About Eileen Velez-Vega
Eileen Velez-Vega serves as the Strategic Infrastructure Director at Kimley-Horn Puerto Rico, LLC. She recently finished her distinguished tenure as the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Public Works for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (DTOP) - notably, the first woman to serve in this position.
Through her leadership at DTOP, Vélez-Vega oversaw significant advancements in the island’s transportation infrastructure, including initiatives in the areas of roadway maintenance, public transportation, and recovery efforts following Hurricanes Maria and Fiona. Her efforts were concentrated on modernizing Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, ensuring its resilience, and promoting long-term sustainability for the island’s transportation network. During her tenure as secretary, Vélez-Vega served as the chair of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Aviation Council and was appointed to the US Department of Transportation’s Transforming Transportation Advisory Committee (TTAC), working to guide the future of US transportation innovation and policy. She has also served as the chair of T&DI’s Airfield Pavements Committee.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Vélez-Vega is a passionate advocate for STEM education, particularly for young girls. She has dedicated significant time to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of women in engineering and aviation. As a leader in Women in Aviation International and the Society of Women Engineers, Vélez-Vega actively supports initiatives that encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her commitment to empowering women in aviation and engineering was recently recognized with her induction into the Class of 2024 Space Camp Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor that celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to aerospace and STEM education.
Before she was appointed the head of DTOP, Vélez-Vega served as an aviation practice leader at Kimley-Horn Puerto Rico, LLC. Additionally, her time with the US Army Corps of Engineers provided her with a solid foundation in large-scale infrastructure projects and public sector collaborations.