John R. Speed, PE is a Research Engineer with Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) in the Interdisciplinary Analysis Group. Current research focuses on topics relating to risk-based analysis, economics and infrastructure investment, and oversized and energy sector freight. His 39-year career encompasses over 22 years in the public sector including executive roles as Executive Director of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Odessa District Engineer for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Over the course of 17 years as a consultant, he delivered planning, design, and construction services for transportation infrastructure projects, primarily through alternative delivery methods such as design-build (DB) and public-private partnerships (P3). Holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station and an MA in Political Science/Public Management from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and is a professional engineer in Texas and New Mexico.Recent Professional AccomplishmentsTransformed TxDOT’s Odessa District from a rural district into a unique hybrid district that increasingly addressed rapidly evolving transportation needs generated by energy industry growth in the Permian Basin. Led the staff in delivering designs for construction projects valued at $1.5 billion (+336%) and a planned combined project portfolio of $5.2 billion (+287%). Current construction load is $900 million; projects valued at $920 million have already been completed.Accelerated key safety projects, contributing to a two-year (2019-2020) 33% reduction in traffic fatalities. Other Professional AccomplishmentsManaged procurement efforts using alternative financing methods such as design-build and public-private partnerships; quality control and assurance programs for design and construction projects; and independent engineering oversight on both public projects and public-private partnerships.Managed feasibility and cost studies for both tolled and non-tolled roadways; preliminary design and schematics for transportation facilities; and construction plans and specifications for roadway, bridge, drainage and transit projects.Developed and implemented TxDOT’s first professional development program for the graduate and professional engineers.Participated in data collection for the Strategic Highway Research Program. Served as engineering advisor to the Governmental Accounting Standards Board on the Infrastructure Asset Reporting Standard (GASB 34) for roads and bridges.