HNTB
Diana Mendes, AICP, Corporate President of Infrastructure and Mobility at HNTB, has been inducted into the College of Fellows of the AICP, the organization’s highest honor. The recognition honors planners whose careers have made “transformative contributions” to communities and the planning profession. Fellows are nominated by their peers and selected based on their sustained impact on the profession and the communities they serve.
Mendes has nearly four decades of experience guiding complex transportation initiatives that “strengthen mobility, support environmental stewardship and improve how infrastructure serves communities,” the firm noted. In her role at HNTB, she leads the firm’s national efforts to advance infrastructure and mobility solutions, working with transportation agencies to enhance planning, project development and delivery.
At HNTB, Mendes has helped shape the firm’s national approach to infrastructure planning and project delivery, establishing technical guidance, training programs and operational practices “that strengthen support for clients advancing major transportation initiatives.” Her leadership, the firm says, “has helped bolster HNTB’s role in working with agencies to navigate federal requirements.” Throughout the industry, her impact extends through national policy and professional development, including her work training more than 2,000 professionals through the National Transit Institute (NTI).
“I am deeply honored to be inducted into the College of Fellows alongside so many planners whose work has shaped our communities and profession,” Mendes said. “Planning plays a vital role in helping communities grow, adapt and thrive. This recognition reflects the many partnerships and collaborations that have advanced meaningful infrastructure solutions across the country.”
Mendes will be formally recognized as part of the 2026 Class of Fellows at the American Planning Association’s National Planning Conference in Denver on April 26, 2026.
Joanna M. Pinkerton, PE, has been named HNTB’s National Practice Leader for Digital Infrastructure Solutions. With more than 30 years of experience spanning infrastructure delivery, agency leadership and technology-enabled innovation, Pinkerton will lead the firm’s strategy, growth and delivery of integrated digital solutions. In this role, Pinkerton will partner with clients to use data intelligence and advanced technologies in planning, design, delivery and operations of their transportation programs.
Prior to joining HNTB in 2024, Pinkerton served as President and CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority. Under her leadership, the agency launched one of the nation’s first public mobility‑on‑demand systems and tested on‑demand technology for high‑capacity transit.
“I’m excited to continue building on HNTB’s industry leading work in digital infrastructure across all modes of transportation, focused on leveraging data, advanced analytics and emerging technologies to enable better outcomes for our clients, based on the needs of their agencies and communities,” Pinkerton said.
Pinkerton holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Ohio Northern University and is a professionally licensed engineer in Ohio.
Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International on Feb. 23 announced it has named Rod Malehmir, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Dr. Malehmir will lead the firm’s technology vision and initiative, “advancing the deployment of AI-powered digital solutions and translating advanced AI and digital capabilities into scalable, operationally embedded solutions that help clients modernize legacy environments, improve decision‑making and achieve measurable, mission‑critical outcomes in cost-efficient manners.”
These efforts, the firm says, “reflect Michael Baker’s long-standing commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions through its continuous pursuit of Technology, Differentiation, and Innovation (TDI).” In recent years, the firm has deepened its focus on and investment in technologies for the future, “methodically expanding its capabilities through internal incubation and strategic acquisitions.” As a result, the technology team now includes more than 400 top-tier professionals and continues to drive rapid growth across the firm’s technology platforms.
“Technology has always been at the heart of how we deliver excellence at Michael Baker International, and we have long embraced innovation to stay at the forefront of the AEC industry. As AI reshapes the landscape, our focus is on building advanced platforms that unlock new possibilities for our employees and create lasting impact for our clients,” said Michael Baker International CEO Brian A. Lutes. “I look forward to partnering with Rod as we embark on the next chapter of our technology journey—one that reimagines how we work, innovate and lead in service of our mission: We Make a Difference.”
As Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Malehmir will channel a “One Michael Baker” approach to advance the firm’s Vision 2030 goal of evolving into a next-generation, technology-driven engineering and consulting firm. He joins Michael Baker from Tetra Tech, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of AI & Digital Solutions. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physics with a focus on AI from the University of Alberta, as well as a Master of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
