Babatunde Tugbobo
Summary
With 16 years of experience in transportation planning, equity, and program management, I am dedicated to delivering proactive, empathetic, and holistic value. My expertise includes managing multimillion-dollar transportation infrastructure and grants administration programs, policy development, and strategic planning. I have a proven track record of spearheading critical initiatives at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) at FTA and FHWA. I have played a pivotal role in public transit systems and supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, putting people to work modernizing our infrastructure and making it safer, more sustainable, and more efficient.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Planner (Transportation)
USDOT - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
08.2023 - Current
- Serve as the primary liaison between FHWA, the Texas State Department of Transportation, and MPOs
- Oversee the Federal Aid Highway Program (FAHP) to ensure compliance with federal transportation planning requirements
- Actively participate in programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL), aligning FHWA goals with Texas State's specific transportation needs
- Ensure regular application and adherence to FHWA procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies before deciding on capital programs and resource allocation
- Demonstrated technical understanding of national transportation laws, contributing to informed decision-making and achieving program alignment
- Provided leadership, expert guidance, and oversight on regional planning for four MPOs
- Facilitated communication with all four MPO Executive Directors and their staff
- Addressed significant issues and challenges within the MPO areas
- Actively participated in joint certification reviews for Transportation Management Areas (TMAs) and enhanced certification process for non-TMA MPOs
- Supported the Federal Aid Highway Program (FAHP) by providing expert oversight to MPOs throughout the planning process.
Transportation Program Specialist
USDOT-Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Managed over $1 billion in FTA grants for the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and eight sub-recipients
- Ensured projects met federal compliance standards
- Provided technical assistance to FTA managers and executives
- Prepared technical, policy, and procedural guidance
- Responded to inquiries from transit agencies and other stakeholders
- Worked with grantees to optimize the grant process
- Revitalized the grant management process within FTA Region 1
- Collaborated with regional staff to revitalize the Regional Newsletter
- Engaged with grant recipients and conducted important presentations and meetings.
Transportation Analyst and Project Manager
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)
09.2008 - 08.2022
- Directed the review and processing of Federal Aid local project applications in the NYC metro area
- Facilitated the NEPA approval process
- Coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies on project management plans
- Provided leadership in project development and management
- Played a key role in facilitating the NEPA approval process
- Acted as the primary point of contact for NYSDOT
- Stepped up to help with the NYS Department of Labor's emergency response team during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Led community engagement and event planning initiatives.
Education
PhD in Town and Regional Planning -
University of KwaZulu-Natal
MSc in Transportation Studies -
Olabisi Onabanjo University
Postgraduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning -
Lagos State University
Skills
- Strategic Project Management
- Federal Grant Management
- Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building
- Public Speaking & Communication
- Regulatory Compliance
- Data Analytics & Evaluation
- Leadership & Team Building
- Technical Credibility
- Integrity and Honesty
- Flexibility and decisiveness
Honorsandawards
- 2024 FHWA Directors of Field Services (DFS) Mid-America Group Award -Recognized for excellence in grant management and technical review, awarded cash and time off.
- 2024 Individual Cash Award (RB) -For consistently meeting and exceeding performance goals at the FHWA Texas Division.
- 2024 Group Cash CH45 Award- For leadership in successfully executing the Office Retreat and Discretionary Grants Technical Reviews.
References
- Al Alonzi, Division Administrator, FHWA-TX Division, (512) 536-5902
- Edward Ofori, PE, Division Administrator, FHWA Virginia Division, (804) 775-3333
- Eric Papetti, Director of Planning & Program Development, FTA Region 1, (617) 494-3494
- Uchenna Madu, Director of Planning and Program Management, NYSDOT, (718) 482-4562
Timeline
Community Planner (Transportation)
USDOT - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
08.2023 - Current
Transportation Program Specialist
USDOT-Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
08.2022 - 08.2023
Transportation Analyst and Project Manager
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)
09.2008 - 08.2022
PhD in Town and Regional Planning -
University of KwaZulu-Natal
MSc in Transportation Studies -
Olabisi Onabanjo University
Postgraduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning -
Lagos State University
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