Chief Transportation Officer- Houston-Galveston Area Council

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. About The Houston‑Galveston Area Council (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. It manages 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. It includes managing the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), and working closely with stakeholders such as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), local transit agencies, and the Transportation Policy Council (TPC). Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) within H‑GAC As the federally designated MPO for the eight‑county Houston‑Galveston metropolitan region, H‑GAC is responsible for regional transportation planning. The MPO’s primary functions include developing the RTP, a long‑range blueprint for transportation investments, and the TIP, a short‑term plan detailing projects approved for federal funding over the next four years. In addition to thousands of miles of roadways, H‑GAC’s region includes some of the nation’s largest and most active ports, massive petrochemical facilities, substantial rail networks, major airports, and an extensive maritime shipping network. Key Projects and Initiatives North Houston Highway Improvement Project: A planned reconstruction of Interstate Highway 45 north, between downtown Houston and the North Sam Houston Tollway, estimated to cost over $13 billion. H‑GAC, through the MPO, is responsible for programming this project in the TIP as approved by the Transportation Policy Council. 2045 Regional Transportation Plan Update: An ongoing effort to guide major transportation investments through the year 2045, addressing the needs of over 7.2 million people in the region. Safety Action Plans: H‑GAC is developing a regional safety action plan and 11 local safety action plans with a goal to reduce fatalities and serious injuries. These plans align with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program and the National Roadway Safety Strategy. Transportation Policy Council (TPC) The TPC serves as the policy‑making body for the MPO, providing guidance and approval for regional transportation plans and programs. It comprises local elected officials, representatives from transportation agencies, and other stakeholders, ensuring that transportation planning aligns with regional priorities and needs. The Opportunity The Chief Transportation Officer will lead the metropolitan planning and analysis division. The division includes the transportation department, a team of dedicated professionals responsible for planning, funding, and implementing innovative transportation solutions in the Houston‑Galveston Metro area. The Chief Transportation Officer also oversees the Data Analytics & Research department, which supports local policymakers and planning programs by providing travel demand models, socio‑economic forecasting, growth projections, and Geographic Information System (GIS) data. It manages the region’s official demographic, housing, economic, employment, business, and environmental data. Role Overview Reporting to the Executive Director of H‑GAC and accountable to the TPC, the Chief Transportation Officer will oversee and guide a comprehensive and highly impactful division within H‑GAC. This division is organized into two departments and ten units, each addressing critical aspects of the region’s transportation and data analytics needs, with an annual operating budget of over $40 million and a total headcount of over 120 employees. Key areas of work include: Unified Work Program – A two‑year MPO plan outlining specific goals and objectives. Regional Transportation Plan (20‑Year Plan) – Updated every two years to guide long‑term transportation investments. Transportation Improvement Program – A short‑term program detailing projects approved for federal funding. Congestion Management – Developing strategies to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. Transportation Conformity – Ensuring transportation projects align with air quality standards. Transform Regional Transportation Address critical challenges such as congestion, traffic safety, freight movement, and air quality. Spearhead the development and implementation of cutting‑edge technologies and strategies to improve mobility. Ensure efficient and effective use of funding, with programming responsibilities ranging from $700 million to $1 billion annually. Champion Strategic Vision and Leadership Set the vision for the region’s transportation future by engaging with stakeholders, funding partners, and community leaders. Build and lead a talented team, fostering professional growth and innovation. Establish H‑GAC as a national leader in transportation planning and project delivery. Build Meaningful Partnerships Collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders, including county and city leaders, TxDOT, federal agencies, transit providers, and advocacy groups. Represent H‑GAC in public forums, legislative hearings, and national conferences. Foster a culture of collaboration and transparency to achieve consensus on transportation priorities. Key Challenges The next Chief Transportation Officer will step into the role at an important moment for H‑GAC and the region. Immediate priorities include completing the Regional Transportation Plan and managing the next Transportation Improvement Program. The role also requires activation and institutionalization of new systems, continued building of leadership capacity, and balancing continuity with forward momentum while navigating a politically sensitive environment. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will be an innovative leader who can analyze and solve complex problems with multiple considerations, including political, financial, regulatory, and technical. The candidate will have a background in transportation and proven experience inspiring and leading a team of dedicated professionals who have answered the call to public service by recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent. Attributes of a Successful Candidate Diplomatic approach to identifying win‑win opportunities to resolve conflicts over controversial projects. Proven ability to build relationships and alliances based on trust. Candid and transparent communication style. Ability to achieve consensus across a spectrum of interests and priorities. Ability to articulate complex concepts in a clear and straightforward manner. Applies a forward‑thinking approach to long‑term planning, with an emphasis on innovation and technology. Energetic and effective listener. Ability to recognize and pursue opportunities to expand services and establish our agency as a leader. A practical thinker, motivator, able to collaborate with team members, leaders, and stakeholders to produce exceptional quality output and drive creative solutions to maximize federal and state funding for our region. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Vision Implement the priorities of the Transportation Policy Council with confidence and integrity. Set a clear and strategic vision for the region’s transportation future by actively engaging with stakeholders, peers, and funding partners. Lead a large, multidisciplinary team to execute planning and service programs supported by an annual operating budget of approximately $40 million and programming responsibilities of $700 million to $1 billion annually. Develop the next generation of leaders, fostering team cohesion and morale while establishing H‑GAC as a national‑caliber MPO. Strategic Delivery Increase regional funding and ensure existing resources are utilized efficiently. Enhance the timeliness and transparency of project selection and programming processes. Support robust quality assurance practices to improve project approval timelines and build stakeholder confidence. Integrate large‑scale infrastructure projects, such as coastal protection and port expansion, into regional planning efforts. Collaboration and Communication Build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including elected officials, TxDOT leaders, local governments, and advocacy groups. Clearly articulate complex transportation processes and requirements to a broad audience. Represent the organization at networking events, public meetings, and legislative hearings, providing expert testimony as needed. Foster a presence within the community through field visits and proactive relationship building. Transportation Expertise Extensive experience in transportation planning, capital projects, and policy development. 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 initiatives. Recognize and celebrate individual and team contributions, valuing the diverse skills within the department. Take responsibility for decisions 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. Leverage political relationships effectively to advance transportation priorities. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or another related field of study. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience 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. Experience in a consensus‑building environment with proven leadership in achieving results. Preference Will Be Given To Applicants That Possess Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or another related field of study. Executive level experience in a public service organization. Over ten (10) years of management experience. Understanding of transportation and drainage infrastructure. Ability to work with a diverse population. Proven experience leading a large organization through transformation and/or natural disasters. Experience and/or familiarity with the structure of MPOs in the State of Texas and the approaches and operations of the Texas Department of Transportation. H‑GAC Equal Opportunity Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Houston-Galveston Area Council