FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelly Fenner Responsible for Implementation of Agency’s DEI Initiatives
BALTIMORE, MD (February 7, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has announced Kelly Fenner as the agency’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director. A former MDOT MTA Police Captain, Director Fenner will begin in her new role February 8 and will work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives throughout MDOT MTA in service of employees and riders.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are not new themes to MDOT MTA, but we cannot be satisfied with the status quo,” MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold said. “This is another important step in ensuring the diversity of our community is well represented at every level of our agency and that everyone feels welcome.”
“I’m proud to help MDOT MTA grow and thrive by developing a welcoming and equitable atmosphere at the agency,” Director Fenner said. “Workplaces operate at their peak when their workforce includes people with diverse backgrounds and ideas.”
MDOT MTA’s strategic plan launched in September 2021 – Rebuilding Better: Committed to an Equitable Transit Future – prioritized equity in every aspect of all agency undertakings. Director Fenner’s appointment fulfills the strategic plan commitment to create a senior leadership-level position to oversee aspects of equity internally and externally.
“Serving our residents and our communities is at the heart of MDOT MTA’s mission, and we must perform that mission with a focus on access, equity and inclusion,” Paul J. Wiedefeld, Acting MDOT Secretary, said. “Creation of this new director position is one step in reaffirming our commitment to these values across all of MDOT.”
MDOT MTA’s employee-driven Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC) was created in October 2020. EDIC has allowed the agency to better track diversity metrics in leadership and understand the agency’s current climate in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. Director Fenner will utilize the foundational work done by EDIC to build upon and to create a more dynamic response to the DEI needs of MDOT MTA. She will also serve as MDOT MTA’s key liaison for diversity, equity and inclusion with MDOT on the department’s Diversity to Belonging Steering Committee. Her input and expertise will be critical to ensure the overall MDOT MTA culture supports DEI initiatives.
Director Fenner returns to MDOT MTA after serving as the DEI Director for the Baltimore County Police Department since 2020. In Baltimore County, she was credited with establishing partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, developing and teaching DEI curriculum, and reviewing, revising and restructuring policies and procedures to ensure alignment with DEI strategies.
Fenner holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a Master’s degree in Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Change, and earned a certificate from Cornell University in Diversity and Inclusion in Human Resources.
MDOT MTA is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. MDOT MTA operates Local and commuter buses, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. MDOT MTA’s goal is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. As a participating agency in APTA’s Health and Safety Commitment Program, MDOT MTA is dedicated to keeping our employees and passengers safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov or check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland, YouTube.com/TheMTAMaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jerimiah Moerke
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 667-392-3625
jmoerke@mdot.maryland.gov
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov
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