Arlington, Va. – September 16, 2026 -- HNTB Corporation has appointed Henrika Buchanan as its transit and rail market sector leader, tasking her with steering strategy and client service across the firm's passenger rail, transit and multimodal transportation programs.
Buchanan brings 27 years of transportation leadership to the role
Buchanan joined HNTB in 2021 after holding senior posts at the Federal Transit Administration, including associate administrator for transit safety and oversight and chief safety officer. In those federal roles, she oversaw national transit safety, capital investment and program oversight initiatives, including major federal funding and recovery programs.
HNTB executive cites her role in advancing major transportation programs
Mike Inabinet, PE, president of markets and services at HNTB, said Buchanan has fostered collaborative partnerships that helped advance some of the industry's most significant transportation projects. He said her ability to connect industry, policy and business perspectives makes her well positioned to lead the sector.
New leader points to shifting funding and infrastructure demands
Buchanan said transit agencies and passenger rail operators are navigating changing funding environments, evolving customer expectations and growing infrastructure needs. She said the opportunity to shape the future of mobility has never been greater, citing HNTB's technical expertise as a differentiator for clients.
Buchanan was honored in 2023 for transportation leadership
In 2023, Buchanan was named one of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials' Women Who Move the Nation, an honor recognizing female leaders for excellence and innovation in the transportation industry. In her new role, she will collaborate with division, office and practice leaders across HNTB to align capabilities with transit and rail client priorities.