Experienced transportation agency leader brings expertise in program management, stakeholder coordination and project delivery
CHICAGO – (Oct. 8, 2026) – Laura Thompson, PE, has joined HNTB’s Chicago office as deputy program manager. Thompson brings more than a decade of owner-side experience helping transportation agencies enhance coordination, improve project delivery and advance complex infrastructure programs through strategic leadership and stakeholder collaboration.
“Laura understands how successful programs are built, from establishing effective processes and partnerships to bringing together the right people to achieve shared goals,” said Anne Sheahan, HNTB’s Illinois office leader and vice president. “Her ability to align priorities, foster collaboration and organizational capabilities helps clients throughout project delivery.”
Prior to joining HNTB, Thompson spent more than a decade with the Illinois Tollway, where she provided program-level oversight for systemwide consulting contracts, supported agency standards and specifications, and helped advance training, coordination and process improvement initiatives. She also worked closely with industry partners, including the Illinois Department of Transportation, ACEC Illinois and Illinois Road & Transportation Builders Association, to support collaboration across the transportation industry.
Her experience includes leadership roles on the Central Tri-State Project, including the interchange improvements on I-294 at I-290 and I-88 and the I-294 Mainline Reconstruction and Widening Project. She also helped support statewide Building Information Modeling implementation efforts and other initiatives focused on digital delivery, process modernization and organizational effectiveness.
“Laura is passionate about helping teams work more effectively and creating opportunities to share knowledge and best practices across organizations,” Sheahan said. “Her commitment to collaboration and professional development reflects HNTB’s culture and the value we bring to our clients.”
Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a master’s degree in civil engineering from North Carolina State University. She is a registered professional engineer in Illinois and is active in the American Society of Civil Engineers and American Council of Engineering Companies.