Press Release  MassDOT Congratulates 2025 WTS-Boston Award Winners

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) congratulates Thomas DiPaolo, Amy Getchell, and Liz Williams for the awards they received at this year’s WTS-Boston Annual Awards and Scholarship Banquet, which was held on Thursday, June 12, and organized by the Boston chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS-Boston).

“We are so proud of Tom, Amy, and Liz for these well-earned recognitions. Their passion, dedication, and tireless work have made a meaningful difference for their colleagues and communities across Massachusetts,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “It’s a true privilege to serve alongside such extraordinary people. And I’m deeply grateful to WTS for their unwavering commitment to uplifting the women and girls who bring strength, brilliance, and heart to the transportation industry every day.”

Thomas DiPaolo of Peabody, Assistant Chief Engineer in the Highway Division, was honored with the Honorable Ray LaHood Award for 2025. This award recognizes a man who has made significant contributions to the advancement of women and minorities through programs or opportunities and has shown outstanding contributions to the transportation industry. Mr. DiPaolo has actively promoted his colleagues, especially women and minorities, throughout his career at MassDOT. His dedication to fostering an inclusive environment is evident in his ongoing support for women and minority colleagues, particularly in leadership roles. Mr. DiPaolo’s involvement in key programs, such as Title VI actions, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committees, and mentoring, has created a supportive and empowering space for underrepresented groups. 

Through his efforts, Mr. DiPaolo has worked to ensure that all individuals feel welcomed, integrated, and valued within the MassDOT team. He has provided unwavering support to colleagues, offering guidance throughout their careers and helping them navigate the challenges of leadership roles. Additionally, he has been a strong advocate for the professional growth of individuals, encouraging their leadership potential and contributing to their success at MassDOT. 

“I am truly humbled to be recognized by WTS for my efforts over the past 30 years to help MassDOT employees and our design consultants best serve the public,” said Mr. DiPaolo. “I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to contribute to the success of the entire transportation industry and I am grateful to MassDOT leadership for always supporting me, especially Chief Engineer Carrie Lavallee and former Chief Engineer Patty Leavenworth.  I also want to thank WTS for recognizing all of the award recipients this year and for their continuous efforts to help transportation professionals succeed.”  

Amy Getchell of New Bedford, Manager of Construction Traffic Management in the Highway Division, and Liz Williams of Georgetown, Director of Equity and Climate Policy in MassDOT’s Office of Transportation Planning, were honored with the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award for 2024. Misses Getchell and Williams have served as co-leaders of the Statewide District Equity Initiative at MassDOT. The award they received recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity within the transportation industry. 

The Statewide District Equity Initiative is a unique MassDOT effort to improve the inclusion of groups and stakeholders whose experience and perspectives are traditionally underrepresented in the planning, design, and operation of the Commonwealth’s highway system. This collaborative program between the MassDOT Highway Division and the Office of Transportation Planning is currently being piloted in MassDOT’s Districts 1 and 2 – covering Western and Central Massachusetts. Its goal is to better understand and address the barriers faced by diverse communities in accessing and using the Commonwealth’s highway system. What sets this initiative apart is its focus on qualitative data and lived experiences. By placing "people" at the center of planning, data collection, and decision-making, the project is reshaping how equity considerations are embedded into transportation processes. Misses Getchell and Williams are emphasizing proactive, non-project-oriented engagement to identify and amplify underrepresented voices that may not have been heard through traditional public outreach efforts.

“I am thrilled and honored to be recognized by WTS for a project that is so near to my heart,” said Ms. Getchell. “Being able to connect with non-traditional stakeholders to hear how MassDOT projects impact and influence their lives has been eye opening and an amazing experience. The opportunity to think and work outside of the box could not have been possible without the ongoing support of our amazing leaders at MassDOT.”

“I am very grateful to WTS for this recognition and to MassDOT leadership for not only supporting but encouraging innovative and proactive opportunities to engage with our stakeholders,” said Ms. Williams. “These kinds of initiatives are valuable for a multitude of reasons, not least of which include informing policy and investment decisions. I look forward to continuing this effort across the state.”     

The Women’s Transportation Seminar, more commonly known as WTS International, is devoted to uplifting women’s achievements in transportation and underlining the necessity of women’s contributions in the sector. In their own words, they are committed to “advancing women” and “advancing transportation,” a simultaneous effort. WTS-Boston, the Boston chapter for WTS, was founded in 1980 by a small group of women with the goal of growing the network more globally. 

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