Transportation policy and federal funding strategist brings experience spanning public agencies, rail and major infrastructure initiatives
ARLINGTON, Va. (May 1, 2026) – Sean Winkler has joined HNTB as practice consultant and associate vice president in the firm’s Advisory practice and Capital Region office. In this role, he will partner with clients to develop federal funding strategies, advance government affairs initiatives and strengthen organizational planning to position projects for successful funding and delivery.
“Sean brings a strong understanding of how public agencies can align policy, funding strategy and stakeholder engagement to move complex infrastructure priorities forward,” said Michael Voinis, PE, HNTB Capital Region office leader and senior vice president. “His experience across state government, federal advocacy and transportation policy will add immediate value for our clients as they pursue funding opportunities and deliver important projects.”
Before joining HNTB, Winkler served as senior policy advisor in the Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary’s Office. In that position, he advanced strategic plans, major project development, socio-economic initiatives and government relations on behalf of the secretary. He also led multimodal and multijurisdictional efforts that secured nearly $1 billion in discretionary funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Previously, Winkler served as vice president at a government relations firm, where he advised transit agencies, intercity rail corridors and local governments on federal policy, advocacy and competitive funding strategy. He also led the formation and day-to-day operations of the California Intercity Rail Corridors Linking Everyone coalition, helping unite state partners around a shared federal advocacy strategy.
Winkler holds a graduate certificate in sustainable transportation: planning and livable communities from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. His work has been recognized with the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Employee of the Year award in 2025, the Federal Highway Administration Maryland Division’s Partner in Quality award in 2023 and Progressive Railroading’s Rising Star distinction in 2021.