Sharon Banks Award for Humanitarian Leadership in Transportation
The Award is intended to recognize outstanding people-oriented initiatives across all areas of transportation. It honors individuals whose accomplishments reflect Sharon Banks’s compassion and strength of character by making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who use, deliver, or support transportation services.
This award goes beyond general managerial excellence. Nominees may be recognized for either a singular, impactful program or leadership achievement with lasting influence on the transportation industry, or for sustained contributions over an extended period. Candidates from all sectors of the transportation community, including all modes, as well as government, industry, and academia will be considered.
Established in 2002, the award honors Sharon D. Banks. She was the General Manager of AC Transit, Oakland, California, from 1991 to 1999 and served as Chair of the TRB Executive Committee in 1998. She was nationally recognized for her personal integrity, her dedication to mentoring young transportation professionals, and her ability to unite individuals in the pursuit of organizational excellence. She championed the principle that transportation agencies should treat both their customers and employees with the utmost respect. Sharon Banks led by example, and this award honors individuals who embody her ideals of humanity and service.
Who Can Nominate
Anyone in the transportation research or research implementation fields
Nominations for the Sharon D. Bank Award Now Being Accepted
Before clicking on the submissions link below, please make sure you have the following information ready:
1. Candidate Information- Name, Affiliation (if applicable), Email Address, and Phone Number
2. Corresponding Nominator - Name, Affiliation, Email Address, phone number
3. Additional Nominators (if applicable) - Names, Affiliations, and Email Addresses
4. Nomination Form Questions (All responses must be restricted to 400 words or less)
a. Summary of why you believe your nominee should be recognized for their excellence in people-oriented transportation initiatives.
b. Description of your nominee’s record of innovative and successful leadership in such areas as education, training, and mentoring of transportation professionals.
c. Highlights your nominee’s role in establishing or promoting concepts for community-sensitive transportation facilities and services.
d. Examples of efforts your nominee has taken to bring together people in the pursuit of organizational or industry excellence.
e. Examples of how your nominee has impacted the lives of those that use, deliver, or support transportation.
f. Examples of engagement in non-professional activities that further demonstrate the caring nature and depth of character of your nominee.
g. Optional - Resume or bio of your candidate (2,000 kb or less) or link to the information online.
Submission Website
Selection Committee
Selection Committee is appointed by the Chair of the TRB Executive Committee. It may include some past award recipients and others necessary to reflect the multimodal nature of the award.
Past Recipients
- 2024 - Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr.
- 2022 - Jacquelyne D. Grimshaw
- 2020 - Robert H. Prince
- 2018 - William W. Millar
- 2016 - Carol A. Lewis
- 2014 - Beverly A. Scott
- 2012 - J. Barry Barker
- 2010 - Michael S. Townes
- 2008 - Shirley A. DeLibero
- 2006 - Sandra L. Draggoo
- 2004 - Shirley Clair McCall
- 2002 - Naomi W. Ledé