Transportation, Civic Strategy Expert Roos Joins HDR

Kathryn Roos has joined HDR as a strategic consultant, advising transportation and government clients on navigating organizational challenges to deliver infrastructure initiatives.

Based in Washington, D.C., Roos will share her experience with programmatic efforts to help municipal, regional, and private transportation clients develop and implement new programs and project solutions that advance their agencies’ performance goals. 

Roos most recently served as deputy COO for the District of Columbia Department of Transportation. There, she spearheaded a customer-focused change management effort and led the district’s first public-private partnership, a $300 million streetlight conversion project that will convert 75,000 streetlights to LED.

With a background in municipal challenges and solutions, she also served as chief of staff for Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg when he was mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Buttigieg called her “my hyper-competent chief of staff” in his political memoir “Shortest Way Home.” Trained in architecture and with a master’s from Harvard in public administration, she has an understanding of the needs of civic projects.

“Kathryn brings the coveted experience of having led a major P3 procurement on behalf of a large transportation agency, successfully seeing it through to both political approval and financial close,” said Nathan Macek, HDR’s infrastructure finance director. “That track record is something we're looking forward to putting to work for our clients who are exploring how alternative contracting arrangements can support their needs.”

At HDR, Roos will help clients leverage opportunities, incorporate new financial methods, and strategize to optimize their operational and strategic plans. Her experience developing and implementing contracting tools will allow her to provide expert advice with real-world solutions to keep programs moving forward.

“With growing demand to make the most of available resources, and agencies across North America exploring new options for delivering transportation programs, Kathryn’s far-spanning experience and keen eye for strategy will be a valuable asset,” said Janet González Tudor, HDR’s transportation advisory services director. “We’re thrilled to have Kathryn join us at HDR as we provide the strategic advice our clients need to position themselves for success.”