Nefretiti Harrison

• Lead and supervise project teams conducting research on innovative financial strategies for transportation infrastructure, ensuring objective, authoritative, and timely analysis.
• Developed and advanced the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) initiative, refining financial tools and ensuring compliance with federal funding mechanisms.
• Presented at the Introduction to State Infrastructure Banks Webinar, educating stakeholders on financing strategies to accelerate project timelines and stretch public funds.
• Authored the SIB Summary Report, providing critical analysis to guide future promotion strategies.
• Co-developed the SIB Knowledge Hub, a centralized repository of best practices and real-world applications of innovative funding solutions.
• Planned and coordinated the first annual SIB Symposium in Austin, TX, securing expert speakers, refining agendas, and facilitating stakeholder engagement.
• Provided technical assistance and policy guidance on Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) financing, strengthening collaboration and oversight.
• Reviewed and provided feedback on GARVEE MOUs for U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and North Carolina, ensuring alignment with federal statutes and regulations.
• Organized GARVEE Finance training sessions for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, improving stakeholder understanding of GARVEEs as a financing tool.
• Supported Toll Credit Marketplace Exchange policy implementation and assisted New Hampshire DOT in TIFIA loan eligibility analysis.
• Advanced innovative grant matching strategies by leading development of the Innovative Matching Strategies Toolkit and training presentations for state DOTs.
• Oversaw development of Grants+, an online financial resource hub to streamline grant applications and improve accessibility for local governments.
• Conducted quality control reviews of funding and financing datasets, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
• Proposed enhancements to Grants+, including interactive tools to improve user experience.
• Provided ad hoc technical assistance to state DOTs, ensuring compliance with federal financial regulations and improving funding structures.
• Strengthened interdepartmental collaboration through monthly CFO roundtables and cross-office initiatives.

• Managed a portfolio of complex infrastructure finance projects, advising public and private stakeholders on federal credit programs and innovative financing mechanisms.
• Built long-term relationships with congressional staff, state/local officials, and project sponsors, proactively expanding engagement, and ensuring responsiveness to legislative priorities.
• Prepared briefing materials, testimony, and policy analyses for senior DOT leadership and congressional committees, translating complex finance issues into accessible formats.
• Coordinated multidisciplinary teams to address permitting, compliance, and financial structuring, ensuring projects advanced in alignment with federal policy objectives.
• Conducted lessons-learned analyses post-financial close, integrating improvements into future program protocols.

Key Accomplishments:

• Oversaw the development of highway and bridge projects totaling over $10 billion in federal financing.
• Drafted briefing materials used by the Secretary of Transportation in congressional hearings.

• Served as a liaison between DOT leadership and Congress, representing departmental positions in meetings with members, committees, and staff.
• Researched and analyzed congressional bills affecting transportation finance and policy, providing nonpartisan assessments to inform departmental responses.
• Drafted talking points, testimony, and briefing memos for congressional hearings, ensuring legislative relevance and clarity.
• Established and maintained relationships with congressional committees of jurisdiction, fostering trust and long-term collaboration.
• Coordinated intergovernmental affairs with federal agencies, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment on policy issues.

Key Accomplishments:

• Supported DOT leadership in over 50 congressional hearings and briefings.
• Developed legislative analysis that informed departmental positions on appropriations bills.