ADA COUNTY — The Ada County Highway District is excited to welcome a familiar face as the new Director. Ryan Head, ACHD’s Deputy Director of Development and Technical Services, was selected by the ACHD Board of Commissioners to serve as the Director following a nationwide search and rigorous interview process.

In his new role, Head is responsible for setting policy and long-range operations strategy at the direction of the District’s elected body of Commissioners. He will lead the day-to-day operations of the District, overseeing its four divisions and over 450 employees that plan for, build, maintain, and repair Ada County’s growing transportation network.

A Boise native, Head has spent 16 years as a professional planner. He is not new to the challenges and successes of ACHD, as he has served in various roles at the District since 2010.

Head, a graduate of Boise State University, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Economics and a Graduate Certificate in Community and Regional Planning. He also holds an advanced certificate in Transportation Planning, a certificate held by only about 100 people nationally, and is a proud member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Head began his career at ACHD as the District’s first Transportation Funding Coordinator. Throughout his tenure, he also served as the Planning and Programs Supervisor and Planning and Programs Manager before most recently serving as the Deputy Director of Development and Technical Services. As a Deputy Director, Head oversaw the division’s vast array of District programs involving development, capital improvements planning, roadway and bridge design, construction, inspection, traffic safety and operations, drainage facilities and stormwater quality.

Throughout his tenure at the District, Head has been instrumental in several projects and initiatives. He oversaw the development of the nationally recognized Integrated Five-Year Work Plan (IFYWP) for nine years. Head created the IFYWP Annual Report, which establishes a clear vision for what transportation network ACHD is working to build out and the progress the District is making each year to get there.

ACHD’s Livable Streets Performance Measures project, a first-of-its-kind guide to evaluate bicycle and pedestrian facilities, was spearheaded and launched by Head in his role as ACHD’s Planning and Programs Supervisor. The project received several awards, including the APA Idaho 2021 Gem Award and the COMPASS 2021 Leadership in Government Award.

Most recently, Head stood up ACHD’s first ever safety engineering team which focuses on proactive and rapid initiatives to improve safety for all users.

“While we knew we had incredible internal talent at ACHD, it was great to have an objective consultant and national search to solidify that we have the best of the best on staff,” said ACHD Commission President Alexis Pickering. “Ryan’s leadership, experience, and passion for transportation and safety in all we do will continue to benefit Ada County as he steps into this new role.”

Head will officially begin his new role on Tuesday, May 28, following the retirement of Director Bruce Wong, who served in the role for over 13 years.

“It is an absolute honor to be chosen as ACHD’s new Director,” said Head. “I have personally seen the impact that is had when the good people at ACHD work together for the common purpose of serving the public. I am excited to continue those efforts as we work hand in hand to build and maintain a safe and efficient transportation system.”