Joanna M. Pinkerton joined HNTB as a national practice consultant and sr. VP, supporting efforts to deliver digital infrastructure solutions to the firm’s clients.

In this role, Pinkerton will serve as a subject matter expert to clients who are advancing programs focused on digital transformation of public infrastructure, including integration of artificial intelligence, use of advanced analytics, and how technology can be deployed to serve communities more efficiently.

“Joanna’s understanding of the pace of change within the transportation industry due to the rapidly evolving landscape around technology and innovation, and how agencies are addressing that change will provide invaluable insights to our clients,” said Mike Inabinet, HNTB central U.S. president. “Her expertise as a transportation agency executive, along with her leadership in ITS America and the Transportation Research Center in Ohio will help us continue exceeding our client’s expectations through the delivery of customized digital infrastructure solutions that expand and enhance mobility in our local communities.”

Pinkerton Brings a Wealth of Experience to HNTB

Prior to joining HNTB, Pinkerton served as the president and CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), where she led a strategic planning process that resulted in an initiative to invest in a multibillion-dollar program to advance rapid transit corridors, add high-speed data networks in addition to road and highway improvements.

During her time at COTA, the agency also launched one of the nation’s first public mobility-on-demand systems in addition to launching and testing of on-demand technology for high-capacity transit lines.

Prior to that, Pinkerton served as COO at Transportation Research Center Inc., the largest independent automotive providing ground and vehicle development and testing center in the Americas. She remains active with Transportation Research Inc., currently serving as vice-chair of its board of directors.

Pinkerton is active in the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA), currently serving as chair of ITSA’s board of directors. She also is a committee member for both ITS America’s automated vehicles and emerging technologies standing committees.