Richards is named woman of the year

NORRISTOWN Montgomery County Commissioner Leslie Richards was named woman of the year by a local transportation organization Thursday.

WTS Philadelphia, an advocacy group for women in the transportation industry, honored Richards for her work as a county commissioner, SEPTA board member, and former chairwoman of the Whitemarsh Township supervisors.

Before entering politics, Richards was a senior project manager at a civil engineering firm. Now, she spearheads the county's transportation initiatives and has helped bring in tens of millions of dollars to improve the county's roads, bridges, trails, and transit systems.

The award was presented at the Philadelphia Marriott in Center City. She will be recognized again at the WTS International conference in May.

- Jessica Parks