Wineski Named to APTA Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2027

Developing Future Transit Leaders Through Industry Collaboration

Dedicated transit planner and aspiring project manager, Olivia Wineski, AICP, is HDR’s most recent professional named to the American Public Transportation Association’s Emerging Leaders Program. Over the next year, she will gain diverse insight into public transportation, collaborate with fellow professionals and learn from experienced project managers, positioning her for a successful career in shaping the transit industry.

Wineski, based in Atlanta, is one of 36 transit professionals selected for the 2027 class. The nearly year-long program begins in late June at APTA’s Rail Conference and concludes with a graduation ceremony at the APTA Mobility Conference in May 2027. Throughout the program, Wineski will participate in skill-building workshops, roundtable sessions, online collaboration and mentorships with some of the industry’s most accomplished leaders.

“My passion for expanding public transit has been the significant driver of my career and encouraged me to seek out this program,” Wineski said. “I look forward to strengthening my transit planning skillset over the next year to better serve the agencies that keep our country moving.”

Wineski is adept at learning new concepts, managing projects, and overseeing tasks and project deliverables. She’s led concept development discussions as task lead and deputy project manager for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s Top End 285 bus rapid transit (BRT) concept design project. Currently, she serves as deputy project manager for the Greensboro Gate City BRT feasibility study and the Huntsville Transit-Oriented Development project. A member of APTA’s Small Operations Committee, she is also active in Atlanta chapter of Young Professionals in Transportation.

“Olivia’s experience growing up in the rural South has shaped her career and drive to expand equitable and accessible mobility for all,” said HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker. “It has made her an asset to HDR, and I know it will benefit her in this program as she supports clients of all sizes with innovative transit solutions.”

Wineski’s acceptance into APTA’s Emerging Leaders program adds her to a growing list of HDR participants in the program — four in the last five years — including Transportation Engineer Adam Borsch who graduated in May 2026.