Secretary Paul Wiedefeld at the Governor’s Minority & Small Business Outreach Summit in November. (David Trozzo/MDOT)
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld has had a lot of firsts in his more than 40-year career. He helped implement the first TSA security checkpoint following the September 11th terrorist attacks, was first to secure dedicated funding from D.C., Maryland and Virginia for the D.C. area transit system, and now he’s the first recipient of the Downey Legacy of Service Award.
On Wednesday, the Eno Center for Transportation, an independent policy research organization, honored Secretary Wiedefeld with the award in downtown D.C. The award recognized Secretary Wiedefeld’s, “unwavering dedication to public service and his transformative impact on transportation systems nationwide,” Eno wrote in a press release.
Secretary Wiedefeld, left, on Wednesday received the inaugural Downey Legacy of Service Award. Former MDOT Secretary John Porcari announced the award. (MDOT)
Secretary Wiedefeld’s transportation career includes serving in several leadership positions from the rails to the skies. When he was Maryland Transit Administrator from 2007 to 2009, he advanced efforts to expand the Maryland Transit Administration’s transit system. As CEO and General Manager of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, he helped grow the airport and build the rental car facility.
Secretary Wiedefeld also previously served as CEO and General Manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), instilling a culture of safety and accountability to the D.C. area’s transit system.
In the short time he’s been in his current role, the Secretary has implemented a department-wide Complete Streets Policy. The new policy aims to enhance safety for all road users, especially for those who walk or bike.
“I am humbled to be the first recipient of an award named in honor of the legendary Mort Downey,” said Secretary Wiedefeld. Eno’s Downey Legacy of Service Award is named in honor of the late Mortimer Downey who served as Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation and is praised for his work to fund public transit.
Secretary Paul Wiedefeld received the award at the Eno Center for Transportation’s Leadership Awards Ceremony on January 8, 2025. In attendance were three former MDOT Secretaries David Winstead, John Porcari and Beverley Swaim-Staley. (MDOT)
Secretary Wiedefeld said he had the good fortune of working with Downey throughout their careers. The pair first met when Downey served as USDOT Deputy Secretary during the Clinton Administration from 1993 to 2001. Both then worked together as colleagues at an engineering and design firm called Parsons Brinckerhoff and finally when Downey served as Chair of the WMATA Board of Directors.
While the Downey Legacy of Service award recognizes Secretary Wiedefeld’s career so far, the Secretary said he looks forward to the work ahead. That includes rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, finishing the Purple Line and instilling a culture of road safety within the Department.
Meredith Devereux is a Senior Writer with the Maryland Department of Transportation.
