Dive summary:

Frederick G. "Bud" Wright, who has held several positions within the Federal Highway Administration, including chief operating officer, will take the role of executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Wright, whose academic training is in economics rather than in engineering, succeeds John Horsley, who is retiring.

The new director has been in the private sector for several years, working as a consultant to Lindsay Transportation Solutions/Barrier Systems, Inc.

From the article:

"Wright's proven leadership in critical areas such as transportation safety, policy and legislation, budget, and financial oversight will be extremely beneficial to AASHTO as it works with our membership and lawmakers to shape the next surface transportation authorization bill."