Tom O’Grady, president of HNTB, has been elected 2026-2027 chair of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The announcement was made during ARTBA’s national convention, held Sept. 27-30 in Kohler, Wis. 

During his 34-year career with HNTB, O'Grady has held a wide range of technical, project management and executive leadership positions. As President, he helps guide the firm's strategic direction, growth initiatives, and operations.

A civil engineer by training, O'Grady's professional experience covers transportation planning, design, and program delivery. He has worked closely with state departments of transportation, toll authorities, transit agencies, airports, counties, and municipalities throughout the country.

His roster of ARTBA volunteer leadership roles spans a decade and includes serving as chair of the Membership Development Committee Chair (2020-24), Strategic Planning Committee Member (2020 & 2023), Planning & Design Division President (2020) and Meetings Taskforce Chair (2017).

O’Grady also co-chaired the association’s recent Reauthorization Task Force, a 27-member group that developed “Moving America Forward: A Blueprint for Strategic Highway & Public Investment,” the industry’s policy proposals for the next federal surface transportation bill.

At a Sept. 30 board meeting, O’Grady outlined where ARTBA will focus its energy in the year ahead. He boiled the agenda down to five priorities:

  • Secure a long-term, bipartisan surface transportation bill that increases federal investment and accelerates project delivery through permitting reform and greater state flexibility.
  • Advance project delivery excellence by supporting permitting improvements, sharing best practices, and promoting innovative contracting approaches.
  • Strengthen and grow ARTBA membership while amplifying member achievements, innovation, and industry leadership across all divisions.
  • Help members leverage emerging technologies that improve project delivery, workforce development, safety, and operational performance.
  • Keep worker safety at the forefront by supporting work zone safety initiatives and advancing best practices to protect roadway workers.