Bio

Maria is a transport and wider infrastructure specialist, and CEO of Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect. Her team, researches, develops and recommends strategic road, rail and technology investments that will facilitate regional and national economic growth. With over 20-years experience, Maria has held a number of senior positions across a broad range of portfolio areas including strategy, planning, environment and infrastructure. As part of this she has a frequent regional presence in Westminster. Maria unites the voices of the Midlands' Local Enterprise Partnerships, Councils and business community to improve connectivity across the Midlands Engine area. Under her leadership, Midlands Connect has published its first landmark 25-year regional transport strategy for the Midlands and has progressed a number of vitally important projects including the £3.7bn Midlands Engine Rail. Prior to Midlands Connect, Maria worked on major projects including strategic master-planning activities around the Midlands, integration plans with HS2 and has also served on many international platforms including EMTA (European Metropolitan Transport Association) and UITP (International Association of Public Transport) providing expertise and advise on the role of transport in contributing to economic growth and social inclusion. Maria is currently Board member of the Midlands Engine Partnership, the HS2 East Midlands Development Corporation, the University of Birmingham City Region Economic and Development Institute (City REDI), the Urban Growth Company (UGC) Partners Board and the Telford Town Deal Board. Among other accomplishments, Maria was recently awarded for her “Outstanding Contribution to Transport” by the Transport Times (July 2019). She is also currently member of the Editorial Board at the Rail Technology Magazine.