Longtime Kentucky transportation leader to expand HNTB’s impact across the state
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2026) – HNTB has named Eric Pelfrey, PE, Kentucky location leader and vice president. In this role, he will lead the firm’s strategic growth in the state, including strengthening and expanding client relationships, employee development and the delivery of transportation infrastructure solutions that serve local communities.
Pelfrey joins HNTB with more than 20 years of transportation leadership experience and a deep understanding of Kentucky’s transportation landscape, having spent his career building strong partnerships and advancing infrastructure programs throughout the state. Most recently, Pelfrey served as director of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Professional Services, where he led statewide consultant services operations and worked closely with transportation agencies, industry partners and stakeholders to support project delivery across Kentucky.
“Eric’s extensive transportation leadership experience, deep understanding of Kentucky’s infrastructure priorities and longstanding relationships throughout the transportation community make him an excellent fit to lead our efforts across the state,” said Kelli McNamara, HNTB’s Indiana office leader and vice president. “I am excited to welcome Eric to HNTB and look forward to the leadership and perspective he will bring to our clients, employee-owners and the community.”
Eric Morris, HNTB’s Great Lakes Division president, added, “Eric has earned a strong reputation throughout Kentucky’s transportation community, and I’m confident he’ll help us build on the strong foundation we’ve established across the state.”
Throughout more than two decades in the transportation industry, Pelfrey has worked with public-sector leaders, consultants and industry organizations to help advance transportation investments and strengthen project delivery. His experience spans transportation program management, stakeholder engagement, organizational leadership and infrastructure policy, providing him with a broad perspective on the opportunities facing Kentucky’s transportation network.
“I’ve always believed that successful transportation investments are built on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to serving communities,” said Pelfrey. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join HNTB and work alongside our clients and team members to help deliver infrastructure improvements that will benefit Kentucky for years to come.”
A licensed professional engineer in Kentucky, Pelfrey earned a Master of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky.