Award celebrates local women who inspire others through their vision and leadership
DETROIT (Feb. 14, 2025) – HNTB’s Dorinda McCombs, practice consultant and associate vice president, has been recognized as a 2025 Women of Excellence Honoree by the Michigan Chronicle.
For over a decade, the Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence Awards have celebrated the achievements of African American women who demonstrate excellence in their fields and make a profound difference in their communities. Honorees are trailblazers whose influence continues to drive progress and inspire future generations.
“Dorinda’s recognition as a Women of Excellence Honoree highlights her dedication to progress and meaningful change,” said Scott Shogan, HNTB’s Michigan office leader and senior vice president. “Her work inspires those around her and reflects HNTB’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
McCombs joined HNTB in 2023 as a transit and controls practice consultant, bringing over 25 years of experience leading innovative infrastructure projects. Her impressive career includes serving as chief capital planning and project delivery officer for the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, where she led the development of the long-term Capital Improvement Plan.
Additionally, as the senior director of capital programming for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, McCombs played a pivotal role in project controls, systems integration, asset management and expansion initiatives. Notably, McCombs helped MARTA become the first U.S. transit agency certified in strategic transit asset management. She also developed advanced asset management programs, such as the Michigan Department of Transportation’s ancillary structures initiative, and guided the Central Ohio Transit Authority’s LinkUS initiative, which was recently approved in the November 2024 levy vote.
The Michigan Chronicle will host an Awards and Induction Ceremony on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Huntington Place in Detroit. The ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s honorees and their collective impact on industries and communities throughout the region.