Watts to oversee HNTB’s Bartow, Chipley, Tallahassee and Tampa locations

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 22, 2025) – HNTB has announced Jason Watts, AICP, as the new office leader for its West Florida office, overseeing the firm’s Bartow, Chipley, Tallahassee and Tampa locations.

Watts most recently served as HNTB’s North Florida group director in Tallahassee where he led significant team expansion and achieved a 44% increase in employee growth. Since joining HNTB in 2021, he has contributed to several high-profile infrastructure initiatives, including the Tampa Bay Next Westshore Interchange and the Sanibel Island Causeway emergency repair project. He currently serves as program director for innovative delivery on the Moving I-4 Forward Program, where he has championed alternative delivery models across Florida.

“Jason is known as a problem solver and consensus builder,” said Doug Allen, HNTB’s Southeast Division president. “He leads with a client-service mindset and focuses on building a strong foundation of leaders and high-performing teams. His impact in North Florida has been remarkable, and we’re excited to see him bring that same energy and vision to his new role as West Florida office leader.”

Watts brings more than two decades of experience in transportation and infrastructure, including leadership roles in environmental planning and program management. Prior to joining HNTB, he served as an environmental advisor on the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Major Mobility Investment Program.

“I’m honored to take on this new role and continue building on the great work happening across West Florida,” said Watts. “Our teams are passionate about delivering transformative infrastructure solutions, and I look forward to supporting their growth and success.”

Watts holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from United States Military Academy at West Point and a Doctor of Law from Florida State University. He also is an AICP-certified planner.