Respected transportation executive brings decades of experience leading major transit, aviation and infrastructure agencies and helping advance innovation across the transportation industry

DENVER, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Phillip A. Washington has joined HNTB as president of strategy and client service, markets and services, and senior vice president, further deepening the firm's leadership in the transportation industry.

"Phil is one of the most respected and influential leaders in transportation," said Mike Inabinet, PE, president of markets and services at HNTB. "His successful track record of leading organizations, shaping policies and building lasting relationships across our industry will help advance client programs while bringing valuable perspective on the ideas, innovations and investments shaping the future of transportation."

In his new position, Washington will collaborate with professionals across HNTB's transportation markets, services and offices to identify emerging opportunities, strengthen strategic client engagement and help advance solutions that address the evolving needs of transportation agencies and infrastructure owners as they navigate an increasingly connected and rapidly changing transportation landscape.

Washington most recently served as chief executive officer of Denver International Airport, where he led one of the world's busiest airports and oversaw a multibillion-dollar capital improvement program focused on capacity, customer experience, safety and long-term growth. Prior to Denver, he served as chief executive officer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where he led an 11,000-person organization responsible for the largest modern public works program in North America and helped advance major transit, highway and mobility investments throughout Los Angeles County. Earlier in his career, he served as chief executive officer of Denver's Regional Transportation District, leading delivery of the FasTracks expansion program and the redevelopment of Denver Union Station.

"I've spent my career in public service and transportation, focused on bringing people together to solve complex challenges and create meaningful outcomes for communities," Washington said. "As I considered the next chapter of my career, what drew me to HNTB was its culture, its people and its longstanding leadership in helping clients deliver some of the industry's most significant programs. HNTB is helping lead on the most important projects and conversations shaping the future of the industry, and I look forward to working alongside our exceptionally talented professionals to build on that legacy while creating new opportunities for our clients and communities."

Throughout his career, Washington has been recognized for both industry leadership and public service. He was inducted into the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Hall of Fame in 2023 after previously being named Outstanding Public Transportation CEO of the Year in North America by APTA. He also served as chair of APTA from 2014-2015. In 2018, he received the Honorable Ray LaHood Award from the Women's Transportation Seminar for his contributions to helping advance and advocate for women in the transportation industry. In 2017, Washington was awarded the prestigious Norman Mineta Award from the Mineta Transportation Institute in recognition of his leadership in the transportation industry.

A 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Washington retired with the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest noncommissioned officer rank achievable by an enlisted soldier. He is a disabled veteran and holds a bachelor's degree in business from Columbia College and a master's degree in management from Webster University. He also is a graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School for Senior Executives in State and Local Government.

About HNTB

For more than a century, HNTB Corporation has been at the forefront of designing and advancing transportation infrastructure that enhances mobility and improves local communities. With client relationships spanning decades, we understand infrastructure life cycles and have perspective and experience to solve the most complex technical, financial and operational challenges with vision and imagination. As employee owners committed to excellence, we prioritize client success while delivering a full spectrum of infrastructure-related services. Discover HNTB's Spark at www.hntb.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram.   

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SOURCE HNTB Corporation