WASHINGTON — Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has been appointed as chair of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Executive Committee by Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences. Her term begins March 4, 2023. 

The TRB Executive Committee has approximately 25 members who are selected to provide balanced representation of transportation modes, academic disciplines, private and public sectors, levels of government, geographical regions, and other relevant factors, as well as diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. The committee oversees and provides strategic direction for TRB’s programs and activities. 

Gutierrez-Scaccetti is currently serving as the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation. During her distinguished career, she spent over 20 years at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, including several years as executive director. She also served as executive director and CEO of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. 

“TRB is very pleased that Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti will become the next chair of the TRB Executive Committee, helping the organization continue to fulfill its mission of advancing transportation through research,” said TRB Executive Director Victoria Sheehan. “She has been a valuable member of the Executive Committee the last few years, and a significant contributor to our National Cooperative Highway Research Program, so we are grateful that she is stepping up to bring her extensive leadership experience to bear on TRB’s behalf.” 

“It is an honor to be given the opportunity to assume a leadership role with such a well-respected organization that has international prominence,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “I am grateful to the National Academy of Sciences and TRB for this recognition. The critical research conducted by TRB will help all DOTs and partner agencies make more informed decisions in the planning and execution of transportation projects and initiatives.” 

Gutierrez-Scaccetti will replace Shawn Wilson, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, who recently announced his retirement. 

TRB is a program unit of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. The National Academies operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.  

Contact: 
Josh Blatt, Media Relations Officer
Office of News and Public Information
202-334-2138; e-mail news@nas.edu