AASHTO Journal, 16 January 2015
Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Wolf, who takes office Jan. 20, is nominating Leslie Richards to become the state’s transportation secretary.
Photo/Montgomery County, PASandy Yanisko
Richards, one of three commissioners for Montgomery County near Philadelphia, would replace current secretary Barry Schoch, though Wolf reportedly asked Schoch to serve temporarily as a senior adviser to the governor on transportation and infrastructure.
Richards’ county commission biography page said she “has worked in the planning and engineering fields for the past two decades … and is experienced with managing multi-million dollar infrastructure projects such as bridge rehabilitation, road repairs, street scape improvements, trail and park development, environmental assessments, and feasibility studies, as well as writing annual and long-range strategic plans.”
It also says, “She understands the importance of getting a job done on time and on budget as well as meeting a payroll.”
Besides serving as the county board’s vice chair, Richards heads the planning, transportation and economic development initiatives in the county.
She also chairs the Montgomery County Board of Elections, is vice chair of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and is on the board of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.