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Honoring Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. on his appointment as Board Chair at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and recognizing Mr. Lawrence for his dedication to improving transit service across the SEPTA network.
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WHEREAS, The unanimous appointment of Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. as the first African American Board Chair to the SEPTA Board marks a historic moment for Southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond; and
WHEREAS, A native of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Mr. Lawrence has deep ties to Philadelphia and the surrounding region. After graduating from North Penn High School, Mr. Lawrence earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts and a Master’s degree of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Center of Government; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lawrence began his service with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) as a member of the Board of Directors in September 2011, and has served as the SEPTA Board Vice Chair since February 2021. Mr. Lawrence is also played an important role as a former member of the SEPTA Citizens Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lawrence is no stranger to historic appointment, as he previously served as the first African American County Commissioner in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, During his time serving as Commissioner, Kenneth received several awards including, the Government Innovation and Sustainability award by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for his work helping Montgomery County become more equitable and climate-resilient while making sustainability a priority and the Inspiring Success award by the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (EMCCC) for his hands-on approach to learning and experiencing Montgomery County’s government and programs; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated community leader, Mr. Lawrence as also served as chair of the Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, treasurer of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority and served as a member on the boards of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association, Schuylkill River Development Corporation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region, Committee of Seventy, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), and Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lawrence has an established track record of serving and improving communities across the Commonwealth during his time with Temple University, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Merck & Co., and the consulting firm that he founded, Public Affairs Strategies; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his distinguished career, Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. has shown an unwavering dedication to creating a more just and equitable community for all, and the Council is proud to join in celebrating his historic appointment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. on his appointment as Board Chair at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and recognize Mr. Lawrence for his dedication to improving transit service across the SEPTA network.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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