Dayton, OH – Always understanding the importance of collaboration, while moving forward on a regional level, was just one of the reasons why the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Donaghy, was chosen to be the recipient of the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (MVRPC’s) Regional Steward Award.  Donaghy received the award on Thursday, April 14, 2016, at MVRPC’s Annual Spring Dinner that was held at the Marriott at the University of Dayton.

MVRPC’s Chairperson and Beavercreek Township Trustee, Carol Graff, along with MVRPC’s Executive Director, Brian O. Martin, presided over the event, which was attended by 290 guests from across the Region.

The coveted Regional Steward Award recognizes:

• Someone with an innovative spirit to solving regional challenges;
• Someone who builds broad support toward a shared regional vision; and
• Someone who is a regional steward promoting economic, social and environmental progress in the Miami Valley.

Chairperson Graff explained, “Mark is known for his sensibility and his logical approach to resolving issues. This award recognizes an outstanding public servant who has shown he or she can make tough decisions while keeping in mind the good of the entire Region.”

With 40 years of experience in the transportation field, and as a second generation transportation executive, Donaghy oversees the 4th largest, public transit system in Ohio.

He serves on numerous boards including: The American Public Transportation Association, the Ohio Public Transit Association, the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bike Miami Valley, and the American Bus Benchmarking Group.

Donaghy is an enthusiastic participant of the Regional Transportation Coordination Council and understands the importance ensuring transit is accessible to everyone. He approved innovative efforts to manage the “specialized transportation” program, suggesting the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority take responsibility for acquiring and holding titles to the vehicles that will serve the whole Region.  He also supported the development of the Complete Streets Policy for the Region.  He invested and supported the creation of Link Bikeshare, also known as “the first mile of transit.”

He has served proudly on the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Board of Directors since 2006 and also served on MVRPC’s Executive Director Search Committee in 2012.

Brian O. Martin, MVRPC’s Executive Director, noted that “Mark is very innovative, resourceful and action-oriented. He brings a wealth of transportation and transit knowledge and experience to the table. It’s his strategic thinking that makes him so valuable on a regional level.”

Established in 1964, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission promotes collaboration among communities, stakeholders, and residents to advance regional priorities.  MVRPC is a forum and resource where the Board of Directors identifies priorities, develops public policy and collaborative strategies to improve quality of life throughout the Miami Valley Region.  MVRPC performs various regional planning activities, including air quality, water quality, transportation, land use, research and GIS.  As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), MVRPC is responsible for transportation planning in Greene, Miami and Montgomery Counties and parts of northern Warren County. MVRPC's areawide water quality planning designation encompasses five (5) counties: Darke, Preble plus the three MPO counties. The Annual Spring Dinner is a way to express continued thanks to the elected officials who devote countless hours to the betterment and unity of the Miami Valley Region.

The event was sponsored by: Burgess & Niple, CH2M, Commuter Advertising, Cox Media Group, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, CT Consultants, Dayton Dragons, Dayton Metro Library, DLZ Ohio, Inc., Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority, Heidelberg Distributing Company/Allied Wine, Key Ads, Inc., LJB, Inc., Marriott – University of Dayton, Miami Valley Lighting, Proforma Vision Marketing, Progressive Printers, Inc., Rideshare by Enterprise, University of Dayton, Upward Brand Interactions, Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, and vRide.