Trusted transportation leader brings 30 years of experience advancing complex corridor and infrastructure programs across Illinois
CHICAGO – (Oct. 1, 2026) – Tom Hough, PE, has joined HNTB’s Chicago office as project director and associate vice president. Hough brings 30 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex transportation programs across Illinois, guiding major highway corridor and infrastructure projects from planning and design through construction.
“Tom offers a thoughtful, collaborative approach to program delivery, connecting the right expertise to each project and helping teams apply lessons learned from one phase of a program to the next,” said Anne Sheahan, HNTB’s Illinois office leader and vice president. “His ability to align stakeholders, develop practical solutions and assemble the right resources helps clients keep critical initiatives moving forward while building long-term value across their programs.”
Prior to joining HNTB, Hough supported corridor-wide decision-making and program delivery for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s I-290 corridor program, helping coordinate multiple consultant teams and concurrent projects across one of Illinois’ most complex transportation corridors. His experience also includes leadership roles on the I-80 reconstruction from Chicago Street to U.S. 30 in Joliet, the I-57 interchange reconstruction at Illinois Route 17 in Kankakee, and the Illinois Tollway’s Elgin-O’Hare Western Access Program, including the Illinois Route 390 and I-490 corridors and the I-490/I-90 system interchange near O’Hare International Airport. Throughout his career, Hough has helped transportation agencies navigate complex challenges, align stakeholders and advance some of Illinois’ most significant transportation investments.
“Tom understands that successful programs are built not only through technical excellence, but also through strong teams,” Sheahan said. “His commitment to mentoring others, developing talent and fostering collaboration reflects the culture we strive to build at HNTB and strengthens our ability to serve clients for years to come.”
Beyond his project work, Hough has been actively involved with industry organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers; the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association Design, Construction & Research Committee Contract Plan Quality Subcommittee; the ACEC Illinois Tollway Committee and the Illinois Tollway Industry Co-Op.
Hough earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a registered professional engineer in Illinois.