News and Press Releases Tuesday, June 1, 2022

Ada County Highway District Executive Director Bruce Wong was honored on a national level earlier this month for his work in advancing women in the transportation industry.

Director Wong was the recipient of the Honorable Ray LaHood Award at the WTS International Annual Conference in Seattle.

The award recognizes a man who leads by example, seeks out opportunities to advance and advocate for women in his own organization, and has made an outstanding contribution to the transportation industry. Criteria also includes contributing to the advancement of women and minorities, and actively ensuring women are able to compete for key positions of authority within the organization.

In 2021, under Director Wong's leadership, women represented 35% of ACHD's leadership positions, 40% of the District's Executive Leadership team, and 47% of Licensed Professional Engineers. Additionally, 40% of ACHD's elected officials are female.

"While it's an honor to be individually recognized by WTS with this award, I accepted it on behalf of the entire ACHD team - for it is truly the very talented and dedicated ACHD professionals that made this possible. I am truly blessed, humbled, and honored each day to serve alongside an incredible team of diverse and talented individuals, many of whom are strong and brilliant women," said ACHD Director Bruce Wong. "The transportation industry, like all industries, is much better and well-rounded when driven by diverse leadership."

Director Wong was also honored by the WTS Southwest Idaho Chapter earlier this month. ACHD earned five of the six regional awards at the annual gala, including Employer of the Year, Woman of the Year, the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award, the Innovative Transportation Solutions Award and the Honorable Ray LaHood Award.

"Our commitment at ACHD is to drive quality transportation for all of Ada County, and that begins first and foremost with the people behind the mission," said ACHD Commission President Mary May. "From the boots on the ground to the executive team and Commission, the District's goals are met each day by a group of passionate, dedicated, and diverse individuals. This year’s WTS awards reflect that commitment, and I am honored to be a part of the ACHD team."