HDR Names New Leader of Global Transportation Program
Tom McLaughlin will focus on building innovative, collaborative community-focused transportation solutions.

Tom McLaughlin
Tom McLaughlin has been named president of HDR’s global transportation program. He succeeds former President Brent Felker, who retired at the end of 2020.
McLaughlin currently serves as an executive vice president at HDR, and will be responsible for developing and guiding the program’s long-term strategy to meet the evolving and complex needs of the company's public and private transportation clients.
During his nearly three decades in the industry, McLaughlin has built a strong record of success as a project manager, project principal, and business leader. He previously served as HDR’s U.S. Northeast regional director of operations, helping the company increase its presence in the region significantly, including more than tenfold growth in the New York metropolitan area.
Before joining HDR 18 years ago, McLaughlin worked as a consultant and for the New York State Department of Transportation. He played a key role in many notable projects during his tenure in the Northeast, including work on the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Program in New York and New Jersey, Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion in Virginia, the MTA Open Road Tolling Program, and the NY MTA Central Business District Tolling Program.
HDR’s global transportation program is designed to help clients plan for the future of mobility to improve the development and operation of transportation systems worldwide. From digital delivery and the integration of new technologies to designing and managing complex multi-million dollar programs, HDR’s teams are working on critical, groundbreaking infrastructure projects including the Los Angeles International Airport Automated People Mover P3 project, Austin Capital Metro’s Project Connect transit program, the Pennsylvania DOT Digital Delivery Directive 2025, and the new Ontario Subway Line in Toronto, Canada.
More Management

Massachusetts Approves $530M to Strengthen MBTA Operations, Infrastructure
The funding package targets operating stability, capital improvements, and fare affordability, offering a model for agencies navigating long-term funding challenges.
Read More →
LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year
Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.
Read More →
DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO
Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Read More →
AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders
The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.
Read More →
California High-Speed Rail Authority Signs MOU to Advance High Desert Corridor
The agreement deepens collaboration between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency, supporting design integration, cost savings, and faster delivery of a key Southern California rail link.
Read More →
Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit
In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.
Read More →
NJ TRANSIT Secures Capital Funding, Adopts FY2027 Budget
The budgets continue investments in infrastructure and equipment to maintain the system in a state of good repair and enhance the overall customer experience.
Read More →
Federal Railroad Administration Study Finds Upgrades Could Boost Penn Station Capacity by One-Third
The study outlines a roadmap for increasing train throughput while preparing Penn Station for future growth across the Northeast Corridor.
Read More →
Austin Transit Partnership Selects Stadler to Manufacture Light Rail Vehicles
The award marks the conclusion of a series of major procurements over 18 months, as outlined in ATP’s delivery plan, and keeps Austin Light Rail on track.
Read More →