Peters, Mary Elizabeth, 1948-

Mary E. Peters was born on December 4, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix and attended Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for State and Local Government Executives. In 1985, Peters joined the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). She worked her way up through the department, and in 1998, Governor Jane Hull promoted her to director of the agency. In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Peters head of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). During her four years there, she emphasized innovative public-private partnerships that would help build roads faster and for less money, and advocated the use of technology to reduce construction time and build safer, longer-lasting highways. In 2005, Peters joined HDR, Inc., a transportation engineering firm, where she served as the national director for transportation policy. As director, she was responsible for creating a management consulting practice and developing public policy initiatives for the firm's transportation program. In September 2006, President George W. Bush nominated Peters to become secretary of the Department of Transportation. She assumed office that same month.

<p>Mary is the former Secretary for the United States Department of Transportation, serving from 2006 to 2009. She also served as administrator of the Federal Highway Administration from 2001 through 2005, leading efforts to improve safety and security, reduce congestion, streamline environmental review processes and enhance mobility on America's roads and bridges.</p>

<p>Prior to her appointment to FHWA, Mary was the director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. She joined ADOT in 1985, working her way up through the ranks to serve as contract administrator, deputy director for administration and deputy director. Governor Jane Hull appointed her director in 1998. While in office, she was recognized as the Most Influential Person in Arizona Transportation by the Arizona Business Journal.</p>

<p>From 2005 to 2006, Mary was a senior vice president and national director for transportation policy and consulting for HDR. She has served on HDR’s Board of Directors since 2009.</p>

<p>Mary E. Peters (born December 4, 1948) served as the United States Secretary of Transportation under President George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009. She was the second woman to hold the position after Elizabeth Dole.</p>

<p>Peters was born in Peoria, Arizona. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix and went to a three week seminar at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. When Peters was six, her parents divorced. Her father raised Mary and her three siblings in Phoenix, Arizona.</p>

<p>Peters joined the Arizona Department of Transportation in 1985, and was appointed by Gov. Jane Dee Hull to serve as its director in 1998.</p>