2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

John Leonard Carr

A double graduate from the University of Kentucky (BSCE in 1972, MSCE in 1975), John began as a planning engineer in the Kentucky Department of Highways Division of Planning. While in this role he prepared numerous location studies and environmental documents for projects across the state. Throughout his career, John worked on issues related to construction specifications and consultant contract negotiations and was ultimately appointed as Director of the Division of Professional Services. During his 31 years with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, John was involved in some capacity in every new bridge constructed across the Ohio River as well as many other projects throughout Kentucky.

In 1988, John served as KYTC’s Transportation Scholarship Coordinator, Engineering Recruiter, and Training Program Coordinator, where he had the opportunity to recruit, mentor, and guide many of the young engineers who later became leaders at the Cabinet and in Kentucky’s transportation industry. John also spearheaded the creation of the Kentucky Engineering Exposure Network (KEEN), a program focused on introducing young students to math, science, and engineering.

In 1994 John was appointed as Deputy State Highway Engineer for Intermodal Planning. Serving in this role for 10 years, his leadership responsibilities included planning, transit, aviation, the Kentucky Airport Zoning Commission, the ITS Program, federal Transportation Enhancement Program, federal CMAQ Program, MPO Policy Committees, and transportation research.

After 31 years of rewarding service and building many wonderful friendships, John retired from KYTC in 2003. In July 2004, he joined Wilbur Smith Associates (now CDM Smith) as Vice President of Kentucky Operations, where he focused on transportation planning, environment, policy, and finance. He also led planning for the award-winning Milton-Madison Bridge. John retired from CDM Smith in 2016 after a 44-year career in transportation.