Maryland Governor Appoints Veteran Engineer Frank Waesche to Maryland Transportation Authority Board
State of MD - Maryland Governor Wes Moore has appointed Frank S. Waesche III, P.E. (ret), to serve on the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board. Waesche, a retired professional engineer with more than 40 years of experience, was introduced at his first MDTA Board meeting this week.
He brings a career built on transportation engineering and construction management across the state of Maryland.
The MDTA Board serves as the policy-setting, decision-making, and governing body for the authority. The MDTA is responsible for financing, building, operating, and improving the state's toll facilities and toll roads.
It was established in 1971 by the Maryland General Assembly and is funded through toll revenue, not state tax dollars.
Governor Moore spoke highly of the new appointment. "Frank Waesche brings decades of experience delivering complex transportation projects and a deep understanding of Maryland's infrastructure needs," said Governor Moore. "His leadership and technical expertise will be a strong asset to the MDTA Board and the people of Maryland."
Waesche spent the majority of his career with Wallace, Montgomery & Associates, LLP, where he eventually retired as a partner. Earlier in his career, he served as Director of the Office of Engineering at the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), where he oversaw a $250 million annual capital program. Over the years, he has guided transportation projects across Maryland from the planning stage all the way through completion.
His background covers a wide range of experience. He has worked with several Maryland Department of Transportation agencies, including MDTA, the State Highway Administration, and the Maryland Transit Administration. His expertise includes construction inspection, contract management, cost estimating, environmental compliance, and innovative project delivery methods.
Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Board Chair Katie Thomson also weighed in on the appointment. "Frank Waesche's extensive experience in engineering, construction management and project delivery here in Maryland will be an invaluable addition to the MDTA Board," said Thomson. "His perspective will help guide MDTA as we continue to enhance safety, maintain our system, advance critical infrastructure projects and grow Maryland's economy."
Waesche's reach in the industry goes beyond Maryland's borders. He has provided training to transportation agencies across the country and has presented at international industry forums.
That kind of broad experience is something the MDTA Board is expected to benefit from as it tackles future infrastructure challenges.
On an academic and professional level, Waesche holds a Bachelor of Science from Clemson University. He is a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Engineering Society of Baltimore. He has also been recognized with the ASCE Meritorious Service Award for his contributions to the field.
Waesche expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. "I am honored to be appointed by Governor Moore," he said. "I look forward to contributing my experience to support the MDTA's mission and to help deliver transportation solutions that serve Maryland's communities now and into the future."
The MDTA Board is made up of eight citizens appointed by the governor. Members serve four-year terms and are limited to three consecutive terms of service.
At the same board meeting, Secretary Thomson and MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner took a moment to recognize outgoing Board Member Mario J. Gangemi, P.E., thanking him for his years of service to the board.
