AASHTO Journal - Shepherd Named Executive Director of FHWA

The U.S. Department of Transportation has appointed Gloria Shepherd (seen above) as the executive director of the Federal Highway Administration. She will be the first woman and the first African American to hold this position at FHWA.

[Above photo by the FHWA]

Since 2007, Shepherd has served as FHWA’s associate administrator for planning, environment, and realty – providing strategic oversight and executive leadership to help accelerate project delivery, promote environmental justice and stewardship, and reduce transportation’s carbon footprint on the national highway system.

Prior to becoming an associate administrator, Shepherd served for eight years as director of the FHWA’s Office of Planning.

Before joining FHWA, she served in executive level positions with the Maryland State Highway Administration and the New York Department of Transportation.

Shepherd – a member of the New York State Bar – earned a law degree from Georgetown University, a doctorate of jurisprudence from Albany Law School, and a doctorate of arts from the University at Albany.

“From her work at the Maryland and New York, to more than two decades at FHWA, Gloria has dedicated her extraordinary career to serving the traveling public,” said USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement.

“We are lucky to have her expertise, insight, and dedication as we work to modernize our nation’s roads, bridges, and highways to serve the American people now and for generations to come,” he added.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the next executive director of FHWA,” Shepherd noted. “It does not fall short on me the enormous responsibility that comes with the position. I am grateful that history has allowed me to fulfill the dreams of my parents and relatives who have gone on and bent their shoulders low, so I could stand on them in this position of public service.”

“Gloria Shepherd has spent her career working to make communities stronger and more connected through transportation,” noted Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

“AASHTO has had the good fortune of working with her for years and we’ve all seen her passion and drive to make sure everyone has safe and equitable mobility options throughout her decades of public service,” he added. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with FHWA through Gloria’s leadership.”