Former LA Metro leader rejoins HNTB to provide strategic guidance and expertise for major transit projects\
LOS ANGELES (March 21, 2025) – James de la Loza rejoined HNTB Corporation as national practice consultant – transit and senior vice president. He brings more than 40 years of experience in planning and implementation of transportation projects in California and across the United States, including two spans as chief planning officer for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, de la Loza will provide strategic guidance to HNTB’s transportation clients, leveraging his extensive expertise to support some of the largest and most complex transportation projects worldwide.
Most recently, he served in a leadership role at another engineering consulting firm where he advised on major transit and infrastructure initiatives. In his previous role as chief planning officer for LA Metro, de la Loza oversaw the planning and programing of Metro’s multi-billion-dollar regional transportation strategies and capital program.
HNTB’s James de la Loza
During his earlier tenure at HNTB, he played a key role in advancing the firm’s presence in California’s infrastructure market across multiple sectors.
“Having Jim rejoin our team is a significant step forward for our Los Angeles office and the entire firm,” said C. Yoga Chandran, PhD, P.E., G.E., HNTB senior vice president and Los Angeles office leader. “His strategic insights and hands-on experience will further strengthen our ability to deliver cutting-edge transit solutions that benefit our clients and communities and underscores our commitment to attracting top talent and shaping the future of transportation.”
De la Loza received a master’s in architecture and urban design from the University of California, Los Angeles. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental design from California State University, Long Beach.