H.W. Lochner Expands Its National Transit Team with Chad Edwards' Expertise

H.W. Lochner Announces New Addition to National Transit Practice

H.W. Lochner, Inc., a leader in infrastructure planning and engineering services, recently announced that Chad Edwards will be joining its national transit team. His extensive experience in transit and rail initiatives makes him a significant asset to the organization. With over two decades of expertise in the field, Chad has held pivotal positions at prominent transit authorities such as Trinity Metro, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), and the City of Fort Worth.

Chad's role at Lochner will focus on collaborating with clients across the country to implement effective transit and rail projects. His responsibilities will range from strategic planning and alternatives analysis through to final design, construction, and operational planning. Given his depth of knowledge regarding federal programs and funding, as well as his proven ability to build stakeholder consensus, he is poised to navigate the complexities of today’s public transportation landscape successfully.

Gary Thomas, the National Transit Rail Market Director at Lochner, expressed excitement over Chad's appointment, emphasizing that his experience serves as an invaluable perspective. Chad has faced the day-to-day challenges that transit leaders encounter and understands the intricacies of federal requirements and funding procedures. "With Chad on board, we look forward to enhancing our capabilities and supporting clients in achieving their transportation goals," Thomas stated.

Most recently, Chad worked as the Executive Vice President of Strategy, Planning, and Development for Trinity Metro in Fort Worth, where he excelled in securing over $125 million in capital funds for several transformative initiatives. His previous positions include Assistant Director of Transportation and Public Works for the City of Fort Worth and Assistant Vice President for Capital Planning at DART. During his tenure at DART, he managed multi-billion-dollar transit infrastructure projects, including the notable Silver Line.

In recognition of his significant contributions to public transportation, Chad was named one of the 500 Most Influential People in Fort Worth by Fort Worth Inc. in 2025 and is an alumnus of Leadership Fort Worth and Leadership APTA. These honors underscore his deep commitment to advancing public transportation systems and enhancing regional mobility.

Founded in 1944, H.W. Lochner provides planning, environmental, design, construction engineering, and inspection services for clients in surface transportation, aviation, and water tenures across the United States. The firm, which ranks 98th on the Engineering News-Record list of Top 500 Design Firms, continues to thrive under its mission of delivering innovative and effective solutions for public infrastructure.

With Chad Edwards joining the team, Lochner is poised to further strengthen its position as a leader in the transit consulting market, aiming to deliver projects that meet the evolving needs of communities nationwide.