Tom O'Grady Named Chair of ARTBA
The HNTB president will lead the American Road & Transportation Builders Association for the 2026-2027 term.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
Tom O'Grady has been elected as the new chair of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. He assumed the role during the association's national convention held in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Why it matters
O'Grady brings decades of industry experience to the leadership role as he guides the organization through its upcoming policy and advocacy goals. He previously contributed to the group as a co-chair of its 27-member Reauthorization Task Force.
Tom O'Grady has maintained a 34-year career at HNTB and previously helped lead the 27-member ARTBA Reauthorization Task Force. He will now manage the association's agenda through the 2026-2027 term.
The players
Tom O'Grady
He is the president of HNTB and the newly elected chair of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.
American Road & Transportation Builders Association
This trade association represents the U.S. transportation construction industry in Washington, D.C.
HNTB
This infrastructure firm provides engineering, design, and construction services for public and private clients.
The details
During the board meeting on September 30, 2026, O'Grady laid out five key priorities for the association to pursue over the coming year. His election follows a long history of volunteer service with the organization, including leadership positions on the Membership Development Committee and the Meetings Taskforce.
Timeline
O'Grady served as Meetings Taskforce Chair in 2017.
O'Grady served as Membership Development Committee Chair from 2020-2024.
The ARTBA national convention was held in Kohler from Sept. 27-30, 2026.
O'Grady outlined organizational priorities on Sept. 30, 2026.
O'Grady will serve as ARTBA chair during the 2026-2027 term.
Market Landscape
O'Grady's appointment signals a continuity in industry leadership at a time when major federal infrastructure projects remain a central focus for engineering firms. This strategic positioning aligns with ongoing efforts to maintain influence over long-term transportation policy and national project funding.
As the head of a major construction industry organization, O'Grady's policy priorities may indirectly influence the pace and scale of national transportation infrastructure projects. Members and stakeholders should monitor upcoming policy shifts that could impact project procurement and contracting standards.
The takeaway
O'Grady's transition to the chair position underscores the importance of long-term professional association involvement for industry leaders. His tenure will likely focus on leveraging historical task force experience to drive the association's agenda forward.
Further reading
For more on industry leaders, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Journal of Transportation | AJOT | 1-800-599-6358.
