GFT Appoints Joe Willhite as Director of Transportation

Willhite’s career has included senior roles like chief operating officer and central region president at leading consulting firms. His experience spans project finance, multimodal transit planning, corridor development, and regional transportation strategy.

Under Willhite’s leadership, GFT will continue to strengthen its integrated transportation practice across North America. The firm’s strategy is focused on aligning closely with clients, empowering teams, and scaling solutions that deliver real value. From next-generation transit and highway systems to zero-emission mobility and digital design, GFT is advancing infrastructure that moves people and communities forward.

Based in GFT’s Chicago office, Willhite will serve as a national leader across the firm’s transportation footprint, helping teams deliver with agility, cohesion, and purpose. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from Carthage College and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Minnesota.  

A committed advocate for advancing the profession, he is actively involved with industry organizations, including the American Planning Association (APA), American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), WTS, and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO).