Each year, WTS recognizes a woman who, through her career achievement, has advanced the reputation and credibility of women in transportation. Bates was recognized for her leadership in Orange County on important transportation policy issues such as accelerating improvements on several key I-5 interchanges, advancing important South Orange County road projects and advocating for the completion of the SR-241.
“Working to improve regional mobility is one of my top priorities so it is a great honor to receive this award from WTS,” Bates said. “It is important to pave the way for others by accelerating and recognizing women in the transportation industry.”
Approximately 100 people joined to honor the former mayor of Laguna Niguel and past member of the California Assembly for receiving this distinction. Orange City Mayor Carolyn Cavecche, a past award recipient, served as the program emcee and presented the honor to Bates stating that her work has helped the WTS’s advocacy of key transportation issues both locally and regionally.
“WTS Orange County Chapter is proud to honor Supervisor Bates with our 2009 Woman of the Year Award,” said Marnie Primer, president of WTS. “Her accomplishments in transportation and life are inspiring to women everywhere.”
Supervisor Pat Bates, representing Orange County’s Fifth District, currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Transportation Authority, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency and the Eastern/Foothill Transportation Corridor Agency, as well as Chair of the South Orange County Major Investment Study (SOCMIS) and Chair of the Measure M2 Environmental Oversight Committee.