Mary E. Peters facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Peters
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Official portrait, 2006
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| 15th United States Secretary of Transportation | |
| In office October 17, 2006 – January 20, 2009 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Norman Mineta |
| Succeeded by | Ray LaHood |
| Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration | |
| In office October 2, 2001 – July 29, 2005 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Kenneth R. Wykle |
| Succeeded by | J. Richard Capka |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 4, 1948 Peoria, Arizona, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of Phoenix (BA) |
Mary E. Peters (born December 4, 1948) is an American government official. She served as the 15th United States secretary of transportation from 2006 to 2009. She worked under President George W. Bush. Mary Peters was the second woman to hold this important job. The first was Elizabeth Dole.
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Mary Peters' Early Life and Education
Mary Peters was born in Peoria, Arizona, on December 4, 1948. She grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, with her father and three siblings. She earned her college degree from the University of Phoenix. She also attended a special three-week program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Mary Peters' Career in Transportation
Mary Peters began her career in transportation in 1985. She joined the Arizona Department of Transportation. In 1998, the Governor of Arizona, Jane Dee Hull, chose her to lead the department.
After George W. Bush became president in 2001, Peters moved to Washington, D.C. There, she worked as the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. She held this role until 2005.
Mary Peters is now a transportation consultant. She advises national engineering and planning groups.
Becoming Transportation Secretary
On September 5, 2006, President Bush nominated Mary Peters for a big job. He wanted her to become the new Secretary of Transportation. She would replace Norman Mineta. The United States Senate approved her on September 29, 2006.
As Secretary, Mary Peters helped lead a group studying transportation policy. She left her role as Secretary of Transportation in January 2009. This was when the new Obama administration took office. Ray LaHood became the next Secretary of Transportation.
Key Policies as Secretary
Mary Peters supported a new idea for U.S. roads. She thought private companies could lease and manage highways. This would allow them to charge user fees, like tolls. These fees would help pay for building new roads. She believed this was a way to fund roads without raising taxes.
She also worked on rules for air travel. While she was Secretary, a rule was passed about emotional support animals. This rule allowed dogs, cats, miniature horses, pigs, and monkeys to fly in the airplane cabin.
Mary Peters' Personal Life
Mary Peters married Terry Peters when she was 17 years old. Terry was a Marine. Mary and Terry have three children together.
See also
In Spanish: Mary E. Peters para niños
- List of female United States Cabinet members
