McMaster and Stusrud join HNTB in new national Advisory practice

New practice group serves as lead commercial advisor on complex projects and programs, working with clients’ executive-level management to provide strategic and commercial advice

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sean McMaster and Katherine Stusrud both joined HNTB Corporation as national practice consultants in the firm’s new national Advisory practice. Based in HNTB’s Washington, D.C. office, they serve clients nationwide as infrastructure strategic consulting executives, focusing on the transportation sector.

McMaster is the point of contact for the practice’s Strategy & Transformation team which provides sophisticated policy and funding advice. Stusrud provides policy and funding advice as well as coordinates the Advisory team’s external outreach which includes thought leadership and industry involvement.

“We are delighted to have Kate and Sean on our Advisory team. Not only do they bring a deep understanding of legislative and regulatory policy at the federal level but they both have the ability to find creative and sustainable funding and financing solutions for large scale projects.  Kate and Sean bring our clients an additional resource as we deliver a holistic strategic perspective solving the nation’s largest and most complex infrastructure challenges,” said Jim Ray, HNTB corporate president and Advisory practice leader. “I have a long-standing relationship with each of them and confidence that their insights and abilities bring value to clients unique from other consulting firms. Kate and Sean joining the HNTB team is another example of how we are weaving together a holistic approach.”

Sean McMaster

McMaster serves as national practice consultant for the Advisory Services, Strategy & Transformation group and vice president. He supports HNTB clients with his knowledge of federal infrastructure policy and legislative initiatives.

Prior to HNTB, McMaster was deputy chief of staff to United States Department of Transportation secretary Elaine Chao, where he served as strategic advisor to the secretary and other leaders in the department. In that position he played a lead role in developing and managing administration policy and programs. McMaster was instrumental in developing the Surface Reauthorization proposal and various other policy positions and played a leading role in the department’s government relations and executive communication initiatives.  He also previously served on the professional staff for the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and was deputy chief of staff for U. S. Congressman John Mica of Florida.

Stusrud serves as national practice consultant for the Advisory practice, Strategy & Transformation group and associate vice president. She has more than 20 years of experience in the transportation sector and supports HNTB clients with her knowledge and understanding of the legislative and administrative process of the federal government. 

Katherine Stusrud

Prior to HNTB, Stusrud served as a chief advisor to members of Congress as well as the United States Department of Transportation where she helped develop and manage legislative efforts and administrative policy and programs. She also spent several years working for a United States Department of Energy National Laboratory focusing on emerging technology issues. Most recently, Stusrud worked for a multi-national consulting firm where she served in leadership roles assisting public and private sector clients with reaching strategic goals in mobility and road sectors.

McMaster holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from George Mason University. Stusrud holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Indiana University.

HNTB’s new Advisory practice provides a holistic, strategic perspective to help clients develop and deliver their most complex programs. As the lead commercial advisor on large, complex projects and programs, the firm works directly with clients’ executive-level management to provide strategic and commercial advice, drawing on legal, technical, management and policy expertise. The practice brings in-depth knowledge of innovative delivery models along with substantial transactional experience and understanding of public and private sector perspectives to drive innovation and facilitate informed decision-making across disciplines.

About HNTB 

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving public and private owners and contractors. With 106 years of service in the United States, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, and program and construction management. For more information, visit www.hntb.com, or follow HNTB on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.