SEATTLE, WA Paula Hammond, a Senior Vice President and National Transportation Market Leader for WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, is the recipient of the Ethel S. Birchland Award from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

Named after Ethel S. Birchland, who served as ARTBA's executive director from 1924 to 1928, this award is given to a woman who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and long-term service in the transportation design and construction industry's public or private sectors. Particular focus is given to the individual's dedication to the advancement of innovation and other women leaders.

"Paula has been a strong advocate for the advancement of women in engineering and public service throughout her career," said Joseph Pulicare, President of the Transportation & Infrastructure Sector of WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff. "It is gratifying to see her honored by ARTBA with the Birchland Award, which recognizes the achievements and contributions of women in the transportation industry."

Hammond, who is based in the firm's Seattle, Washington, office, is responsible for working with transportation agencies across the nation to advance transportation policy and programs. Prior to joining WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Hammond served from 2007-2013 as Secretary of Transportation for the State of Washington, responsible for all aspects of administration of an agency with 6,800 employees and an annual operating budget of $1.3 billion.

Hammond is a national figure on transportation issues. She has served as an advisory committee member for the U.S. Department of Transportation's intelligent transportation systems program and as a leader of numerous committees of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, including chair of the standing committee on highways, the high speed & intercity passenger rail leadership group, and sustainable transportation steering committee. She also served as chair of the states for the Passenger Rail Coalition and was a member of the executive committee of the Transportation Research Board. She is currently a member of the WTS International board of directors and ARTBA Board of Directors.

Hammond has received numerous awards during her career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and Woman of the Year award in 2011 from the Puget Sound chapter of WTS. She was the recipient of the Washington State American Public Works Association Roy Morse Award in 2011, and was named a Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year by the American Public Works Association in 2012.