Gloria M. Shepherd

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Gloria M. Shepherd is the Acting Deputy Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a role in which she leads the delivery of world-class highway and street programs that advance safe, efficient, equitable, and sustainable mobility choices for all while strengthening the Nation's economy.

Ms. Shepherd is responsible for guiding FHWA as it administers more than $350 billion as part of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. That includes formula and competitive grant programs with new funding and programs available to a range of grant recipients, including state departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, tribes, territories, and federal land management agencies.

Ms. Shepherd brings over 23 years of extensive and varied experience with FHWA, in which she has produced a track record of success and a proven ability to produce results, develop effective national partnerships and coalitions, and open doors through her mentorship for future leaders within DOT. She is the first woman and the first African American in FHWA's history to serve as Executive Director.

Prior to this appointment, Ms. Shepherd served as FHWA's Associate Administrator for Planning, Environment, and Realty since 2007. In this position, Ms. Shepherd provided strategic oversight and executive leadership to advance national transportation initiatives to accelerate project delivery, promote environmental justice and stewardship, and reduce transportation's carbon footprint on the national highway system. In addition, Ms. Shepherd has tirelessly championed agency workforce development, awards and recognition programs, and work life balance.

Prior to becoming an Associate Administrator, Ms. Shepherd served for 8 years as the Director, Office of Planning where she was the principal advocate for metropolitan and statewide planning and programs. Before joining FHWA, she served in executive level positions with the Maryland State Highway Administration and the New York Department of Transportation.

Ms. Shepherd earned a Master of Law degree from Georgetown University, Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from Albany Law School, and her Doctor of Arts from the University at Albany (SUNY). She is a member of the New York State Bar and enjoys hiking and running.