Highway funding, training programs top priorities for ARTBA Chairman Zachry

Upon his election as 2015-16 American Road & Transportation Builders Association chairman, David Zachry told members the group 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.

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2015-16 Chairman David Zachry

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 construction fixture in Texas and beyond. Zachry Corp. is known for building technically unique, large-scale projects around the country with high integrity and innovation. Highways, bridges, waterways, museums, music halls, hotels, and hospitals are among the company’s many projects that provide noteworthy infrastructure solutions. With a flagship cement mill in San Antonio, the company’s Capitol Aggregates subsidiary is a mainstay in Texas heavy building materials.

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 also serves on the Texas A&M Civil Engineering Advisory Council, and the Southwest Research Institute and Associated General Contractors of America boards. He holds civil engineering and masters of business administration degrees from Texas A&M University and University of Texas, respectively.

Joining Zachry 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.