The Skanner Information – Biden Picks Portlander to Lead on Civil Rights for Transportation

Irene Marion, equity and inclusion manager for the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), has been named by President Biden as director of the Departmental Office of Civil Rights at the US Department of Transportation.

In her new role, Marion will be the designated advisor to the US Secretary of Transportation on civil rights issues and the enforcement of civil rights law in federally funded transportation programs across the country.

Marion was sworn in by President Biden on Wednesday during a nationwide television ceremony hours after the president’s inauguration. On the same day, the President signed the Federal Government’s Executive Ordinance on Promoting Racial Justice and Support for Underserved Communities.

“Losing Irene is a loss to the city of Portland, but a blessing to our country as it advocates justice and civil rights for all Portlanders.” said City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, who was recently appointed commissioner for the office.

“This is an excellent appointment by the Biden Harris administration and sends a positive signal that they are serious about reducing systemic racism in our federal policies and programs. I sincerely congratulate Irene on this opportunity to expand her pursuit of racial justice nationally, and I look forward to working with a federal government that will partner with the City of Portland. “

Marion started with the city’s tourist office in 2016 and acted as a coordinator for public participation. She has been Equity & Inclusion Manager since 2018.

“We’re sad that Irene left PBOT, but we’re grateful for her contribution and dedication to making Portland a better place for everyone,” said Chris Warner, Portland Transportation Director.

“Irene has fueled our efforts to define and prosecute traffic justice. Especially during the pandemic, offices across city government have benefited from their work to eradicate racial differences. We are committed to continuing their work to pursue traffic justice and keep our roads safe for all close . “

Two other Portlanders also join the Biden administration

President Biden also named Maurice Henderson, former PBOT deputy director and chief of staff to Mayor Ted Wheeler, as senior advisor to the US Department of Transportation.

Dani Simons, who helped launch the bike-sharing program in Portland in her work for contractor Motivate, has been appointed assistant to the secretary and director of public affairs.

Promotion of fairness in traffic

The Departmental Office of Civil Rights enforces civil rights laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in the workplace based on race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, age in employment and the provision of government services.

The office oversees internal programs affecting the department’s staff as well as civil rights programs of government agencies that receive federal funding.

During Marion’s time at PBOT, the office’s equity and inclusion program has begun implementing an aggressive work plan that focuses on traffic equity. Expansion of community partnerships; Promotion of equity in contracting and project execution; and human resource development and training. Marion recently led the office’s partnership with Multnomah County as part of a public COVID-19 safety awareness campaign for black and Latin American communities.

Her career path has spanned a variety of roles in nonprofit, philanthropy, and government, including the U.S. Student Association, the National Coalition for Citizen Participation, the Black Caucus Congress, the Coalition for a Future Worth Living in Portland, and the Civic Participation Promotion Committee.

Marion was born in the Commonwealth of Dominica and grew up in Portland, where she graduated from Cleveland High School. She has a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a degree in sustainability from Portland State University.