Collaborative, client‑focused leader to guide growth and delivery of tailored digital transformation across transportation
ARLINGTON, Va. (Feb. 23, 2026) – Joanna M. Pinkerton, PE, has been named HNTB’s national practice leader for Digital Infrastructure Solutions. With more than 30 years of experience spanning infrastructure delivery, agency leadership and technology-enabled innovation, Pinkerton will lead the firm’s strategy, growth and delivery of integrated digital solutions. In this role, Pinkerton will partner with clients to use data intelligence and advanced technologies in planning, design, delivery and operations of their transportation programs.
“Joanna has been instrumental in digital infrastructure and how it can deliver safer, more resilient and responsive infrastructure solutions,” said Michael Inabinet, PE, HNTB’s president of markets and services. “As demand accelerates for integrated digital strategies, her client-focused approach and deep understanding of the evolving landscape will be invaluable to delivering customized solutions that leverage innovative tools and technology to expand and enhance mobility.”
Prior to joining HNTB in 2024, Pinkerton served as president and chief executive officer of the Central Ohio Transit Authority. Under her leadership, the agency launched one of the nation’s first public mobility‑on‑demand systems and tested on‑demand technology for high‑capacity transit.
“I’m excited to continue building on HNTB’s industry leading work in digital infrastructure across all modes of transportation, focused on leveraging data, advanced analytics and emerging technologies to enable better outcomes for our clients, based on the needs of their agencies and communities,” Pinkerton said.
Pinkerton holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Ohio Northern University and is a professionally licensed engineer in Ohio.
HNTB’s digital infrastructure solutions practice supports the full life cycle of technology‑enabled transportation infrastructure, from digital strategy and planning to implementation, operations and long‑term asset management. The team has worked on, or is currently involved with, major projects nationwide, including the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Ancillary Structures Program, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s Autonomous Mobility Service, Ohio Department of Transportation’s Advanced Air Mobility Framework, San Francisco International Airport’s Electrification and Sustainability Planning, Virginia Department of Transportation’s I-95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension.