Recognition Awards
Thank you for submitting nominations for the 2025 Chapter Awards!
A nomination is an amazing way to honor those who embody the mission of WTS and to provide recognition of the importance of WTS in our transportation community.
- Woman of the Year (*Public Sector)
- Honorable Ray LaHood Award (**Private Sector)
- Member of the Year
- Rosa Parks Diversity Award
- Employer of the Year
- Innovative Transportation Solutions Award
*To facilitate a more inclusive recognition of industry leaders and ensure that the contributions of both public and private sector women are recognized, we are strongly encouraging Public Sector nominations for the 2025 Woman of the Year award. We are planning to solicit Private Sector nominations in 2026.
**To facilitate a more inclusive recognition of industry leaders and ensure that the contributions of both public and private sector men are recognized, we are strongly encouraging Private Sector nominations for the 2025 Honorable Ray LaHood award. We are planning to solicit Public Sector nominations in 2026.
2025 WTS Greater Chicago Award Winners

Woman of The Year
Cassaundra Rouse
Executive Director | Illinois Tollway

Member of The Year
Niki Nutter
Director of Planning and Programming | PMCS

Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership
Joyce Barnes
Senior Construction Manager | TY Lin International

Honorable Ray LaHood Award
Timothy Whalen
Vice President | AECOM

Employer of the Year
Benesch
