Accomplished leader brings 34 years’ expertise in alternative delivery and global infrastructure development
LOS ANGELES – (Feb. 25, 2025) – Derya Thompson has joined HNTB Corporation as group director and associate vice president in the firm’s highways/structures group. Based in the Los Angeles office, she leads the group’s growth and development, fosters collaboration with regional leadership, and upholds the firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality solutions for clients.
“We are excited to welcome Derya to our Southern California team,” said C. Yoga Chandran, PhD, P.E., G.E., HNTB Los Angeles office leader and senior vice president. “Her extensive experience on major transit projects, including building design teams, collaborating with owners and working closely with local agencies, makes her a tremendous asset to our team. Derya brings wealth of knowledge and experience with delivery of infrastructure projects including delivering complex bridge structures.”
HNTB’s Derya Thompson
Thompson has more than 34 years of engineering and construction experience, with expertise in alternative delivery methods such as design-build and public-private partnership projects. She has managed and delivered more than $15 billion in major rail, transportation and bridge projects across North America, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia. Most recently, she served as director for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project.
“Known for her unique blend of technical, commercial and interpersonal skills, Derya has a reputation for collaborating closely with clients to deliver high-quality designs that exceed expectations,” said Shahram Vahdat, PE, HNTB group director-engineering and vice president. “Her ability to lead diverse teams and navigate the complexities of major infrastructure projects will be invaluable as we continue to serve our clients.”
Thompson received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey, and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom.