This award was established in 1998 by the CTS Executive Committee to recognize public leaders who through their vision, leadership and knowledge have influenced innovative transportation policy directions that benefit society. The first recipient of this award was State Senator Keith Langseth in recognition of his leadership in sponsoring legislation that has helped develop Minnesota’s transportation system and his ongoing support for transportation research and education programs.
The Distinguished Public Leadership Award recognizes public leaders who have influenced innovative transportation policy directions that benefit society through their vision, leadership, and knowledge.
2021 Recipient
This year’s award is presented to former Carver County Commissioner Randy Maluchnik. Maluchnik has a long record of advocating for funding and policies that enhance partnerships between local government and their state and federal counterparts on national transportation issues. While serving as a Carver County Commissioner, he championed the county’s efforts to improve U.S. Highway 212, a $90 million project that combines county, state, and federal funding to improve the efficiency and safety of one of the state’s busiest highways.
Past Recipients
2020
Representative Frank Hornstein, Minnesota House of Representatives
2019
Jon Huseby, District Engineer, MnDOT District 8
2018
Jim McDonough, Chair, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
2017
Michael Beard, Minnesota House of Representatives (former)
2016
Judge James E. Dehn
2015
D. Scott Dibble, Minnesota State Senator
2014
Susan Haigh, Chair, Metropolitan Council
2013
Margaret Donahoe, Executive Director, Minnesota Transportation Alliance
2012
James Hovland, Mayor, City of Edina
2011
Peter Bell, Metropolitan Council (former)
2010
Steve Murphy, Minnesota State Senate
2009
Ron Erhardt, Minnesota House of Representatives (former)
2008
Fred Corrigan, Executive Director, Aggregate & Ready Mix Association of Minnesota
2007
Curtis Johnson, President, Citistates Group
2006
Anne Beers, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
2005
Elliot Perovich, Transportation Analyst, Anoka County
2004
Bernie L. Lieder, Minnesota House of Representatives
2003
Colleen Landkamer, Blue Earth County commissioner
2002
Mary Hill Smith, Metropolitan Council
2001
Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County commissioner
2000
Carol Flynn, Minnesota Senate (former)
1999
James Oberstar, U.S. Congress (MN); Martin Sabo, U.S. Congress (MN)
1998
Keith Langseth, Minnesota Senate