Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN – Youngstown native and resident Laurie D. Davis began working for the Ohio Turnpike Commission as a full-time toll collector in June 1985 — during a long, hot summer that followed an extremely cold and record-breaking winter.

She began in an era when toll collectors were ubiquitous on tollways.

Davis at 22 years old trained during the midnight shift at Exit 218 (Niles/Youngstown). It was her first full-time job, and she had no idea what an axle was, let alone the distance or route taken to New York City.

Having worked all three shifts at one time or another, she quickly learned the job was much more than taking a ticket and making change.

In fact, the adage that hard work pays off is evident with her story of dedication to one organization. Thirty-five years later, on April 1 this year, Davis was officially appointed as director of toll operations. She had previously served in the post on an interim basis from January through March.

The department is responsible for collecting tolls, the commission’s primary source of revenue. As director, she oversees all toll-collector activities at the Ohio Turnpike’s 31 toll plazas and 418 employees.

“Laurie’s story is an inspirational one,” said Ferzan M. Ahmed, executive director. “She rose through the ranks and to the occasion with her leadership during this COVID-19 pandemic. Her caring attitude toward employees and customers shines through each day through all of the challenges. She is highly competent and always remains positive. We couldn’t have found a better person to lead toll operations.”

Davis was promoted in 1990 to assistant toll plaza supervisor; in 1993 to toll plaza supervisor; and in 2008, to Eastern District toll supervisor. Four years later she was named superintendent of toll operations while still maintaining the additional duties of the Eastern District toll supervisor.

During her tenure, she was a key part of the team that implemented EZ-Pass for turnpike customers. Additionally, she was project manager for the 2019 ATPM Expansion Project. A single mother of her son Jordan, Davis spent the greater part of her professional career with the commission.

She is a 1981 graduate of Youngstown South High School and studied psychology at Youngstown State University.

“You really start learning adult lessons walking into a great job at a young age,” Davis said. “I’ve never taken it for granted because with a great job comes great responsibility to serve our customers and employees. I never take either of them for granted.”

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