O’Grady Says ARTBA Will Speak With a “Strong, United Voice”

What’s happening: Tom O’Grady, president of HNTB, was elected 2026-2027 ARTBA Chair during the association’s annual convention in Kohler, Wis., this week. O’Grady has been a leader within ARTBA for over a decade, helping guide some of its most important initiatives. He co-chaired the recent Reauthorization Task Force, which developed the industry’s policy proposals for the next federal surface transportation bill.

About Tom: 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.

The agenda: 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 boosts investment and helps those dollars get to work faster—through better permitting, more state flexibility, and fewer unnecessary delays.

• Advance project delivery excellence by supporting permitting improvements, making the best of those reforms permanent, and defending them when necessary.

• Growing and engaging our 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.

What’s next: With federal surface transportation programs approaching their next reauthorization debate, O’Grady said, “The transportation industry has an important opportunity to advocate for sustained investment while protecting the people who build, maintain and use our infrastructure. By speaking with a strong, unified voice, we can strengthen the nation’s transportation system and deliver long-term benefits for the communities it serves.”