ARTBA chairman Zachry prioritizes highway bill, training, grassroots activism

Sources: American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Washington, D.C.; CP staff

Upon his election as 2015-16 chairman, David Zachry told members that ARTBA will remain laser-focused on ensuring a long-term Highway Trust Fund fix and Congressional approval of a multi-year bill boosting federal surface transportation investment; advocate for increased federal investment in airport construction; and, build “Transportation Makes America Work” lobbying and advocacy communications program participation.

Addressing ARTBA’s annual convention in Philadelphia, the chief executive officer of San Antonio-based Zachry—parent company of Capitol Aggregates—also indicated commitment during his term to a) expanding association training initiatives through development of accredited, national road and bridge safety certification programs; b) implementing Young Executive Leadership Task Force report recommendations aimed at more fully engaging the next generation of industry leaders; and, c) advancing professional development and recruitment efforts to draw more women to transportation construction careers.

With nearly 30 years in heavy/civil and commercial work, Zachry is the grandson of H.B. “Pat” Zachry, who in 1924 founded a company that would grow to be a Texas construction fixture. The ARTBA chairmanship follows David Zachry’s terms a senior vice chairman, first vice chairman and vice chairman at-large, and is concurrent with his chairing of the Construction Industry Ethics & Compliance Initiative steering committee. He holds civil engineering and masters of business administration degrees from Texas A&M University and University of Texas, respectively.

Joining him as 2015-16 ARTBA officers are Lane Construction Corp. CEO Bob Alger, senior vice chairman; AECOM Executive Vice President Matt Cummings, first vice chairman; and, Summit Materials CEO Tom Hill, treasurer. Newly elected regional or at-large vice chairmen include representatives from companies with integrated construction materials and road building operations: W.W. Clyde & Co. President Jeff Clyde, Martin Marietta Materials CEO Ward Nye, Kiewit Infrastructure Group President Scott Cassels, and Granite Construction Senior Vice President Mike Donnino. Peter Ruane retains his long-time post as ARTBA staff president and chief executive officer.