In this series event, Kristin White, Acting FHWA Administrator, will discuss the importance of technology and innovation in transportation and how we can use human centered design focusing on the lived experience of communities to improve the transportation system for the future. How do we meaningfully engage communities in our work? How do we know our investments in transportation needs are positively impacting community outcomes? How can we keep up with the pace of change? How can governments, nonprofits, and the private sector collaborate with communities to scale innovation? Kristin will discuss FHWA’s mission and values and how research, technology, innovation, and workforce development is at the heart of how we remain responsible stewards of the transportation system long into the future.
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About the speaker: Kristin White currently serves, since September 11, 2024, as the Acting Federal Highway Administrator at the USDOT, helping to lead an organization that is dedicated to making transformational investments in improving safety, mobility and innovation for the millions of people who use our nation’s roads, bridges, and highways. Appointed in May 2024 as Deputy Administrator, Kristin brings a passion for serving the American people and a commitment to building a better and brighter future, while advancing the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration and delivering a world-class system that advances safe, efficient, equitable, and sustainable mobility voices for all while strengthening the Nation’s economy.

Prior to her current role as Deputy Administrator, Kristin joined the Agency in July 2023 as FHWA Chief Counsel, playing a pivotal role in advising FHWA senior leadership and staff in advancing key FHWA programs and initiatives as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As FHWA Chief Counsel, she oversaw all aspects of FHWA’s legal work to advise the federal-aid highway program and USDOT leadership on matters relating to the 2,900-person agency and its $71 billion annual budget. In this role, Kristin served as part of the FHWA senior leadership team and led professionals in four offices across the country, providing legal advice and strategic guidance on grant and program administration, federal legislation, regulatory affairs, environmental compliance, and all related litigation.

Prior to joining FHWA, Kristin served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), a nonprofit founded by Congress to advance safety and mobility through transportation technology and innovation. She also previously was the co-founder and Executive Director of Minnesota’s Office of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV-X), one of the nation’s leading tech startups and idea incubators within government that researches and deploys transformational technology and policy.

Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College, a law degree from Hamline University School of Law and global arbitration certification from Queen Mary University of London. She is originally from the Black Hills of South Dakota and lives in Washington D.C. with her Westie, Teddy.