PA Turnpike Engineer Recognized for Efforts Inspiring Next Generation
PA Turnpike Engineer Recognized for Efforts Inspiring Next Generation
Recognition given during Women’s History Month
Middletown, Pa. — A Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) engineer is being recognized for her commitment to supporting and connecting women in the transportation industry. Fawn Cassel was named the WTS International Central Pennsylvania Chapter's Member of the Year.
Originally called the Women’s Transportation Seminar, WTS is dedicated to attracting, sustaining, connecting and advancing women in transportation. The Central PA Chapter includes more than 150 members and hosts speaker events, field trips and professional networking opportunities throughout the year. It also awards annual scholarships to deserving young women pursuing transportation careers.
Cassel heads the Central PA Chapter’s popular and growing STEAM Day. The November event held at Harrisburg’s PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center introduces high-school-age girls to a variety of transportation industry activities, presentations and professionals.
“Fawn’s a fantastic example of PA Turnpike core values in action, particularly ‘Responsibility Matters.’ Under her leadership, STEAM Day saw attendance grow more than 75% over three years,” said PA Turnpike Chief Engineer Brad Heigel. “This honor recognizes Fawn’s commitment and dedication to our Commonwealth’s future, youth opportunities and the business of transportation.”
Cassel said she’s honored to receive recognition because it reaffirms the impact she’s seen personally during STEAM Day.
“One student looked at me and said, ‘Wait. I can do that?’ I looked at her and said, ‘Yes, of course,’ … it’s heart-warming to know the work we are doing at WTS to bring STEAM initiatives into the area is appreciated and has a positive influence on the younger generation.”
Cassel earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown and began her career as a civil engineer.
“Growing up, I was interested in house plans and architecture,” Cassel said. “I always loved tinkering and have been fascinated with programming. As I started learning about different career options, civil engineering seemed like it would be a great way to combine those passions.”
Cassel joined the PA Turnpike in August 2016 as an Engineer Project Manager and was promoted to Contract Management Services Manager. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing systemwide construction contracts. Her team has been involved in critical roadway infrastructure projects such as the Mon/Fayette Expressway’s first two Allegheny County sections, fiber optic installation and Open Road Tolling projects across the state. In 2022, with Cassel’s leadership, her team delivered over $1.2 billion dollars in construction contracts.
Cassel will be honored during the WTS Awards and Scholarship Gala on March 19 at the West Shore Country Club. The event includes remarks by Chris Norris, P.E., Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and will feature Lynda Tran, a former Senior Advisor to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Director of Public Engagement for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), as its Keynote speaker.
A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.
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Media Contacts:
Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: (267) 408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com
Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: (717) 870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com