Nationally recognized transportation leader to guide strategy and help clients advance passenger rail, transit and multimodal transportation programs
ARLINGTON, Va. (Sept. 10, 2026) – Henrika Buchanan has been named HNTB’s transit and rail market sector leader. With more than 27 years of transportation leadership experience, Buchanan will guide the firm’s strategy, growth and service for transit and rail clients, collaborating with division, office and practice leaders across the firm to align capabilities, support client priorities and advance HNTB’s commitment to delivering integrated solutions across the full spectrum of transit and rail infrastructure.
“Henrika’s ability to connect industry, policy and business perspectives, combined with her understanding of the opportunities and priorities shaping transit and rail agencies, has made her one of the most respected voices in the industry,” said Mike Inabinet, PE, president of markets and services at HNTB. “Throughout her career she has brought together industry leaders and fostered collaborative partnerships that have helped advance some of the transportation industry’s most significant projects and programs. Her experience, perspective and collaborative approach make her exceptionally well positioned to lead our transit and rail market sector into the future.”
Prior to joining HNTB in 2021, Buchanan served in several senior leadership positions within the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), including associate administrator for transit safety and oversight and chief safety officer. During her federal service, she helped lead national transit safety, capital investment and program oversight initiatives while overseeing major federal funding and recovery programs.
Since joining HNTB, Buchanan has played a key role in building on the firm’s longstanding leadership in the transit and rail industry, providing strategic counsel to clients and supporting a variety of complex transportation programs.
“As transit agencies, passenger rail operators and transportation leaders navigate changing funding environments, evolving customer expectations and growing infrastructure needs, the opportunity to help shape the future of mobility has never been greater,” Buchanan said. “HNTB’s depth of industry experience and technical expertise is unmatched, and I look forward to working alongside our team and clients to shape the next generation of transportation systems that connect people, expand opportunity and support long-term economic growth.”
Buchanan was recognized in 2023 as one of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials Women Who Move the Nation, which highlights female leaders in transportation for their excellence, innovation and dedication to the transportation industry.