TAM’s 2021 Annual Awards Ceremony took place Wednesday, September 22, honoring the following organizations and individuals:

Ricardo Hernandez, TransIT Services of Frederick County

Ricardo frequently receives praise from both coworkers and the public who acknowledge his helpfulness, his in-depth knowledge of the system, and his positive attitude. Ricardo takes pride in his work, is skilled in all aspects of professional driving, and has had zero safety issues. Ricardo was also selected TransIT’s Fixed Route Driver of the Year by his peers because of his outstanding customer service, ability to work as a team player, and professional attitude. 

 James Turner , Prince George’s County DPW&T 

As a special projects coordinator, James Turner impressed the DPW&T leadership team and our awards committee with his dedication and diligence. He assumed progressive responsibility from engaging with senior citizens about Call-A-Bus service to managing high profile projects in the Department. Mr. Turner always has the Department’s best interest at heart. His can-do attitude is infectious and builds team morale. He has gone above and beyond, completing bus build and option sheets with the vendor, coordinating concurrence with the grantor, fleet asset management with the Office of Central Services Fleet Division, and service implementation with internal staff. 

Partners In Care, Maryland 

Partners In Care Maryland (PIC) is a community based non-profit organization dedicated to helping older adults live and thrive independently in their own homes and communities.  Three words - Neighbors Helping Neighbors - is far more than a tagline.  It is a calling for people who are committed to lending a hand to those in need.  Now more than ever people need each other.  Partners in Care exemplifies how a non-profit organization providing transit services can be a catalyst to change, not only in the lives of those they serve, but also in the community in which they operate.    

Harford Transit LINK

The team at Harford Transit LINK are hard at work, each and every day, to move the organization, and community transportation in Harford County, to the next level. While the forefront of the operations became focused on sanitization and social distancing during the pandemic, in the background they continued to research, apply for, and obtain alternative funding methods to further power the organization for future growth. Harford’s grant awards, exceeding any other transit organization in the area, have laid the groundwork for a transition to CNG, funded the replacement of an aging fleet, and have saved Harford County millions of dollars. On the public facing side, passengers utilize free apps to plan their trip, track their bus in real time, and buy, store and access electronic bus passes right on their smartphones. Furthermore, they ride with ease, as Harford Transit LINK's motto is "Health & Safety is Our #1 Priority!”

TransIT Services of Frederick County

As the COVID-19 pandemic upended the ways Marylanders lived and worked, the dedicated employees of TransIT Services of Frederick County found new and innovative ways to deliver meaningful services to the residents of Frederick County. The TransIT team remained flexible and responsive to ensure the safety of their staff and passengers, maintain service availability for essential personnel, and identify unique uses of TransIT resources. TransIT staff identified an outstanding food shortage within the community and partnered with the local Meals on Wheels and senior services division, utilizing driver hours and vehicles for food distribution to senior residents. To support the County’s vaccination efforts, especially in underserved areas, TransIT partnered with the Frederick County Health Department to create a mobile vaccination clinic. TransIT staff have gone above and beyond in every capacity throughout the pandemic. 

 Gina Stewart, BWI Business Partnership, Inc.

In 2018, although new to the transportation industry, Gina Stewart jumped right in managing the Partnership Foundation’s free County Connector shuttle grant program funded by the Local Development Council, Live! Casino & Hotel, and Anne Arundel County. This important service for workforce and job seekers saw over 100,000 passengers in FY20 and 60,000 passengers in FY21. Under Ms. Stewart’s leadership, this program continued without interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided much needed service for essential personnel. Ms. Stewart's can-do attitude shows through in her leadership style. She is always positive and presents herself with the upmost professionalism in working with vendors, members, board, directors, and staff. Ms. Stewart treats everyone with kindness and fairness, and is known for her listening skills. She prides herself in helping others aspire to be leaders themselves.