Chief Transportation Officer

Mackenzie Eason & Associates has been retained by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) to recruit their next Chief Transportation Officer. Reporting to the Executive Director and working with the Transportation Policy Council (TPC), the new Chief Transportation Officer will lead, develop the vision and long-term plan, and work with the TPC and staff to effectively lead transportation policy and capital projects in the region.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) presents a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Chief Transportation Officer. As the leader of one of the nation's largest and most dynamic Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), you will have the chance to shape the future of transportation for over 7 million residents across an expansive and diverse region. This role requires a strategic thinker, a collaborative leader, and an innovator capable of addressing the region's unique transportation challenges and opportunities.

ABOUT H-GAC

H-GAC serves a 12,500-square-mile region, encompassing 13 counties and over 7 million residents. The organization operates as a voluntary planning and problem-solving forum for local governments, managing regional programs focused on transportation, air quality, economic development, workforce development, community and environmental planning, emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, and more. The MPO housed within H-GAC oversees the planning and programming of billions of dollars in transportation investments annually, including the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Chief Transportation Officer will lead the metropolitan planning and analysis division, which includes the transportation department and the Data Analytics & Research department. Reporting to the Executive Director of H-GAC and accountable to the TPC, the role oversees a division organized into two departments and ten units, with an annual operating budget of over $40 million and a total headcount of over 120 employees. Programming responsibilities range from $700 million to $1 billion annually.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Vision: Implement the priorities of the Transportation Policy Council; set a clear strategic vision for the region's transportation future; lead a large multidisciplinary team; and develop the next generation of leaders while establishing H-GAC as a national-caliber MPO.

Strategic Delivery: Increase regional funding and ensure efficient use of resources; enhance the timeliness and transparency of project selection and programming; support robust quality assurance practices; and integrate large-scale infrastructure projects into regional planning.

Collaboration and Communication: Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, TxDOT leaders, local governments, and advocacy groups; clearly articulate complex transportation processes; and represent the organization at public meetings, legislative hearings, and networking events.

Transportation Expertise: Extensive experience in transportation planning, capital projects, and policy development, with knowledge of MPO operations and the dynamics of TxDOT and federal transportation systems.

Innovation and Adaptability: Embrace creative problem-solving and modern approaches to transportation challenges; promote pilot testing of new technologies for mobility, air quality, and traffic safety.

Team Development: Invest in staff growth through succession planning, training, and professional development; recognize team contributions; and support the team in high-pressure situations.

Political and Cultural Savvy: Navigate the complexities of regional and state politics with diplomacy and strategic insight.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or other related field; a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in progressively responsible professional work directly related to regional planning, public service, and infrastructure/economic development planning, with at least five (5) years in a management capacity focused on transportation; and experience in a consensus building environment with proven leadership in achieving results.

Preferred: Master's Degree in a related field; executive level experience in a public service organization; over ten (10) years of management experience; understanding of traffic and drainage infrastructure; ability to work with a diverse population; proven experience leading a large organization through transformation and/or natural disasters; and experience with the structure of MPOs in the State of Texas and the operations of TxDOT.

All employees of H-GAC are required to reside within the agency's region of service. H-GAC is an equal opportunity/ADA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or protected veteran status.