Transition Marks New Chapter Following Patrick Jones’ 23 Years of Service
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them, announced Kathryn Clay as its new executive director and CEO, effective January 6, 2025. Clay succeeds Patrick Jones, whose 23 years of leadership elevated IBTTA into a globally recognized leader in the tolling and transportation industry.
Clay is a seasoned association leader with a unique blend of scientific expertise, policy acumen, and operational success. She was most recently the president and CEO of the International Liquid Terminals Association, where she drove record revenue growth, spearheaded industry-first advocacy initiatives, and championed innovation, safety, and environmental compliance. Her impact earned her recognition as one of the “100 Top Influencers” in the global terminals industry by Storage Terminals Magazine. Her career spans high-level roles in energy, technology, and public policy, including work on Capitol Hill, where she helped shape key legislation like the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
“We are excited to welcome Kathryn Clay as IBTTA’s new leader,” said James Hofmann, CEO and executive director of the North Texas Tollway Authority and 2025 IBTTA president. “Her multidisciplinary expertise in science, energy, technology, and public policy aligns perfectly with IBTTA’s mission to advance innovative and sustainable transportation systems. With Kathryn’s leadership, we are ready to address the critical infrastructure funding gaps facing our communities. Tolling and user-fee financing are essential tools for building and maintaining sustainable transportation systems, and Kathryn’s vision and expertise will help position IBTTA to drive innovative solutions for these pressing challenges.”
“I am honored to join IBTTA at this pivotal moment for transportation and infrastructure,” Clay said. “Patrick Jones has left an extraordinary legacy of collaboration and leadership, and I look forward to building on that foundation. As infrastructure funding gaps grow, tolling and user-fee financing are more critical than ever to ensuring safe and sustainable transportation systems. Together with IBTTA’s members, we will advance innovative solutions that connect communities, support economic growth, and address the challenges of the future.”
Clay’s appointment comes as IBTTA celebrates a successful year of achievements, including advancements in global road safety initiatives and interoperability. The association remains committed to advocating for tolling and user-fee financing as essential tools for sustainable infrastructure funding.
IBTTA and its members extend their deepest gratitude to Patrick Jones for his visionary leadership and warmly welcome Kathryn Clay as she leads the organization into a bold, new future.
As we look ahead to 2025, IBTTA invites members and partners to join us at the Technology Summit in Dallas (March 22-25), where you’ll have the opportunity to meet and hear from Dr. Kathryn Clay as she shares her vision for the future of tolling and user-fee financing. This premier event will showcase cutting-edge technologies and foster collaboration among industry leaders. Be sure to mark your calendars for the full lineup of 2025 IBTTA events, including the 93rd Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Denver (October 11-14), as we work together to shape the future of transportation.
