WSP, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy, is pleased to announce the election of Tanya Adams, vice president of community relations and diversity for its central region transportation and infrastructure business, to the national board of directors of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). A leading advocacy organization for minority professionals and businesses in the transportation industry, COMTO also recognized Adams’ contributions to diversity and the industry with the “President’s Excellence” award. Adams was previously honored as COMTO’s 2016 Corporate Executive of the Year.  

“Diversity is Tanya’s mission in life and it’s encouraging to see her efforts are acknowledged,” said Joseph G. Pulicare, president of Transportation and Infrastructure at WSP USA. “Tanya’s participation on the COMTO board will allow her to further promote and foster diversity and inclusion across our industry.” 

In her role at WSP, Adams is responsible for a variety of marketing, networking and business development initiatives, including implementation of regional diversity programs, client relations, public relations and community engagement. Prior to joining the firm in 2006, Adams spent more than 18 years with the Illinois Department of Transportation as an employment specialist.   

As a member of the COMTO board, Adams will work with industry professionals to develop and enforce strategic plans for the organization. Her two-year term will continue through July 2020. Adams also serves on the corporate advisory council, program and planning committee, Women Who Move the Nation nomination committee, and joint leadership committee of COMTO.    

Adams is also on the board of directors for the Illinois chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies. She is a member of the equal employment opportunity committee for the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association; serves as a committee member on the disadvantaged business enterprise focus committee of the Innovation Conference on Asphalt and Transportation committee; member of Hispanic American Construction Industry Association and was formerly secretary of the board of directors of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce.