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The Signal | Winter 2014–2015
Safer Roads Save Lives
Mary Korman,
Korman Signs, Inc.
As the inventory control manager of Korman Signs, Inc., in Henrico, Va., Mary Korman is responsible
for overseeing the inventory system and performing production work in various departments. Korman
has to “wear many hats” and perform a variety of tasks to help the company run smoothly. Creating
signs for the side of the road and interstate, storing inventory, serving on the safety committee,
inspecting the safety gear on the forklifts, fabricating signs, representing the company at industry
meetings and the ATSSA Traffic Expo and attending staff meetings keep her busy.
For the past 12 years—since she was in middle school—she has worked in the traffic industry in some
capacity, beginning with her job installing decals on an Overnight Transportation Inc. tractor trailer
truck with Bill Korman, her father and owner of Korman Signs, Inc. Her dream has always been to be
involved with Korman Signs and the traffic industry. That vision and determination has turned into a
reality since her graduation from Lynchburg College in 2012 with full-time employment at Korman
Signs, Inc. She continues to pursue her goal, on and off the job, of making a difference by working hard
and promoting highway safety in the work zone and on the highways for all motorists.
Since Korman Signs, Inc. opened in 1975, it has steadily grown to be an effective enterprise supported
by more than 60 people in more than 100,000-square-feet of manufacturing facilities.
Debra Lee Ricker,
Worksafe Traffic Control Industries, Inc.
Debra Lee Ricker is the president of Worksafe Traffic Control Industries, Inc. in Barre, Vt. Ricker and
her sister, Lorena, founded L&D Safety Marking Corporation, a line striping and sign installation
company, in 1985. The sisters expanded the company’s services in 1991, opening Worksafe Traffic
Control Industries, a sign manufacturer that also offers the sale and rental of traffic control devices and
equipment. Ricker served as the vice president of both firms from 1985 to 2012 when the striping business
was sold, becoming a majority stockholder and president of Worksafe Traffic Control Industries.
Growing up, Ricker was familiar with the construction industry—her father owned a local paving
company. Ricker’s father wisely encouraged the siblings to open a highway safety business, a decision
that proved to be as satisfying as it is inspiring. From her first project, she realized the exciting
opportunity in front of her. She spent the first three years on the road working the equipment, becoming
familiar with projects and learning about what was expected of her employees.
As Ricker saw first-hand that Worksafe Traffic Control Industries saved lives, she began researching
safety training, found out about ATSSA and became a member. She was active on ATSSA’s Government
Relations Committee and attended the annual Fly-In, realizing that Congress and legislators at home
truly listen and see the value of the work ATSSA members do—and working together can make a
difference. Ricker is the second woman to be an ATSSA Chairperson (she is Chairwoman-Elect) and
the second woman to serve as the president of the Associated General Contractors of Vermont, in 2000.
“I have found my work so rewarding and have a tremendous amount of respect for the
workers and the realization of how they put their lives on the line daily to provide safety
to the traveling public,” said Debra Lee Ricker, president of Worksafe Traffic Control
Industries, Inc. in Barre, Vt. “I see every day how much our work truly saves lives.”
These dynamic women make command decisions within their organizations, mentor those who will follow them
and lead the way for females in all professions.
The Signal
will feature an ongoing series about outstanding
women who work in the roadway safety industry. If you know a woman who is an ATSSA member and works in
the roadway safety industry, contact
for a future story.
>>>
Debra Lee Ricker
Mary Korman
