Pa. Turnpike Commission Hires Director of Diversity and Inclusion

HARRISBURG, PA (10/31/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently hired Myneca Y. Ojo of Hanover, Pa., to fill the newly created position of director of diversity and inclusion. Ojo, who brings more than a decade of experience in diversity-program development, management and related fields, will be responsible to plan and execute a diversity and inclusion program for the commission and to steer the commission's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) plans, policies and procedures.

The diversity and inclusion department was created by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission on April 5, 2011, and Ojo joined the commission earlier this month to lead the office following an extensive search effort.

"The Turnpike has a superior track record when it comes to stimulating diversity in its workforce and among business partners," said Turnpike Chairman William K. Lieberman. "Now, with the establishment of an executive-level post, we're making a commitment to further promote multiculturalism throughout the organization."

Prior to joining the Turnpike Commission, Ojo served more than five years as manager of diversity and special initiatives at the Maryland State Highway Administration in Baltimore, directing the diversity and inclusion program of the 3,200-employee agency.

"Myneca is a highly qualified individual who brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding about running diversity programs in both the private and public sectors," said Pa. Turnpike CEO Roger Nutt. "We're pleased to have found such a talented professional to oversee the startup of this vital, new department within the commission."

Ojo, who holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, owned and managed a consulting firm for more than four years before joining the Maryland State Highway Administration. The MyLor Group - founded by Ojo in Dallas and relocated to Washington, D.C. - provided consulting, planning and diversity training services to corporate and government clients.

"I'm indeed honored to be the first director of this new department," Ojo said. "I look forward to working with employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to establish the Turnpike as a shining example of diversity awareness in government."

Before becoming a business owner, Ojo served two years as program manager at the Texas Conference of Black Mayors in Austin, Texas. There, she was responsible to assist 44 Texas mayors in developing program objectives in areas such as federal and state lobbying and advocacy, intergovernmental affairs, economic development and constituent relations. At the same time, she served as director of the Texas Minority Business Opportunity Committee, Austin, where she helped minority and women-owned businesses in securing needed certifications, bonding, financing and other steps needed to qualify for certain federal, state and local-government contracts.

Upon graduating from Texas State, Ojo's first professional position was as assistant bill clerk in the Texas House of Representatives, Austin, where she researched and processed bills for introduction into the 150-member statehouse. She then served almost three years as program coordinator for the Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce, assisting with membership services to the group's 4,000 members.