Sharon Banks Award for Humanitarian Impact in Transportation

The Award is intended to recognize outstanding people-oriented initiatives across all areas of transportation. It honors individuals whose accomplishments reflect Sharon Banks’s compassion and strength of character by making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who use, deliver, or support transportation services.

Established in 2002, the award honors Sharon D. Banks. She was the General Manager of AC Transit, Oakland, California, from 1991 to 1999 and served as Chair of the TRB Executive Committee in 1998. She was nationally recognized for her personal integrity, her dedication to mentoring young transportation professionals, and her ability to unite individuals in the pursuit of organizational excellence. She championed the principle that transportation agencies should treat both their customers and employees with the utmost respect. Sharon Banks led by example, and this award honors individuals who embody her ideals of humanity and service.

Who Can Nominate

Anyone currently or formerly in the transportation research or research implementation fields.

Nomination Process

The nomination portal will open in early June. All nominations must be submitted no later than July 31. A single nomination may be jointly submitted and supported by multiple nominators; however, nominators must designate a corresponding nominator. All nominators must currently be, or have previously been, active in the transportation research or research implementation fields.

Nominators will be expected to summarize information about their candidate in each of the following areas: (1) relevant contributions and accomplishments; (2) record of service to the profession; and (3) scope of achievements and enduring influence.

Summary information for each of the three areas may not exceed 400 words, for a total of no more than 1,200 words per nomination. Nominators will have the option to upload their candidate’s bio or provide a link to an online version. Nominators may submit more than one candidate per nomination cycle, and the submission form allows candidates to be considered for more than one award. Current TRB staff are not eligible to receive this award.

Nominators will be notified once a decision has been made by the selection committee. The award recipient will be notified in October, with a formal announcement released later in the fall. The award is dated for the year in which the recipient is named and is presented at the Chair’s Plenary Session during the January TRB Annual Meeting.

Selection Committee

The Selection Committee will consist of the Chair and Vice Chair of the TRB Executive Committee, Chair and Vice Chair of the TRB Division Committee, and the Executive Director of TRB.

Past Recipients

2026 - Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti

2024 - Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr.

2022 - Jacquelyne D. Grimshaw

2020 - Robert H. Prince

2018 - William W. Millar

2016 - Carol A. Lewis

2014 - Beverly A. Scott

2012 - J. Barry Barker

2010 - Michael S. Townes

2008 - Shirley A. DeLibero

2006 - Sandra L. Draggoo

2004 - Shirley Clair McCall

2002 - Naomi W. Ledé