The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) named Mary Smarelli, owner of one of Wisconsin's largest passenger transportation companies, as its new president.

Since starting Transit Express in Milwaukee with just two wheelchair accessible vans over 30 years ago, Smarelli's company has risen to become one of the most respected leaders in the for-hire transportation industry.

Smarelli was voted into office at the TLPA's 93rd Annual Convention & Trade Show held last October in San Francisco. The TLPA has a rotating presidency, and Smarelli now begins serving her 2011-2012 term.

She is the fourth woman ever to hold the presidency of the nearly 100-year-old trade association that was founded by taxicab and rental car industry icon John Hertz.