Early Life and Education:
Robert Werth began his journey at Virginia Tech, where he completed his bachelor’s degree. Following his undergraduate studies, he started his career as a social studies teacher in Roanoke, Virginia. During this period, he also served as a basketball and baseball coach, demonstrating his commitment to both education and athletics. Werth’s academic pursuit did not end there; he returned to Virginia Tech to earn an MBA. While completing his graduate studies, he took on the role of a marketing executive for a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Professional Career:
Werth’s professional trajectory took a significant turn in 1980 when he accepted a position as the General Manager of the Diamond Cab Companies of Arlington and Alexandria. His leadership skills quickly propelled him to the role of Vice-President of both Diamond and Yellow Cab. In 1984, Werth ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing Diamond Transportation. This company, which started with a single vehicle, has grown remarkably under his guidance. Today, Diamond Transportation operates over 130 vehicles, employs nearly 230 individuals, and facilitates more than 300,000 passenger trips annually.
Advocacy and Impact:
Werth’s dedication to serving persons with disabilities is deeply influenced by his mother’s unwavering commitment to civil rights and her “philosophy of humanism.” This dedication led to his involvement in a historic moment when he attended the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990. His innovative work in accessible transportation has earned him numerous awards and recognition as an expert in the field, including providing testimony on Capitol Hill.
Werth’s philosophy is centered around the belief that transportation is key to independence. He advocates for greater exposure and education on how to interact with, accommodate, and create positive environments for people with disabilities. This belief aligns with the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), a principle that Werth passionately shares with young Hokies.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement:
Werth’s commitment to his alma mater is evident through his philanthropic efforts. His contributions to the Hokie Scholarship Fund have enabled student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically. Notably, Werth’s recent gift to Virginia Tech has significantly expanded the testing center, increasing the number of dedicated seats for proctoring tests from 27 to 43, thus enhancing the university’s support for students with disabilities.
Personal Life:
Robert Werth is married to Marianne Longshore Werth, a social worker, and they have two daughters: Amanda, an alumna of Lynchburg College, and Elena, who graduated from Virginia Tech in 2007. The family resides in Alexandria, Virginia, where Werth serves as the game announcer for the Thomas Edison girls’ basketball team.
Current Role:
Today, Werth continues his work in accessible transportation with National Express, serving as the project manager for MetroAccess under contract to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. He remains active in various professional organizations and holds leadership positions, including being the president of the Taxicab, Limousine, and Paratransit Association Foundation. His ongoing contributions to the transportation industry and advocacy for accessible services continue to impact lives, reflecting his lifelong commitment to equality and service.
In summary, Robert Werth’s career and life are a testament to his dedication to making a difference in the world through education, transportation, and advocacy for persons with disabilities. His work has left an indelible mark on the community, demonstrating the profound impact one individual can have through a commitment to service and humanism.
