Port Woman of the Year
Ferro Thrives in Role with Vital Intermodal Industry
November 4, 2008
By Tyisha Manigo
Reprinted from The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore Magazine
Photography by Kathy Bergren Smith
Anne Ferro is president and CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association.
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For more than four years, one woman has kept her finger on the pulse of Maryland trucking. She has stayed informed about the latest trends, hottest topics and key legislative issues pertaining to the industry.
As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, Anne Ferro heads the state’s premier trade association for commercial trucking, serving as an advocate for the industry and a voice for MMTA’s more than 1,000 member companies.
For her stewardship of this critical partner to the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, Ferro was honored at the Port’s ninth annual “Women in Maritime History Event,” held March 27 at the Sparrows Point Country Club.
“I’m just one of many women working in the environment of intermodal transportation,” Ferro says, adding that she was humbled at what she considered a “tremendous honor.”
“There are very accomplished women, far more experienced than myself, who are far more deserving,” she adds.
Ferro replaced Walter C. Thompson as MMTA president in December 2003, becoming the first woman to serve in that role. Prior to joining MMTA, she spent 11 years as an Associate Administrator and Administrator with the Motor Vehicle Administration.
The areas she oversees include member recruitment and retention, product discount/business services, education and safety training, and conference and event planning. Since Ferro’s tenure began, MMTA has seen a 30 percent growth in revenue, and a 10 percent jump in membership.
Ferro finds her career satisfying, both professionally and personally. She’s always been drawn to trucking and transportation businesses.
“The trucking industry is an exciting sector, one which provides a vital service to our community and economy,” Ferro explains, adding that trucks move 85 percent of all goods in Maryland.
“It’s a backbone to our economy and way of life that’s invisible to a lot of people. We don’t see it as bringing in the sunglasses, or the food, the products we order online — you name it. It’s a lot of fun to be in an industry so essential to our quality of life.”
The MMTA President says she looks forward to working with her talented staff of five to continue pressing for industry improvements, while also building collaborative relationships with government and business partners and the broader Port of Baltimore community.
“It’s been a very rewarding four years with the great opportunity to advocate for the trucking industry,” Ferro says.
Women in Maritime History Month Committee Co-Chair Mary Jane Norris, the Manager of Port Operations Services for the Maryland Port Administration, says Ferro is a remarkable role model truly deserving of MPA’s recent honor.
“Anne has been through some professional struggles and not only survived but thrived,” Norris says. “Anne is very professional and serves as such a tremendous example to the young women in our industry.”
Other panelists recognized at the Women in Maritime History Event included Cecelia Donovan of Maryland Environmental Services; Heather Kraus of Semmes, Bowen & Semmes; Samya Murray of C.J. International; and Sandi Poffenberger of COSCO Container Lines.
“These are women who work behind the scenes day in and day out and in some cases get little recognition. The event allows all of us to stop for a moment and appreciate the job they do,” Norris says.
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