WTS International named HDR, a consulting firm, Employer of the Year for 2026.

The award recognizes HDR’s commitment to advancing women and developing a diverse workforce in an inclusive and collaborative environment. The sustained commitment is evidenced by HDR’s focused professional development and leadership advancement programs, as well as steady growth in the proportion of women in the firm’s transportation practice, said WTS officials.

Exemplary Inclusion

WTS officials said the company and its leaders provide meaningful pathways for industry growth through external scholarship, internship, and mentorship programs that help women enter the field and develop their careers. For example, HDR’s annual scholarship program includes a college scholarship and paid internship, with the potential for HDR employment after graduation. And as a Pinnacle Partner of WTS, HDR sponsors two scholarships for transportation students through the organization.

HDR champions work-life balance initiatives, including flexible workplace practices, family-friendly policies, and a women’s networking group, said officials.

“As a broad-based, employee-owned firm, HDR values our culture of collaboration and inclusivity across regions and offices,” said HDR Transportation President Tom McLaughlin. “We value our long-term partnership with WTS, working together on mentorship, scholarship programs, and industry engagement. Thank you to WTS for leading the way in advancing women in the transportation industry.”

HDR, WTS Partnership

HDR has long been involved with WTS and its mission.

The firm is a proud Pinnacle Partner of the organization, and more than 250 employees across North America are engaged in WTS, where over 50 serve in chapter leadership positions. Multiple HDR employees have served as chair of the WTS International Board and as members of its executive committee.

The national honor follows multiple selections of HDR in recent years as Employer of the Year by regional WTS chapters, including groups in Greater New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Greater Chicago, Salt Lake City, Colorado, and Orange County, California, among others.