About Our Speakers

Director of District Operation
Federal Highway Administration

Mr. Highsmith is with the Federal Highway Administration’s Texas Division Office as the Deputy Division Administrator.  In his position, he is responsible for the day-to-day activity of the Division’s 50 employees which include Engineers, Planners, Financial Specialists, and other transportation professionals. 

The Division is responsible for the federal-aid program covering the entire state of Texas including the large metro areas of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin as well as the rural and border areas.  In addition he serves as an advisor to the Division Administrator and provides policy and program direction on a statewide basis and has the authority to approve federal contract documents.  He also provides federal guidance to State and Local officials on federally funded projects.

Prior to coming to Texas, Carl worked in the Louisiana Division Office for 9 years as the Program Delivery Team Leader.   In that position, he managed a staff of 7 highly trained area engineers, environmental, and realty specialists.

Previously, he worked in FHWA Headquarters in Washington DC in the Office of Asset Management as a Bridge Management Engineer.  Most of his 27 years in the highway and transportation industry have been spent dealing with bridges from design to construction to inspection to management.  3 of his professional years were spent working for a consultant in Delaware managing their bridge inspection program in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Carl joined FHWA in 1991 after graduating from Morgan State University in Baltimore, with a BS in Civil Engineering.

He is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and is a vocal supporter of his hometown sports teams, especially the Ravens and Orioles and loves to travel.

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TXDOT Keynote