Howard Wood joins Garver as Advisory Services Senior Program Manager 

Garver warmly welcomes Howard Wood as an Advisory Services Senior Program Manager. With more than 20 years of experience working with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and 10 years of experience as a consultant, Wood brings both depth and breadth of knowledge. 

Working with ODOT, he became an expert in capital budget planning, program delivery, performance metrics, asset management, and more. His deep understanding of the transportation industry as well as state DOT processes make him a valuable addition to Garver and an ideal management consultant for DOT clients across the country. 

Wood’s notable career contains many “firsts.” As the Executive Director of DriveOhio, a division of ODOT focused on smart mobility, he directed the planning and procurement strategy that made Ohio the first state in the country to install and operate electric vehicle chargers under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. 

He also developed Ohio’s first statewide planning framework for Advanced Air Mobility, providing a blueprint for state and local governments to implement and manage unmanned and other electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.  His last position at ODOT was assistant director of business and human resources, where he launched a “Workforce of the Future” study to position the agency for changes in technology by identifying new classifications and training programs. 

All of these firsts speak to his ability to innovate, said Director of Enterprise Solutions Jerry Holder: “Howard has spent years tackling new challenges in order to improve state transportation networks. His decades of experience with ODOT, his years as a consultant, and his track record of moving transportation systems forward through innovation will enhance Garver’s service capabilities and what we can offer our DOT clients. He’s an outstanding addition to our team.” 

Wood’s move to Garver was driven by a desire to share his expertise and be in a project-related role.  

“Across the country, our DOTs face a workload that’s higher than ever before. Consultants can help them close the gap and get key projects and programs delivered,” he said. “After working for so long within a great DOT at ODOT, I’m in a unique position to know how best to serve DOTs and to help them meet the needs of the public.”