Written by Amanda Vann, CPTA Finance Officer/Marketing Specialist

On October 7,2008, the North Carolina Transportation Hall of Fame held their 5th Anniversary at the High Point Country Club in High Point, North Carolina. During the event, the NCTHF inducted 8 new members into the Transportation Hall of Fame and among those inductees was CPTA's former Executive Director, Wendell Edwards.

As written in the program:

WENDELL EDWARDS, of Potecasi, NC, served as executive director of Choanoke Public Transportation Authority in Rich Square from 1983 to 2007. Under his direction, the Choanoke Public Transportation Authority became a charter member of the North Carolina Public Transportation Association (NCPTA). He served five terms on the board of directors from 1983 until 1990, and as president from 1988 to 1990.

He is active in many community and civic organizations. He is a charter member of the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce, the Northampton County Museum Board of Directors, the Northampton County Historic Commission, Phi Bete Sigma Fraternity and the Northampton County Rotary Club.

He has participated in many local state professional organizations, including the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) Training Group, the Legislative Transportation Study Commission in 1992, is a member of the Peanut Belt Rural Planning Organization (RPO), the Bertie County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Hertford and Bertie Counties' Interagency Councils.

His career awards include the Governor's Public Transporation Award, the Federal Transit Administration's Outstanding Service Award, NCPTA Outstanding Serve Award, NC Outstanding Leadership Award, NCDOT Extra Mile Award and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

The purpose of the NCTHF is to celebrate North Carolina's rich transportation history by honoring individuals, businesses, organizations and agencies for their roles and achievements in transportation system conception, planning, design, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and management. The mission of NCTHF is to promote a better understanding of the appreciation for all past, present and future transportation modes and facilities in North Carolina.

The only organization of its kind in the United States, NCTHF has inducted 31 individuals, organizations and agencies over the past four years. Attendance at NCTHF's Annual Induction and Awards Ceremonies has averaged over 250.

Choanoke Public Transportation Authority is very proud of Mr. Edwards and all of his accomplishments

Morris Lee Rascoe (CPTA Board Chairman), Amanda Vann (CPTA Finance Officer), Wendell Edwards, Pamela Perry (CPTA Executive Director), Doris Flood (CPTA Driver Supervisor) and Thomas Edwards (Wendell's brother) posing for a picture before the ceremony.

Miriam Perry (NCDOT-Public Transportatoin Division Director) introducing and announcing Wendell Edwards as a new inductee into the NCTHF.

Wendell Edwards accepting his induction into the NCTHF.

Miriam Perry presenting Wendell Edwards with his plaque.

The NCHTF program and Wendell Edwards' plaque.