Distinguished transportation executive and former Federal Highway Administration leader brings decades of planning, policy and program expertise.
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2026 — Gloria M. Shepherd, Esq., has joined WSP in the U.S., one of the world’s leading professional services firms, as national planning and project delivery strategic advisor as part of WSP’s Advisory and Planning team. She is based in Washington, D.C.
In her new role, Shepherd provides strategic counsel on complex transportation and infrastructure initiatives, strengthens relationships with public-sector clients and industry partners and supports planning and project delivery efforts that advance mobility, sustainability, resilience and community outcomes across the U.S.
“Gloria is widely respected across the transportation planning and program delivery industry,” said Steve Buckley, national planning leader, WSP in the U.S. “Her distinguished public service record, deep understanding of transportation policy and ability to build strong partnerships across agencies and stakeholder groups make her an invaluable addition to our team.”
Shepherd joins WSP after more than three decades of leadership in transportation planning, program management and public policy. Most recently, she served as executive director of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), helping oversee the administration of more than $350 billion in federal highway programs and working closely with state departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations, tribal governments, local agencies and national transportation partners.
Prior to serving as executive director, Shepherd was FHWA’s associate administrator for planning, environment and realty for more than 15 years, leading national transportation planning, environmental stewardship and project delivery programs. During her tenure, she advanced initiatives focused on long-term infrastructure performance, community connectivity, complete streets, performance-based planning and accelerated project delivery.
Shepherd also played a key leadership role in implementing major federal transportation legislation and national infrastructure investment programs. As a U.S. delegate and executive committee member of the World Road Association, she helped shape transportation policy and practice at both the national and international levels.
“Gloria’s experience and insight will help our clients navigate increasingly complex challenges,” said Jannet Walker-Ford, Advisory and Planning business line executive, WSP in the U.S. “Her deep understanding of federal policy, planning and program delivery will be a tremendous asset as we move critical infrastructure priorities from vision to implementation.”
Shepherd earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from St. John Fisher College; a master’s degree in English from the College of St. Rose; a doctoral degree in humanistic studies from the State University of New York at Albany; a juris doctor from Albany Law School; and a master’s degree in international law from Georgetown University Law Center. She is a member of the New York State Bar.
Her professional honors include the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service, the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal and the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary’s Outstanding Achievement Gold Medal Award.
WSP’s planning professionals provide integrated planning, advisory and project delivery services that help clients address complex transportation, infrastructure, environmental and community development challenges. The team supports clients from vision and strategy through implementation, delivering practical solutions that strengthen communities and infrastructure.
About WSP in the U.S.
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in more than 50 countries and employs approximately 83,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. WSP in the U.S.’s team of approximately 27,000 professionals pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects across the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors.
