Mary E. Peters

Mary E. Peters is a former United States Secretary of Transportation, serving under President George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009. She was the second woman to hold the position, following Elizabeth Dole. Peters' tenure was marked by her focus on Federal Highway Administration projects, including the Interstate Highway System and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Her experience in transportation policy was shaped by her work with the Federal Transit Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

● Early Life and Education

Mary E. Peters was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, where she earned a Master of Public Administration degree. Peters also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Phoenix. Her educational background is similar to that of other notable figures, such as Condoleezza Rice, who also attended Harvard University, and Janet Napolitano, who graduated from University of Virginia and University of California, Berkeley. Peters' early life and education were influenced by her family's involvement in Arizona politics, including her connections to Barry Goldwater and John McCain.

● Career

Before entering public service, Peters worked in the private sector, including positions at Bechtel Group and General Dynamics. Her experience in the transportation industry was shaped by her work with Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Railroad Administration projects. Peters' career is similar to that of other notable women in transportation, such as Gloria Steinem, who was involved in the National Organization for Women, and Dianne Feinstein, who served on the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Peters' work on transportation infrastructure projects, including the Big Dig in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Chunnel connecting England and France, demonstrates her expertise in the field.

● Secretary of Transportation

As United States Secretary of Transportation, Peters oversaw the Department of Transportation's response to several major disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the I-35W Mississippi River bridge collapse. She worked closely with other cabinet members, such as Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security, and Alphonso Jackson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Peters' tenure was also marked by her efforts to improve aviation security in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, working with agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Her work on transportation policy was influenced by her interactions with Congress, including the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

● Post-Government Career

After leaving government service, Peters joined the Kiewit Corporation as a senior vice president. She has also served on the boards of several organizations, including the Eno Center for Transportation and the Transportation Research Board. Peters' post-government career is similar to that of other former cabinet members, such as Robert Gates, who joined the Boeing Company board, and Henry Paulson, who became a Vanguard Group board member. Her continued involvement in the transportation industry demonstrates her ongoing commitment to infrastructure development and transportation safety, working with organizations such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the National Safety Council.

● Personal Life

Peters is married to Terry Peters, and they have two children together. Her personal life is marked by her involvement in various charitable organizations, including the United Way and the American Red Cross. Peters' personal story is similar to that of other notable women, such as Hillary Clinton, who has been involved in the Clinton Foundation, and Nancy Pelosi, who has worked with the National Park Foundation. Her commitment to public service and community involvement demonstrates her dedication to the values of public service and civic engagement, as embodied by organizations such as the Points of Light Foundation and the National Academy of Public Administration.