Tom Kness from Mott Macdonald, joins our Branch Council in the United States

We are pleased to welcome on board Tom Kness, Principal, Infrastructure Advisory at Mott MacDonald, as a new member of our Branch Council in the United States:

We asked Tom a couple of questions:

• If you could personally change or influence one thing within infrastructure and/or energy, what would it be?

Tom: If I could influence one thing within the infrastructure world, it would be a shift from fragmented, short-sided project-by-project decision making to a more integrated, evidence-based approach focused on whole-life value for communities in which we live. Decades of underinvestment have contributed to aging assets well beyond their service life, unreliable systems, and chronic deferred maintenance backlogs. In my experience, I have seen how deep analysis, clear risk allocation, and more thoughtful use of alternative delivery and P3 models can improve resilience, reliability, and long-term outcomes. I would want to help shape decisions so owners and partners reward service, performance, and long-term value rather than focusing primarily on lowest initial cost.

• Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to yourself at the start of your career?

Tom: Enjoy what you have and stop worrying about everything.

• What do you hope to bring to the United States Council?

Tom: I would bring strategic, data-driven judgment and strong cross-sector relationship-building to the council. My experience in complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure programs has given me a practical ability to assess priorities, align diverse interests, and turn market insight into actionable strategy—skills that would help support IPFA’s work to strengthen member value, inform advocacy, and advance industry priorities. I would also bring a governance mindset focused on long-term impact, disciplined decision-making, and meaningful member engagement.

Please see the full United States Branch Council below: