Deep Southern roots

Growth is often considered the ultimate measure of success. But for Tennessee, one of America’s fastest-growing states, rapid expansion has brought a new set of challenges.

Thanks to its unique geography, located within a day’s drive of more than half of the United States, it has secured prestigious status as a logistics hub. However, aging infrastructure, mounting congestion and unprecedented demand mean this status comes at a cost.

With infrastructure needs estimated at more than US$87 billion, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has been forced to rethink not only how projects are delivered, but also its entire structure.

For Commissioner Will Reid, the answer has been to build an organization capable of keeping pace with the state’s remarkable trajectory.

“I want this to be the best department of transport in the nation,” he tells The CEO Magazine. “The way we do that is we deliver what we say we’re going to deliver and we deliver it on time.”

It’s a commitment to public service that is deeply personal for Reid, who was raised in a family where hard work and community were non-negotiable values.

“I’m a native Tennessean, born and raised here,” he says. “We have deep Southern roots and, like my dad, I had a desire for public service. It wasn’t what we set out to do initially, but it was just something we were drawn to.

“We’re just down-to-earth Southern people who care about the place we live and want to help our community succeed.”

Service with purpose

After many years in the private sector, Reid brought his desire to make an impact to TDOT, where more than a decade of service culminated in his appointment as Commissioner in 2025.

“Whether you’re CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a US$3 billion public agency, you still have a responsibility to your stakeholders,” he points out.

“The public sector doesn’t get enough credit for the amount of work that they do, but they’re extremely valuable in playing a role in everyday Americans’ lives.”

That sense of responsibility is reflected in Reid’s approach to leadership. Heavily influenced by his time playing competitive sport and his strong family values, he’s a firm believer in collaboration.

“But I’m not afraid to make the decision when it’s time to make the decision,” he says. “I also want to develop people. I want to develop the next person who has this job.”

As Tennessee continues to grow, this idea of legacy becomes even more important, he insists.

“We’ve got to develop the next generation that’s going to continue to move the ball down the field for a state that’s growing at an unprecedented rate,” he adds.

Reid’s long-term mindset has also seen the creation of TDOT’s first 10-year transportation plan, mapping out how US$15.4 billion will be invested across the state, with tackling congestion high on the agenda.

But meeting all of the state’s infrastructure needs requires more than public funding alone. Partnerships with contractors, engineering firms like HDR Engineering and private investors have become fundamental to TDOT’s long-term strategy, particularly as the department announces its first public–private partnership project. DriveTN has been selected as TDOT’s private-sector partner to deliver the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project.

Under the proposed partnership, DriveTN will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the US$9.2 billion project, while providing a projected US$24.8 billion in concession value to Tennessee, which may be leveraged to fund additional transportation infrastructure projects in the state’s busiest corridors. DriveTN includes Cintra, Transurban, Tikehau Star/Infra/Capital, Ferrovial, Webber and AECOM, and was selected through the state’s competitive procurement process.

The proposal outlines what will be America’s largest public–private partnership concession for an interstate Choice Lanes project to date.

“The most successful organizations are willing to challenge traditional approaches when the stakes are high and the opportunities are significant,” Reid says.

“Tennessee is exploring a historic proposal that would deliver meaningful improvements along the I-24 Southeast corridor while potentially creating a sustainable source of transportation funding for future generations.

“As one of the state’s most important economic corridors, I-24 plays a vital role in connecting people, jobs and commerce. This investment will improve safety, enhance quality of life, strengthen economic competitiveness and support Tennessee’s continued growth and prosperity.”

That collaborative approach has already delivered significant results, including a US$400 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation to replace the aging I-55 bridge connecting Tennessee and Arkansas.

Building tomorrow

With Governor Bill Lee’s administration making transportation a priority, investing more than US$4 billion in additional state funding and introducing the Transportation Modernization Act to accelerate major projects, there is a clear responsibility for TDOT to deliver.

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“At HDR, we help clients turn transportation investments into lasting outcomes that improve mobility, strengthen communities and support economic growth. As the industry’s largest employee-owned firm, we bring technical expertise, innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving to transportation programs. Working alongside TDOT, we support project delivery from planning through construction and beyond, meeting today’s transportation needs while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

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This is why Reid is proud to confirm that, in the past two years, the organization has moved 100 percent of planned projects to the construction phase.

“We’re one of the only states that I know of that is hitting metrics like that,” he says. “I appreciate the investment that our local elected officials have made and I want to make sure that we make good on that investment.

“Preparing Tennessee for the next generation of transportation is a big part of this commitment. Through partnerships with technology companies, universities and industry, TDOT is laying the foundations for a new generation of transport systems across the state.”

The department has conducted research on Nashville’s Smart Corridor and forged collaborations with autonomous trucking companies and technology firms to ensure Tennessee is ready for a future where autonomous and conventional vehicles share the road.

“The future is here and we have got to get ready for it,” Reid says.

Reid’s overarching goal is to leave behind an organization capable of adapting to whatever comes next.

“I want people to look back and say that they took the right steps under my leadership to make sure that this was a department that was ready for the challenge that’s coming for them,” he says.