HNTB has appointed Phillip A. Washington as president of strategy and client service, markets and services, and senior vice president, strengthening the firm’s leadership and strategic capabilities across the transportation sector.
In his new role, Washington will work with HNTB’s transportation markets, services and offices to identify emerging opportunities, strengthen client relationships and support solutions for transportation agencies and infrastructure owners. His focus will include addressing changing demands driven by connectivity, infrastructure investment and evolving transportation needs.
Washington joins HNTB after serving as chief executive officer of Denver International Airport, where he oversaw one of the world’s busiest airports and a multibillion-dollar capital improvement programme focused on capacity, safety, customer experience and long-term growth.
Before leading Denver International Airport, Washington was CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro). He headed an 11,000-person organisation and helped advance major transit, highway and mobility investments across Los Angeles County. Earlier, he served as CEO of Denver’s Regional Transportation District, where he led the delivery of the FasTracks expansion programme and redevelopment of Denver Union Station.
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“Phil is one of the most respected and influential leaders in transportation,” said Mike Inabinet, 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.”
Washington brings more than two decades of transportation and public-sector leadership experience to HNTB. He was inducted into the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Hall of Fame in 2023 and previously served as APTA chair from 2014 to 2015. He has also received several industry honours, including APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation CEO of the Year award, the Women’s Transportation Seminar’s Honorable Ray LaHood Award and the Norman Mineta Award from the Mineta Transportation Institute.
A 24-year U.S. Army veteran, Washington retired as a Command Sergeant Major. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Columbia College and a master’s degree in management from Webster University. He also completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government programme at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.
