Governor Moore Appoints Experienced Engineer to Maryland Transportation Authority Board

Governor Wes Moore has announced the appointment of Frank S. Waesche III, P.E. (ret), to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board. With over four decades of experience in transportation engineering and construction management, Mr. Waesche brings a wealth of knowledge to the agency responsible for financing, building, operating, and improving Maryland’s toll facilities and roads. His appointment was formalized at his first MDTA Board meeting, where he was formally introduced.

The MDTA Board acts as the primary policy-setting and decision-making body for the authority. Governor Moore emphasized Mr. Waesche’s extensive background in managing complex transportation projects and his understanding of Maryland’s infrastructure requirements, stating that his leadership and technical expertise will be a significant asset to the board and the citizens of Maryland.

Mr. Waesche’s professional career includes a significant tenure at Wallace, Montgomery & Associates, LLP, where he retired as a partner. Prior to that, he held the position of Director of the Office of Engineering at the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), overseeing an annual capital program valued at $250 million. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in numerous transportation projects across the state, providing oversight for construction management, guiding design-build delivery, and managing projects from their initial planning stages through to completion.

Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Board Chair, Katie Thomson, highlighted Mr. Waesche’s considerable experience in engineering, construction management, and project delivery within Maryland. She indicated that his unique perspective will be crucial in guiding the MDTA’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety, maintain the existing transportation system, advance critical infrastructure development, and foster economic growth in Maryland.

His expertise extends to construction inspection and contract management, where he has provided support to various Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) modal agencies, including the MDTA itself, the State Highway Administration, and the Maryland Transit Administration, as well as local government entities. Mr. Waesche’s skill set encompasses constructability reviews, cost estimation, claims analysis, environmental compliance, and innovative project delivery methods. Furthermore, he has contributed to the training of transportation agencies nationwide and has shared his insights at international industry forums.

Mr. Waesche earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University. He is a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Engineering Society of Baltimore. He also holds the distinction of being a fellow of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Maryland and serves as a director emeritus of the Maryland Association of Engineers. Among his recognitions is the ASCE Meritorious Service Award.

Established in 1971 by the Maryland General Assembly, the MDTA is funded through toll revenue and does not rely on state tax dollars. The authority is committed to delivering innovative transportation solutions that aim to improve connectivity, elevate safety standards, promote equity, and support economic development, all while facilitating opportunities for residents.

Mr. Waesche expressed his honor at being appointed by Governor Moore and conveyed his eagerness to apply his experience in support of the MDTA’s mission. He is keen to contribute to the delivery of transportation solutions that will benefit Maryland’s communities both presently and in the future.

The MDTA Board consists of eight members appointed by the governor, each serving four-year terms with a limit of three consecutive terms. At the recent board meeting, outgoing Board Member Mario J. Gangemi, P.E., was thanked by Secretary Thomson and MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner for his service.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Transportation Authority.

---