HDR Expands Highway Program with State DOT Leader

Victoria Sheehan joins HDR to direct global highway program with 3,500 employees

HDR Hires Sheehan to Lead Global Highway Program

Victoria Sheehan has joined HDR as Highways and Roads Director, bringing over two decades of public transportation leadership experience to the engineering firm. Based in Washington, D.C., she'll oversee more than 3,500 global employees who provide services to transportation clients worldwide. The appointment positions HDR to expand its highway program under Sheehan's direction, officials said.

Extensive State DOT Leadership Background

Sheehan's background includes seven years leading the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and 10 years at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. From 2020 to 2021, she served as President of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Her experience spans both state-level transportation operations and national policy development, providing a comprehensive understanding of highway program needs.

Oversight of Comprehensive Highway Services

In her new role, Sheehan will set the vision and direction for continued growth and delivery of HDR's highway program. The services under her oversight include funding navigation, stakeholder engagement, program development, design, and construction management. HDR's highway team provides diverse services to transportation clients worldwide, though specific details about current projects or revenue figures weren't available. Sheehan holds a master's degree in structural engineering and architecture from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Transition from Public to Private Sector

The move represents a shift from public sector leadership to private consulting, where Sheehan will apply her regulatory and operational knowledge to client projects. Officials didn't specify when she officially started in the position or what prompted her departure from the Transportation Research Board. The appointment comes as engineering firms compete for talent with deep public agency experience who understand both technical requirements and policy frameworks.

Industry Leadership Experience Applied to Consulting

Transportation agencies working with HDR will benefit from Sheehan's extensive network and understanding of state DOT priorities, officials said. Her background leading a state transportation department and serving as AASHTO president provides insight into the challenges facing highway agencies nationwide. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for transit systems worldwide, helping riders navigate transportation networks efficiently.