Roy Kienitz, former Under Secretary for Policy at the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), has been named a Senior Advisor at Parsons Brinckerhoff, a global infrastructure strategic consulting, planning, engineering and program/construction management organization. In his new position Kienitz will work on major project development and implementation strategies, drawing on his diverse transportation policy experience. As Under Secretary for Policy at USDOT, he assisted Secretary Ray LaHood in formulating national policies affecting surface transportation and aviation.
Prior to his appointment at USDOT, Kienitz served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Edward Rendell of Pennsylvania. Beginning in 2003, he was a leader on the governor's staff for transportation, alternative energy and environmental initiatives, and directed a number of major capital projects, including the Pennsylvania Convention Center expansion, Pittsburgh sports arena and Port of Philadelphia. Previously, Kienitz served as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning where he implemented the state's Smart Growth policies and promoted mixed-use transit-oriented projects. He was a strong advocate for innovation in transportation while serving as executive director for the Surface Transportation Policy Project, a non-profit advocacy organization. He also gained significant legislative branch experience while working as chief of staff for Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and for the U.S. Senate Environment Public Works Committee.
Kienitz has received various awards, including the Secretary's Gold Medal from USDOT, the agency's highest award, and a Special Recognition Award from the National Park Service for work promoting new transportation strategies for national parks.
Kienitz earned a bachelor's degree in aquatic biology from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
