AASHTO Elects Russell McMurry as President: Infrastructure Focus

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Russell McMurry, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, has been elected the 2025-2026 President of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The election took place last week at AASHTO’s Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, marking a significant leadership transition for the influential national organization.

McMurry’s extensive career with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) began in 1990 as an engineering intern. Over the years, he ascended through various leadership positions, including chief engineer, before being appointed GDOT’s planning director by then-Governor Nathan Deal. In 2015, Georgia’s State Transportation Board recognized his leadership by appointing him as the Commissioner of the Georgia DOT.

AASHTO Leadership and Strategic Vision

Prior to his election as president, McMurry held significant roles within AASHTO, demonstrating his deep commitment and understanding of the association’s mission. He served a seven-year tenure as AASHTO’s treasurer and contributed to the Council on Highways and Streets. Furthermore, he chaired the Transportation Policy Forum and the Strategic Management Committee, underscoring his influence on shaping transportation policy and strategic direction.

“AASHTO has been instrumental throughout my career, and I’m honored to serve as its president,” McMurry stated in a press release. His immediate focus will be on supporting state Departments of Transportation in their critical role of delivering safe, efficient, and multimodal transportation systems. A key priority will be preparing for the upcoming federal surface transportation reauthorization, a crucial legislative process that impacts funding and policy for infrastructure nationwide.

Industry Implications

McMurry’s election signifies a commitment to continuity and strategic growth within AASHTO. His extensive experience at both the state and national levels positions him to effectively advocate for the needs of state DOTs amidst evolving transportation challenges, including technological advancements, climate resilience, and funding mechanisms. CEOs and senior executives across the railway sector and broader transportation infrastructure industries will view this leadership change as a signal of continued focus on essential infrastructure development and policy advocacy that will shape the future of national and state transportation networks.