Transportation Secretary Slater Praises Departing FHWA Deputy Administrator

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today praised Gloria J. Jeff for her six years of service at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a time that saw record levels of investment in America's transportation infrastructure, designation of the National Highway System, and FHWA restructuring to help the agency meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Jeff announced that she will leave the agency this month and become manager of transportation programs for Parsons Brinckerhoff, one of the world's major engineering and consulting firms. Based in Baltimore, she will carry responsibility for a broad transportation portfolio.

"On behalf of President Clinton and Vice President Gore, I want to thank Gloria for her six years of dedicated service to the American people," Slater said. "Her leadership, first as the head of policy at the FHWA and, more recently, as deputy administrator, have helped ensure that our nation's transportation system will continue to be strong and safe in the 21st century."

"Gloria is a great transportation professional who has truly been an agent of change," FHWA Administrator Kenneth R. Wykle said. "Her skills and energy have played a key role in the success of the FHWA. Her many accomplishments are a tribute both to her professional expertise and to her dedication as a public servant."

Secretary Slater named Jeff deputy administrator in August 1997. She was the first African-American and the second woman to hold that position. She served as acting administrator from August to November 1997.

Jeff previously served as FHWA associate administrator for policy, where she directed the development of the agency's strategic plan, initiated development of the National Freight Partnership, and oversaw the development of an agreement between the FHWA, the Federal Transit Administration and the South Africa Department of Transportation. Before joining the FHWA, Jeff was deputy director in the Michigan Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Planning.

Jeff, a native of Detroit, holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Michigan, where she also earned master's degrees in civil engineering and in urban planning. She received the university's Distinguished Alumni award in 1991 and the National Technical Association's Top Women in Science Award in 1998.