About Rob

A man sitting in an office chair, smiling, holding a transportation project management book. Behind him is a wooden desk with a small potted plant, a framed picture, and a decorative item. On the wall are three framed quotes that say 'Work hard, Be kind, Stay humble.' A table lamp is also on the desk.

Rob Tieman

A transportation project management industry thought leader whose career has focused on progressive management and engineering expertise concentrated in executive leadership of transportation projects, programs, and portfolios

Brief Bio

Author of the industry reference and guide, Transportation Project Management, Rob has 30 years of experience concentrated in the executive leadership of transportation projects, programs, and portfolios.  He is a Professor of Practice in the University of Virginia’s College of Engineering where he advances effective and innovative transportation project management principles and practices.  Prior to this role he served as Director of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Project Management Office that provided technical project management expertise and engineering support to approximately 6,000 projects worth over $47 billion.  As a project manager, he successfully developed and delivered award winning Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build transportation projects, as well as receiving personal awards for engineering excellence, technical innovation, and executive leadership.  Rob has served in many industry roles, most notably Chair of AASHTO’s Technical Committee on Project Management, member of AASHTO’s Committee on Design, and member of AASHTO’s Executive Committee on Design.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

One-Word Introspective Reflections

A man and woman holding hands and walking on the beach at sunset or sunrise with ocean waves in front and pink sky in the background.

Personal Life = Blessed

I met my beautiful bride of over thirty years while we were in college.  We have two amazing daughters, a wonderful son-in-law, an adorable granddaughter, and a very loyal cockapoo.  I am an optimist who enjoys interesting conversations, live music, a good laugh, and precious time with family.  My ideal day is with family on a catamaran in the Caribbean, sipping rum punch while dancing to island music.

Career = Thankful

I have been fortunate to work with amazing individuals and teams in various consulting, locality, state DOT, AASHTO, and academic roles to forward incredible civil engineering objectives that meaningfully impact and improve the quality of life in the communities where we live, work, play, and worship.  

Professional Life = Effective

I am a strategic thinker who is tactically innovative in approach while seeking systemic solutions that ensure continuity of service.  I am driven to deliver meaningful, value-added change while increasing efficiency through intentional allocation of resources.  I am a skilled communicator with a strong organizational and interpersonal presence.  I have a consistent history of leading teams that make positive and sustained impacts in complex environments where collaboration and influence management were critical to success.