Honorees recognized for their positive impact and investment in their communities
COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 29, 2026) – HNTB‘s Sarah Lee, Ohio office leader and vice president, has been selected as a 2026 Woman of Influence by Columbus Business First.
This award recognizes women who are trailblazers, visionaries and leaders making a significant impact on Central Ohio’s business landscape. The honorees are selected for their exceptional leadership, business acumen, mentorship and community involvement.
“I am honored to be recognized alongside such an accomplished group of women leaders,” Lee said. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the people and organizations I have had the privilege of working with throughout my career. Together, we are helping shape infrastructure investments that connect communities, support economic development, and create opportunities across Ohio.”
As Ohio office leader for HNTB, Lee leads multidisciplinary teams across the state to help advance some of Ohio’s most significant transportation and infrastructure initiatives. Known for her strategic leadership and policy expertise, Lee has strengthened relationships with longstanding clients while helping expand HNTB’s presence in emerging sectors, including Ohio’s municipal market. Her work focuses on improving mobility, supporting economic growth and creating lasting value for communities across Ohio.
Among Lee’s most notable accomplishments is her leadership in advancing transformative infrastructure initiatives across Ohio’s three largest metropolitan regions. She helped lead governance, financial and technical oversight efforts for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project in Cincinnati, one of the nation’s most significant transportation investments, while also playing a key role in HNTB’s involvement in the North Coast Connector project in Cleveland and the LinkUS program in Columbus.
Throughout her career, Lee has helped shape Ohio’s infrastructure industry through her commitment to inclusive economic development, mentorship and leadership. Prior to joining HNTB, she served as Ohio’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program manager at the Ohio Department of Transportation and worked directly with state and federal transportation agencies. Today, that experience informs her efforts to ensure major infrastructure investments create meaningful opportunities for small and emerging businesses while fostering broader economic growth and community development.