KAG Strategic Advisory and Founding Executive Director of the Commuter Rail Coalition.

More information about PennDOT's multimodal program is available on our website.