Tom O'Grady Named ARTBA Chair for 2026-2027 Term
The HNTB executive will lead the trade group as it navigates national transportation policy priorities.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
Tom O'Grady, president of HNTB, has been elected as the 2026-2027 chair of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. He assumed the role during the organization's national convention in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Why it matters
O'Grady's leadership marks a continuity of industry-focused advocacy for infrastructure firms, as he leverages his experience from the 27-member ARTBA Reauthorization Task Force to shape organizational goals.
O'Grady, who has spent 34 years at HNTB, takes on the one-year leadership role following his previous work chairing the 27-member ARTBA Reauthorization Task Force.
The players
Tom O'Grady
The president of HNTB who has spent 34 years at the infrastructure firm and now serves as chair of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.
American Road & Transportation Builders Association
A national trade association that represents the U.S. transportation construction industry and advocates for infrastructure funding and policy.
HNTB
A major infrastructure solutions firm providing planning, design, and program management services for transportation projects across the United States.
The details
Elected during the national convention in Kohler, Wisconsin, O'Grady now leads the association as it sets its agenda for the 2026-2027 term. He will oversee five organizational priorities, drawing on his deep experience with internal association committees. His background includes prior roles as the Meetings Taskforce Chair and Membership Development Committee Chair, providing a foundation for his current oversight of the trade group's national strategy.
Timeline
2017: O'Grady served as Meetings Taskforce Chair.
2020-2024: O'Grady served as Membership Development Committee Chair.
Sept. 27-30, 2026: The ARTBA national convention was held in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Sept. 30, 2026: O'Grady outlined organizational priorities at the board meeting.
2026-2027: O'Grady will serve his term as ARTBA chair.
Market Landscape
O'Grady's appointment signals a focus on legislative continuity following his tenure on the ARTBA Reauthorization Task Force. This alignment reflects a broader trend of industry leaders moving from specific policy task forces into central governance roles to ensure long-term stability.
Operators in the infrastructure sector should monitor the five priorities O'Grady set, as they will likely dictate the lobbying focus and regulatory challenges for the coming year. Firms should prepare for potential shifts in ARTBA's advocacy positions regarding upcoming transportation policy.
The takeaway
The appointment of a long-term HNTB executive to chair the ARTBA suggests a push for stability in infrastructure advocacy through the next two years. Operators should track the official release of the association's five-point priority list to determine if their own firm's regulatory concerns are covered.
Further reading
For more updates on industry leadership and executive moves, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Journal of Transportation | AJOT | 1-800-599-6358.
