Maggie Adams Promoted to HDR Community Transportation Strategy Director

Maggie Adams has been named HDR’s community transportation strategy director, strengthening the firm’s leadership in community-centered transportation. 

With more than two decades of experience at HDR, Adams has led complex transportation and urban development initiatives with a strong focus on community outcomes and meaningful engagement. As a senior transit planner, she has aligned policy, funding and long-term goals to deliver strategies that resonate with residents, stakeholders and elected leaders, with expertise spanning transit-oriented development, anti-displacement approaches and high-stakes public decision-making.  

Based in Washington, D.C., Adams will lead and expand HDR’s community transportation strategy practice, working across markets and services to deliver client-driven, community-centered solutions. Adams will guide program leadership, strengthen project delivery and business development, and foster deep engagement with clients and communities while advancing technical excellence and staff growth.  

“What inspires me most is the chance to support and extend the community-driven approaches our teams are already leading throughout HDR,” said Adams. “I’m thrilled to collaborate across sectors and offices, elevate best practices, and help grow a program that strengthens how we serve our clients and communities.” 

Adams served as project manager for the Central Ohio Transit Authority’s LinkUS action plan for transit-oriented development, guiding collaboration among government agencies and community partners to shape future bus rapid transit corridors and station areas. She was also the primary author of Nashville’s voter-approved “Choose How You Move” Transportation Improvement Program, crafting a people-first narrative that helped secure funding for sidewalks, transit and safety improvements. Across these and many other efforts — from statewide bus system redesigns to successful federal grant strategies — Adams consistently translates technical analysis into practical, community-centered solutions that deliver lasting value for clients and the communities they serve.

“Maggie’s leadership reflects the best of HDR,” said HDR Transportation Advisory Services Director Janet González-Tudor. “She has a strong ability to bring people together, align around a shared vision and deliver solutions that make a meaningful difference for communities.”