Burns Flat, OK – The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Board of Trustees recognized Director of Transportation Julie Sanders on June 9 with a Recognition of Excellence Award for her leadership in advancing transportation planning and mobility solutions across Southwest Oklahoma.
Since joining SWODA in 2019, Sanders has led efforts that resulted in the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) being named the first designated Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) in Oklahoma history. Working alongside SWODA and ASCOG staff, local governments, tribal nations, transportation providers, state agencies, and community partners, Sanders helped build the regional framework necessary to achieve RTPO designation and establish a coordinated vision for transportation across 16 counties.
Under her leadership, SORTPO secured a fully funded $1.5 million federal RAISE grant to develop the Forward 45 Regional Transportation Plan, a long-range strategy designed to improve the movement of people and goods throughout Southwest Oklahoma. The plan's success has already led to implementation efforts, including an $11 million transportation initiative focused on improving access to healthcare and essential services through mileage reimbursement programs, mobility navigation services, and transit vehicle investments.
During the recognition ceremony, SWODA Board Chairman and SORTPO Policy Board Member Lyle Miller praised the program's impact on the region.
"It is a valuable program for western Oklahoma," Miller said. "When you see so many things coming from SORTPO, there is a reason."
Craig Moody, Program Manager with Poe & Associates and lead consultant for the Forward 45 planning process, credited Sanders' leadership for helping create a model that is now influencing transportation planning across the state.
"She is a leader in transportation and planning, and it now gives the opportunity for the rest of Oklahoma to fall in line," Moody said. "With Julie leading this charge, with no guidebook for developing an RTPO, it was her knowledge, tenacity and understanding of the importance of transportation that made the difference."
Former SWODA Executive Director Debora Glasgow also recognized the collective effort behind the organization's transportation successes, noting the importance of continued support from SWODA leadership and board members.
In accepting the award, Sanders expressed gratitude for the partnerships that have helped advance transportation initiatives throughout the region.
"We've had some amazing opportunities to expand transportation in Southwest Oklahoma," Sanders said. "Had it not been for people willing to think outside the box, we wouldn't be here with our transportation planning program and the opportunities it has created for rural Oklahoma."
The recognition comes as SORTPO prepares to receive NADO's Excellence in
Transportation Award, a national honor recognizing noteworthy transportation projects and innovative planning efforts.
SWODA Executive Director Susan Carter presented the award on behalf of the Board of Trustees, recognizing Sanders' vision, dedication, and lasting impact on transportation planning throughout Southwest Oklahoma.
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