Building a Better Future Through Transportation

Kara Komp is a project manager in HNTB’s Chicago office, where she is a key player in the transit and rail industry and serves as deputy program manager for the largest project in Chicago Transit Authority history: the Red Line Extension. Recognized for her leadership and dedication to bettering communities through transit, Komp was recently named to Mass Transit’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024. The award highlights her deep engagement within the transportation industry and her commitment to turning plans into reality. Komp shares her journey, the lessons learned along the way and her vision for the future of transportation.

Can you share some of the factors that contributed to your advancement at HNTB?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my profession is the power of perseverance. There have been moments where I’ve been met with obstacles that seemed insurmountable. However, my team and I overcame these challenges by digging deep to find new solutions. This is key — find the way through because it makes for the most rewarding endings. In part because of this perseverance, I now help to lead HNTB’s program management team to ensure we deliver on a deeply significant equity investment on Chicago’s South Side: the Red Line Extension (RLE).

What is the impact of the Red Line Extension on Chicago's community?

The RLE is a rail line extension on Chicago’s Far South Side, which is a largely economically disconnected area of more than 100,000 residents, with 25% of whom live below the poverty level.

Infrastructure shapes our world in so many ways — it unlocks opportunities, whether it's getting to work reliably, spending more time with family or accessing shopping centers, health care, education and other essential services. This project will provide greater accessibility and mobility, directly investing in Far South Side neighborhoods.

While the project is just starting construction, its potential to catalyze real estate development and economic growth in the area is significant. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive changes this project will bring.

Infrastructure shapes our world in so many ways — it unlocks opportunities, whether it's getting to work reliably, spending more time with family or accessing shopping centers, health care, education and other essential services.

– Kara Komp
Program Manager

What do you enjoy most about working at HNTB?

One of the reasons HNTB is a great place to work is because it allows employees to carve out areas of expertise that most resonate with them. For me, this has centered around transit financial strategies.

Another reason I’m happy to be at HNTB is the firmwide collaboration. The firm encourages collaboration across different teams. I appreciate that HNTB allows me and my teammates to create opportunities to develop new relationships. This sense of connection makes us stronger together.

What motivates you to be a leader not only within HNTB, but within the broader industry?

I’m deeply motivated by continuous learning. For example, I was involved in American Public Transportation Association’s Emerging Leaders Program, which gave me insights into project implementation strategies, particularly from the perspective of public agencies. Experiences like these have strengthened the connection between my private sector experience at HNTB and my previous work in the public sector. I’m grateful that HNTB is supportive of employee involvement in industry organizations and our communities.

What advice do you have for early career professionals?

Embrace humility, dedication and a strong team spirit. I’m particularly drawn to working with individuals who take radical accountability, are eager to learn and want to positively influence others.

It is so rewarding to be able to offer opportunities and the right support to the next generation of leaders as they grow into their careers. For example, I’ve had the chance to mentor individuals who excelled because they were given a chance to prove themselves and were supported along the way.

My advice to young professionals is to stay open to new opportunities, even if they deviate from your original career plan. The path you end up on might differ from what you initially envisioned. Those unexpected turns can lead to incredible opportunities.

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