The St. Louis Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), an international organization dedicated to the professional advancement of women in transportation, recently named Citizens for Modern Transit’s Executive Director Kimberly Cella as Woman of the Year. This award was presented to Cella for her significant accomplishments and contributions to the transportation industry.
“Cella exemplifies what it means to be a leader in transportation,” commented Renee Ross, president of the WTS St. Louis Chapter. “She has been working at Citizens for Modern Transit for more than 23 years, during which time she has successfully secured millions in federal and private funding for transit advocacy and education.”
Under Cella’s leadership, Citizens for Modern Transit works to establish and expand an integrated, affordable and convenient public transportation system throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area in an effort to help drive economic growth and improve quality of life in the region. This has been accomplished through work with community partners to establish the tools and resources needed to encourage development around the light rail system. Cella’s specific efforts with CMT have included the passage of form-based overlay zoning in Pagedale, the formation of 353 around the UMSL South MetroLink Station, the creation of an RFP for development at the Belleville MetroLink Station and the first draft of overlay zoning at Grand MetroLink Station. She also recently oversaw the delivery of the first feasibility study led by a non-profit to explore the possibility of adding a new light rail station in the Midtown/CORTEX area of St. Louis, which would serve as the first addition to MetroLink since the opening of the Cross County Extension in 2006. This study laid the groundwork for a $10.3 million federal grant to Metro to build the station. Furthermore, Cella’s tireless efforts have also led to the establishment of quality community programs that help raise awareness about the benefits of transit, while increasing ridership.
Most recently, Cella was also selected to serve as the new executive director of the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA). She and her team at Citizens for Modern Transit lead efforts on behalf of the statewide transit provider association to elevate the status of transit in Missouri, build new coalitions to expand the advocacy base, and promote and support MPTA members.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this award,” commented Cella. “This award recognizes a reality I’ve known for some time– this is not about me, it’s about our team. The work we do at CMT, and now with the MPTA, is a collective effort. The work we accomplish each day would not be possible without the entire team at CMT and MPTA, as well as our staff, board, active supporters and members.”
To learn more about Citizens for Modern Transit call (314) 231-7272, visit www.cmt-stl.org, find the organization on Facebook follow them on Twitter @cmt_stl.
Citizens for Modern Transit is a not-for-profit organization in St. Louis whose mission is to expand the light rail system in order to build more sustainable, accessible communities in the region.
For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
The Hauser Group
314.436.9090
OR
Kim Cella
Citizens for Modern Transit
314.231.7272