STV’s Rae Elected to National Academy of Construction
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Karen Rae
The National Academy of Construction has elected Karen J. Rae, a senior strategic advisor at STV, as a member of its class of 2021. She will be formally inducted Oct. 21 during the NAC annual meeting.
At STV, Rae is responsible for providing strategic advice and support to public owners and private sector infrastructure clients. Before joining STV, she served the New York State Empire Development Corporation as a senior advisor for innovative project delivery. Described as “a recognized transportation expert,” she has led public transit agencies in Texas and New York. “She has been successful in negotiating legislation, including New York’s first design/build legislation, strategic planning, and developing and leading integrated teams to ensure program and project delivery,” STV said.
“She was instrumental in major projects, including the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center expansion and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge; the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project in Washington D.C.; and the Keystone Corridor in Pennsylvania. She served as Deputy Administrator at the Federal Railroad Administration, where she played a key role in the development and implementation of the new national high-speed rail and rail safety programs.”
In electing Rae, NAC cited her as a “leading strategist and industry expert in delivery of major public projects with managerial excellence in legislation, funding, procurement, and team relationships.”
Wayne Crew, General Secretary of the Academy, said, “Our 2021 class is diverse, experienced, and dedicated. Karen Rae is a most deserving new member. Her leadership in transit systems, bridges, railways, and teambuilding has greatly contributed to improving the industry. We welcome her.”
Election criteria for NAC is “rigorous: leadership, exceptional service, a continued commitment to making a contribution, past recognition by peers for innovation, and being recognized as best of the best.”
The National Academy of Construction, based at the University of Texas-Austin and established in 1999, is “an organization of industry leaders that recognizes those who have made outstanding, life-long contributions to the design and construction industry.”
