ADA COUNTY — Four leaders at the Ada County Highway District are being honored with prestigious awards from the WTS Southwest Idaho Chapter, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in the transportation industry.

Shandy Lam, ACHD Deputy Director of Communications, was honored as the chapter’s Woman of the Year. The Woman of the Year is a leader in transportation who has made an outstanding contribution to the transportation industry, and directly contributed toward the advancement of women and minorities through programs or opportunities in the transportation field. Her accomplishments include leading ACHD’s first branding efforts, as well as updating ACHD’s website and public outreach protocols to further connect members of the public with information and opportunities with ACHD.

Shari Knauss, Deputy Director of Human Resources, was selected to receive the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award. This award recognizes an individual contributing significantly to promoting diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural awareness within their organization. Knauss led efforts in crafting and improving employee support programs such as 12-week maternity and paternity leave, day care stipend, wellness and privacy accommodations for new parents, and lowering monthly health insurance costs for families.

Ryan Head, Deputy Director of Development and Technical Services, received the Honorable Ray LaHood Award. This 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. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Head has encouraged women in his division to take on leadership roles and gain important experience to advance their careers. Throughout his ACHD career, he has hired, advanced, and promoted women and minorities in key positions to ensure diversity within his leadership and staff

Executive Director Bruce Wong was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his dedication to advancing women in the transportation industry through his work with the Ada County Highway District. Director Wong will retire next month, after more than a decade as the head of the Ada County Highway District. During his time at ACHD, Director Wong received both the Secretary Ray La Hood Award and the regional WTS Transportation Leader of the Year Award.

The winners of the Southwest Idaho Chapter’s awards will be considered for national WTS awards, which will be presented later this year.