HDR’s Ben Claus Selected for 2027 Leadership APTA Class
HDR’s Ben Claus has been chosen for the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2027 Leadership Class, a program that develops experienced leaders in public transportation.
Based in Pittsburgh, Claus serves as HDR’s transit lead for Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Delaware. Drawing on 20 years of professional experience, he helps advance transit infrastructure for major agencies while also providing leadership and mentorship to staff and clients. His work spans the planning, development and delivery of transit projects that improve rider experiences and benefit the communities they serve.
“Leadership APTA will challenge me to grow as a leader while expanding my understanding of the issues and opportunities shaping public transportation,” Claus said. “Collaborating with a diverse cohort of industry professionals for an entire year is a valuable opportunity, and I will take this opportunity to learn from their experiences while sharing my own.”
Leadership APTA is one of the transit industry's flagship professional development programs. The 12-month program accepts only 30-35 participants each year and is designed to develop and support experienced managers and leaders aspiring to executive and senior leadership positions in the industry. The intensive program includes skill-building workshops, conferences, executive roundtables, team leadership projects and online meetings.
HDR has a longstanding relationship with APTA, with multiple employees having participated in and graduated from the Leadership APTA program. Transit planners Brian Kim and Jorge Luna are HDR’s most recent graduates, finishing their term as Claus begins his.
“Ben’s blend of hands-on transit operations, consulting experience and his ability to build strong teams and client relationships makes him an integral member of our transit practice,” said HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker. “His commitment to listening to clients and understanding their unique needs helps them advance infrastructure improvements that support reliable service for riders and communities. Those qualities will serve him well in Leadership APTA.”
The full 2027 class was introduced Oct.3 at an event facilitated by the current leadership class. Meetings and workshops begin in December.
