PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a landmark move for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Vice Chairman Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. has been unanimously elected as the new Board Chair, with Chester County Commissioner Marian D. Moskowitz stepping in as Vice Chair. The SEPTA Board’s decision marks a historic moment, as Lawrence is the first African American Board Chair and Moskowitz becomes the first female Vice Chair.
Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., a well-established leader in the Greater Philadelphia region, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Lawrence joined the SEPTA Board in September 2011 after serving as Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. He also held the Vice Chair position at SEPTA since February 2021 and was a former member of the SEPTA Citizens Advisory Committee.
Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Southeastern Pennsylvania at Highmark Blue Shield, Lawrence’s professional trajectory reflects his commitment to improving communities across the Commonwealth. His past roles include significant positions at Temple University, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Merck & Co., and Public Affairs Strategies, a consulting firm he founded.
Lawrence has also contributed his expertise to several boards, including the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association, and Schuylkill River Development Corporation.
“I am truly honored to become Chair of the SEPTA Board, and I am grateful to my fellow Board members for entrusting me to serve as Chair,” Lawrence said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us on safety, efficiency, and cleanliness. As a SEPTA rider, I know how important the system is for our customers and the region.”
Vice Chairwoman Marian D. Moskowitz, who joined the SEPTA Board in February 2022, is also currently serving as Vice Chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. She has held board positions with the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, West Chester University, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Chester County Economic Development Council, and Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association. Moskowitz recently served on Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s transition team.
“I am committed to working closely with Board Chair Lawrence to face the current challenges, and I am looking forward to what we can accomplish together,” said Vice Chairwoman Moskowitz. “We want to support efforts that are focused on improving safety, security, and cleanliness, and help position SEPTA to ensure it can fulfill its critical role for our region.”
SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards congratulated Lawrence and Moskowitz on their historic elections. “Diverse leadership helps in equitable and inclusive decision-making – creating transit systems that are fair and accessible to everyone. Their dedication to public service and passion for SEPTA will take us to new heights,” Richards said.
This historic election marks a significant step forward for SEPTA and the Greater Philadelphia region. The combined experience and commitment of Lawrence and Moskowitz, along with their focus on safety, efficiency, and cleanliness, bode well for the future of SEPTA. As the newly elected leaders take the helm, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of countless commuters, and the promise of a more efficient and inclusive public transportation system.
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