Seasoned industry professional brings diverse skillset in business and communication strategy
ATLANTA (Jan. 21, 2025) – Melissa Mullinax has joined HNTB as a vice president and business development officer supporting the firm’s Southeast Division and Corporate Communications team.
Mullinax is a strategic thinker with 25 years of experience building and leading world-class public affairs operations to drive business growth and improve communities. “We are excited to welcome Melissa’s unique understanding of the public-private landscape as well as her deep knowledge of the transportation industry,” said Doug Allen, HNTB’s southeast division president. “Melissa understands HNTB’s approach to solving complex infrastructure challenges, and her keen insights into how to shape public conversation and build strategic partnerships will deliver value for our clients.”
Before joining HNTB, Mullinax served as the chief of staff and chief administrative officer at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), one of the top ten largest transit agencies in the country and recently named Transit Agency of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association. Mullinax led multiple departments, including Government Affairs, Marketing and Communications, Labor Relations and Diversity and Inclusion. Prior to her time at MARTA, Mullinax served as senior advisor to two Atlanta mayors, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mayor Kasim Reed. Under Mayor Reed’s leadership, Mullinax led the effort to annex Emory University, the City’s largest expansion in over 60 years and the successful 2016 sales tax transit referendum.
Mullinax serves on the Board of Directors for the WTS Foundation, the charitable arm of WTS International, which promotes equity and access for women in the transportation industry. Mullinax is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Atlanta. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Agnes Scott College. Mullinax is located in HNTB’s Atlanta office.