Ricardo Suarez, P.E.
Division Director,
Central Federal Lands Highway Division
On January 7, 2007, Ricardo Suarez became the Division Director for Central Federal Lands Highway Division in Lakewood, Colorado. Ricardo has gained significant appreciation and respect for the partnerships forged over the many years and importance of strengthening these partnerships for the continued success in delivery of our programs. As with our partners, he realizes that it is all about the relationships that have been built. As such, he views our FHWA organization as a whole, as if it were our most essential partner. Ricardo has come to realize the importance of organizationally enabling a resilient, shared belief in mission.
As Division Director, he works with a dedicated staff truly committed to excellence in delivery of our Program Administration and Delivery responsibilities across 14 western states and the U.S. Pacific Territories. He is leading the office in identifying the critical skills needed for the future. Also top on his list is enhancing employee engagement for attaining new ideas and creating an environment that welcomes innovation and creativity.
Ricardo previously served as the Director, Office of Project Delivery in the Western Federal Lands Highway Division, where he led the Division's reorganization efforts towards a matrix project management structure. Prior to his appointment as Director in 2001, he served as Senior Highway Engineer in the Headquarters Office of Program Administration where he was responsible for managing and distributing Federal-aid policy and program guidance. Ricardo, also, served as the Assistant Division Administrator in the Colorado Division. He has held other key positions in Federal Lands and Federal-aid Divisions.
Ricardo is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and the AASHTO Management Institute. He has been the recipient of many awards during his career including the Secretary's Gold Medal Award and Administrator's Award for Superior Achievement. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Colorado.