HDR’s Avi Shah and Mat Olson Named to 2025 40 Under 40 by Mass Transit Magazine

HDR’s Avi Shah, P.E., and Mat Olson have been recognized by Mass Transit magazine as two of 40 outstanding young professionals who exemplify leadership in the North American public transit industry. This recognition honors professionals under 40 who have made significant contributions to public transportation through leadership, innovation and dedication to enhancing transit.

Shah manages major rail design projects as HDR’s transit section manager in Irvine, California. He leads technical reviews, backend funding coordination and risk management for more than a dozen Orange County Transportation Authority rail projects. His leadership during the emergency Cyprus Shores Track Stabilization Project in San Clemente was pivotal to developing a design solution that stabilized the cliff and reopened the tracks to restore critical rail service.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among so many talented professionals in the transit industry,” said Shah. “I’m proud to be part of an incredible team that works every day to transform lives in communities around the world.”

As a senior financial consultant, Olson is proficient in navigating funding and finance programs for transit, intercity rail, high-speed rail and freight rail clients and projects. Based in Sacramento, California, he is a member of HDR’s transportation funding and financing advisory services practice, which assists clients in addressing funding and financing challenges to make their projects possible. He also leads a team of infrastructure finance practitioners knowledgeable of California state policies and funding programs.

“It’s my passion to create multimodal transit networks that work for everyone,” said Olson. “This award recognizes the unique policy background of our team, which allows us to successfully advocate for funding projects within our communities.”

In addition to their work, both Shah and Olson actively mentor emerging engineers, contribute to industry organizations that advance transit accessibility and volunteer in STEM outreach events.

“Avi and Mat are at the forefront of public transportation,” said HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker. “Their commitment to delivering efficient and safe transit solutions at HDR sets them apart in our industry. We’re excited to see that their impact on improving communities is being recognized on a wider scale.”