The two new staff members round out five key, new hires for the organization’s growth and its mission and vision of vision of equity and access in transportation. 

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Washington, DC (June 15, 2022) – The Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International is proud to announce the addition of two new staff members to its already growing team: Renita Gross and Carolyn Cokley.  

Joining the Leadership Team as the Director of Meetings & Events is Renita Gross. In this role, Renita is essential in leading the overall logistics of the WTS International annual conference, an annual gathering of approximately 800–1,200 transportation industry professionals), as well as the overall WTS International and WTS Foundation meetings and events, including chapter event activities. Ms. Gross brings extensive experience in meetings as well as a background within associations and nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining WTS, Renita supervised the logistics for seminars and conventions within the port authority industry as well as conferences and trainings in the liquid terminal industry. Renita graduated from The George Washington University and is an accomplished meeting professional with over 25 years in the industry. Renita enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.  

Carolyn S. Cokley joins WTS as the Administrator, Executive Office, Board, & Operations. As the Administrator Executive Office, Board and Operations for WTS, Carolyn is an integral part of the WTS team in supporting all aspects of the organization from the President and CEO to the WTS International and Foundation Boards of Directors. Cokley brings more than 20 years of experience in the administration, creation, and implementation of programs as well as a history of working with nonprofit organizations within the transportation industry, focusing on human resource management. Carolyn’s last position was as Director, Customer Programs for the Rail Passengers Association, where she oversaw the Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee (ACAC) and worked with members and volunteers in establishing station volunteer programs across the country. Previously, Cokley worked for Amtrak as an Employee Engagement and Recognition Program Manager, where her duties included developing recognition strategies and managing all corporate employee recognition programs. Carolyn lives in Maryland with her husband; is an accomplished photographer; and enjoys traveling, classic movies, crossword puzzles, being a foodie, and spending time with her family.  

The two new staff members join the current WTS staff, including Sara Stickler, CAE, President & CEO; Lauren Waldron, Director, Communications & Programs; Lindsay Shelton-Gross, Director, Public Relations & Strategic Initiatives; Kia Davis, Director, Membership & Chapter Relations; Tiffany Fisher, Engagement Specialist, Meetings & Events; Varsha Ravichandran, Engagement Specialist, Marketing & Communications; and MeKayla Washington, Engagement Specialist, Membership & Chapter Relations. 

“Carolyn and Renita are excellent additions to the WTS International team,” said Sara Stickler, President and CEO. “I’m extremely proud of the breadth and diversity of experience in our current staff, with backgrounds in association leadership as well as the transportation sector.” 

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Attract. Sustain. Connect. Advance. Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International is the only organization dedicated to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable transportation industry through the global advancement of women. WTS is advancing Women, advancing Transportation. To learn more, visit www.wtsinternational.org.