OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ben Pierce, industry expert in the emerging field of autonomous and connected vehicles, has joined HDR as AV/CV program manager.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Pierce joins HDR as a national thought leader drawing on more than 25 years of transportation technology experience. Prior to joining HDR, he led Battelle’s transportation business line, focusing on developing these technologies and leading multiple research and development, task-order contracts with the United States Department of Transportation.
Pierce’s vision and understanding of transportation technology made him a key contributor to Columbus, Ohio’s successful Smart City Challenge application. Columbus bested six other cities and secured a $40 million grant from USDOT, as well as $10 million from Vulcan and $90 million in other public and private funds.
“Technologies in the transportation industry are advancing at remarkable speeds and will accelerate during the next five years,” Pierce said. “HDR is well positioned to advance these technologies because they will be implemented at the state and local level, where HDR has the commitment and history of supporting client agencies as a trusted partner.”
An Ohio native, Pierce earned his bachelor’s in mathematics and master’s in statistics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Research, development and deployment of AV/CV technologies comprised much of his work for the past decade. His experience includes research, development and prototypes of connected vehicle and dynamic-mobility applications on behalf of USDOT. His notable USDOT research projects include: Transit Safety Retrofit Package; Transit Bus Stop Pedestrian Warning; and Response Emergency Staging and Communications Uniform Management and Evacuation.
Pierce’s arrival at HDR coincides with the firm’s efforts to develop tools that will help transportation agencies understand scenarios associated with the inevitable changes technology will bring. These tools will allow agencies to assess smart technologies before integrating them into their strategic planning, according to Bernie Arseneau, HDR director of traffic management systems.
“Ben’s hands-on experience with the nuts and bolts of automated-vehicle technology complements our understanding of technology’s role in shaping the future of smart infrastructure,” Arseneau said. “Ben will help HDR bring even greater value to our clients as they plan for technology’s impacts on their communities.”
About HDR
HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what's possible since 1917. We specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. With nearly 10,000 employees in more than 225 locations around the world, we think global and act local.
