BALTIMORE, MD - Governor Martin O'Malley has appointed Peter J. Basso of Rockville and Richard C. Mike Lewin of Baltimore to serve as the newest Members of the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA). Mr. Basso is the chief operating officer and business development director for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Mr. Lewin is a retired group vice chairman of Legg Mason Private Funds Group and senior managing director of Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc., investment banking.
"The Authority comprises eight citizens with diverse experiences, strengths and capabilities," said Governor O'Malley. "The perspectives gained with Messrs. Basso and Lewin -- especially with their intimate knowledge of transportation and finance -- will be important as the Authority helps to shape a transportation system designed to Move Maryland Forward."
Prior to joining AASHTO, Mr. Basso served as assistant secretary for budget and programs and as chief financial officer of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Mr. Basso's 36 years as a career official included assignments such as assistant director for general management of the Office of Management and Budget, deputy chair for management of the National Endowment for the Arts and director of fiscal services for the Federal Highway Administration.
Before joining Legg Mason in 2001, Mr. Lewin served as secretary of Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development, where he formulated economic policy and legislative initiatives for the governor and the General Assembly and was instrumental in creating the Maryland Technology Development Corporation. Prior to his service with Maryland, Mr. Lewin was managing director of BT Alex Brown Incorporated.
"The Maryland Transportation Authority is responsible for some of the State's most-needed transportation projects - projects like the Intercounty Connector and improvements to the John F. Kennedy Highway," said Authority Chairman and Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. "Both of these individuals have the background and knowledge to contribute a great deal to the Authority and to our investment in Maryland's infrastructure."
In addition, Mr. Basso has served as board member and chair of numerous councils, including five years as a member of the President's Council on Management Improvement and five years as chair of the Small Agency Council. Mr. Lewin has served board memberships on the Baltimore Economic Development Advisory Group, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation and the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Administration. Presently, he is a board member of the East Baltimore Development Corporation.
Legislation that went into effect Jan. 1, 2007, increased the Authority's membership from six to eight Members, specified the professional make-up of the group, extended term lengths from three to four years, and set a three consecutive-term limit.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is an independent State agency that finances, owns and operates the State's seven toll facilities. The Authority's eight Members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the State Senate, serve as the agency's policy-setting and governing body. Maryland's Secretary of Transportation serves as Authority Chairman.
CONTACT:
Kelly L. Melhem
Maryland Transportation Authority
410-537-1017
Rick Abbruzzese
Governor's Press Office
410-974-2316 |
