Tom Shook Brings Passion, Client Focus and Expertise as HDR’s New Bus Rapid Transit Leader

Tom Shook has been appointed HDR’s bus rapid transit leader.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Shook has been with HDR for over six years, during which time he’s served as a project manager and the northwest BRT lead. He is concluding the Mill Plain BRT project in Vancouver, Washington, where he and his team helped C-TRAN expand its BRT network while improving upon the design. He also has public and private sector experience that give him a well-rounded view of clients’ needs.

In this role, Shook will be responsible for providing strategic guidance for the BRT practice group. He’ll work with clients to deliver industry-leading BRT services, and he’ll work with staff to increase HDR’s skillsets in BRT.

“Tom’s passion for BRT — as a mode of transportation and as a driver of equity in communities — makes him well-suited to this role,” said Global Transit Director Tom Waldron. “It’s an exciting time for BRT, with its usage growing across the United States and globally. Tom will help us identify new trends and provide unrivaled support to clients, while maintaining our leadership and best practices in BRT design.”

Shook has touched more than a dozen BRT projects in all phases, from planning and design to construction and commissioning, in locations across the country including Portland, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Albuquerque, Orlando and Los Angeles.

“I’m excited to bring all of our BRT specialists and subject matter experts together to tailor the right solutions for our clients,” Shook said. “I’m committed to project success in many forms, whether helping our clients secure federal and local funding, driving collaboration with partnering agencies, or leaning on best practices and lessons learned from other projects — improving livability through transit access and mobility.”