The IRF Board of Directors has bestowed the prestigious IRF Personality of the Year Award on Victoria Sheehan, Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (USA).

The Personality of the Year Award has been conferred since 1951 to recognise eminent professionals with an outstanding track record of leadership and commitment to the transport sector. Over the years, the award has distinguished some of the world’s most influential leaders for the impact that their work has had in supporting the development of safer and more sustainable transport networks that leave no-one behind.

“Victoria truly embodies the values that guide and inspire the work of our Federation: pragmatism, optimism, and a profound commitment to working in partnership with others to advance innovation and impact” commented Dimitris Mandalozis, President of the International Road Federation. “Her work has greatly helped foster collaboration across government agencies, the private sector, and academic institutions worldwide, thereby improving transportation systems both in the U.S. and globally. This accolade crowns an exceptional career and recognises her important contribution as a thought leader” he added.

Thanking the IRF for this recognition, Victoria Sheehan said: “I’m honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award. IRF and TRB have a strong partnership, with both organisations advocating for transportation solutions that provide access and sustainable mobility for all.  Since joining TRB in 2022, I have enjoyed collaborating with IRF and have welcomed the opportunities to expose their membership to the work of TRB.”

Victoria Sheehan, a Structural Engineer with a master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh, has dedicated her career to advancing sustainable transport systems. At the Massachusetts DOT, she led strategic planning, highway performance, and the $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program. Later, as head of the New Hampshire DOT, she developed its Ten-Year Plan for sustainable transport. In 2020–2021, Sheehan became the second woman to serve as President of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in its 108-year history. Mrs Sheehan also plays an active role as board member in several key organisations in the sector