ANNAPOLIS - Governor Martin O'Malley today announced that veteran Maryland transportation professional Ronald L. Freeland will become Executive Secretary of the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA). The members of the Authority Board and the Authority Chairman, Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari, made the selection of Mr. Freeland.
In his capacity as Executive Secretary, Mr. Freeland will direct the day-to-day operations of the Authority and the seven toll facilities it maintains throughout the State. He also will be responsible for major construction projects now underway including improvements to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95) north of Baltimore and the Intercounty Connector linking Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
"The Authority is involved in some of the most challenging and important transportation projects in the state," said Governor O'Malley. "Ron Freeland is a transportation professional who brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the table at this exciting time. With Ron at the helm, we have someone who understands how to manage major transportation projects and an individual who puts a premium on customer service."
Mr. Freeland comes to the MdTA from his position as Senior Associate at the consulting firm of Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. in Baltimore where he specialized in transportation issues working with clients in Maryland and other areas of the United States. Prior to entering the private sector, Mr. Freeland served as Administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) from 1997 to 2001.
Before leading the MTA, Mr. Freeland served as Administrator of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) from 1995 to 1997 where he focused on improving customer service for the more than three million licensed drivers across the state. Mr. Freeland has extensive experience with the MdTA, having served three terms as an Authority Board Member from 1982 through 1991. He is active in the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials and served as the group's National Chairman in 2000 and 2001.
"Governor O'Malley understands the importance of transportation to Maryland's economy and quality of life," said Mr. Freeland. "The Authority's aggressive plan to improve its facilities, enhance customer service, widen I-95 and bring the vision of the ICC to reality pose formidable but exciting challenges ahead. I look forward to working with the professionals at the MdTA as together we make our transportation system better for everyone in Maryland."
Source: Gov. O'Malley's Office