Kathy Liebler                         Director of Public Information

    C   O   M   M   I   S   S   I   O   N                N   E   W   S             R   E   L   E   A   S   E

    Contact: Kathy Liebler 717-939-9551 Ext. 2850                      September 16, 1997

GLEASON DEPARTS TURNPIKE COMMISSION TO ASSUME POST ON STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION       

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission today announced that Commissioner Robert A. Gleason Jr., whose four year term on the Commission term will expire Sept. 21, has been appointed to a seat on the State Transportation Commission.

Governor Tom Ridge announced Gleason’s selection yesterday along with the appointment of Bonney C. Daubenspeck, Erie, who will replace Gleason on the Turnpike Commission.

Gleason who is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Gleason Agency, a Johnstown-based insurance firm, said, "My tenure with the Turnpike Commission, has been one of the most challenging, satisfying and rewarding experiences of my life. During my four year term with the Commission, critical changes and accomplishments occurred that resulted in a much improved Turnpike organization. However, the job was extremely time consuming, requiring a great deal of energy. My future priority, by necessity, will be my rapidly expanding insurance business."

Turnpike Commission Executive Director John Durbin said, "Rob Gleason served the Commission in an exemplary manner. His energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of transportation issues have contributed to a better public agency and improved operations."

Gleason said, "My appointment to the State Transportation Commission is welcome and I’m glad to serve the Commonwealth in this new capacity. As we approach the 21^st century, critical decisions must be made in the transportation arena. This new role will allow me to contribute to Pennsylvania’s transportation future."

The 15-member State Transportation Commission gathers and studies information relating to the needs of highway construction rapid transit, railroad, omnibus and other mass transportation facilities and services and aviation and airport services and facilities.

Gleason reffered to several major improvements that have occurred at the Commission during his tenure.

Those include:

• • Adoption of a 12-year capital spending plan for the first time in the Commission’s 55 year history,
  • Reduced spending by the Commission for two consecutive years,
  • Initiation of information technology projects setting the foundation for intelligent transportation systems and electronic toll collection on the Turnpike,
  • Major reorganization of the Commission,
  • Nationwide searches and appointments of deputy executive directors and other upper level management positions,
  • Implementation of a job performance evaluation process and a merit based compensation system,
  • Rebuilding of portions of the original Turnpike and
  • Reconstruction and expansion of the Commission’s central administration building.

  "Transportation is a significant part of my life. I’m happy to have the opportunity to serve on the Governor’s transportation team and continue my involvement in those important issues", Gleason said.

###

         P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676         Phone: (717) 939-9551         Fax: (717) 986-9649