Last week, Mary Jane O’Meara, a past WTS International President, was named the Acting Executive Director of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.  Mary Jane has been actively involved in WTS and a mentor for many of us in WTS and the transportation industry.  Thinking about Mary Jane’s success lead to reflections of my own career and how being actively involved in WTS has benefited me.

My friend and co-worker Susan Killen talked about how great WTS is and how she can go to any city that has a chapter and contact members, attend programs, and meet extraordinary people.  When I moved to San Diego and heard they were starting a chapter, I did not hesitate to become a charter member.  Because of my job responsibilities, it was several months before I attended a WTS function, and then I was hooked!

There are so many benefits I have reaped from being actively involved in WTS.  The most precious benefit is knowing so many incredible women who have become personal friends.  The WTS community is part of my extended family and has helped me in all aspects of life – career, love, loss, health, hair cuts – the list is endless.

I keep abreast of various transportation issues and not just my area of expertise as a result of the WTS chapter programs and the annual conference.  It has expanded my knowledge of the industry and the various players.  I have met and been able to talk to many local, state, and federal transportation leaders and policy makers from the public and private sectors.  My access to these leaders has also benefited PB, my employer.

My teamwork, accounting, oral speaking, and diplomacy skills have also improved because of my WTS involvement.  It was not too long ago that many people would cringe when I spoke because they never knew what to expect.  I know I have not perfected these skills, but I have improved tremendously.  One of my mentors was at the annual conference this year and told me he could not believe how good a public speaker I had become.  That praise left me beaming because public speaking has always been difficult for me.

I have learned about conference planning, budgeting, financial planning, public relations, strategic planning, revising by-laws, governance, scholarships and the associated IRS 501(c)(3) regulations, leading and participating in board meetings, and managing volunteers all because of WTS. 

I believe all my WTS opportunities have helped me become a better person, employee, and leader.  I know that my career success is directly related to my WTS activities.

Sincerely,
Ann L. Koby
International President