COLUMBUS (March 10, 2008) – Building upon Governor
Strickland’s commitment to modernizing the state’s multi-modal
transportation system, Ohio Department of Transportation Director
James Beasley has appointed Jolene Molitoris, current chairwoman of
the Ohio Rail Development Commission and former Federal Railroad
Administrator, to Assistant Director at ODOT, capitalizing on her
depth of experience and the innovative efforts she has led in the
transportation industry.
“From her work in Washington and Ohio, Jolene is nationally
recognized for her historic leadership in the rail and transportation
industries,” said Director Beasley. “She will be a valuable asset as
we better position the state’s transportation spending to balance the
movement of people and freight, promote safety and reduce congestion,
create jobs, encourage responsible growth, and help build sustainable
communities.”
As Assistant Director, Ms. Molitoris will lead several new
transportation initiatives at the department, including work with the
state’s upcoming 21st Century Transportation Priorities
Task Force. She will also coordinate the department’s effort to
implement its 2008-2009 Business Plan, as well as formulate and
execute the department’s federal transportation agenda.
Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Ms. Molitoris was the
first woman to lead the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), where
she led agency-wide changes to make significant safety and customer
service improvements. The results included the seven safest years in
railroad history. Her nearly eight year tenure was also highlighted by
her innovative efforts to find public-private partnerships to finance
transportation improvements. Because of her achievements, Railway
Age named her one of the great 20th Century
Railroaders.
At the state level, Ms. Molitoris began her career at the Ohio Rail
Transportation Authority (ORTA), achieving the position of Executive
Director. During her tenure, Ohio led the nation in state-developed
high speed rail planning. From ORTA, she was appointed Deputy Director
for Rail at ODOT, where she worked with port authorities statewide to
create 13 new short line railroads - the most in any state following
the deregulation of the railroad industry. This initiative positively
affected 220 industries and 40,000 jobs.
In 2007, Governor Strickland appointed Ms. Molitoris as chair of
the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC), the first woman to lead
that organization.
“With Director Beasley and his team, ODOT is fully embracing its
new multi-modal mission – with an integrated network of highway, rail,
transit, aviation, and waterway,” said Ms. Molitoris. “I look forward
to working with our transportation partners in Washington and around
Ohio – to envision Ohio’s 21st Century transportation
system and to explore new and innovative tools for funding and
financing that system.”
Ms. Molitoris received her undergraduate degree from The Catholic
University of America, Washington, D.C. and her graduate degree from
Case Western in Cleveland. Among the awards she has received are the
Ellis Island Medal of Honor, The WTS International Woman of the Year,
the WTS DC Chapter and Columbus Chapter Woman of the Year, and the
Sojourner Truth Award from the White House Women’s Office.
