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Women in Transportation Society presents awards
to Sen. McGee, Valley Transit service manager

The Treasure Valley chapter of the Women in Transportation Society (WTS) presented two awards Thursday night to individuals who have worked tirelessly to improve transportation and mobility in Idaho.

State Sen. John McGee, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, received the “Transportation Leader of the Year” award and Gloria Parkvold was named the WTS member of the year.

The leadership award is bestowed on a person or agency that exhibits “extraordinary and exemplary leadership through long-term impacts,” such as outreach, training and presentations within the industry.

Throughout his legislative career, Sen. McGee has made it a personal and professional priority to improve transportation in Idaho. He has worked hard to secure enhancements to the transportation system because the state’s expanding economy depends on reliable and well-maintained roads and bridges, according to the WTS.

“These highway improvements will ensure free-flowing commerce and will meet the growing safety needs of emergency responders and law enforcement."

Sen. McGee, marketing director for West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell, is the youngest member of the Idaho Senate. In addition to serving as chairman of the Transportation Committee, he also is a member of the Agriculture and Health and Welfare committees.

“Senator McGee was an easy choice for this award…,” said Kelli Fairless, spokesperson for the WTS Treasure Valley chapter.

“The senator has worked closely with policymakers and citizens to raise awareness of the funding crisis in our transportation system and continues to build bridges with other leaders to bring about solutions to meet the needs of Idaho’s citizens.”

Parkvold is the service development manager over mobility for Valley Regional Transit. A founding member of WTS, she became the organization’s event coordinator last year and “has worked diligently to develop monthly meetings that educated and engaged a diverse representation of those who work in and around the transportation industry.”

The award acknowledges a WTS member who has made extraordinary contributions to the success of the organization by being committed to the goals and growth of WTS.”