Ron Papsdorf Named H-GAC Executive Director
H-GAC selected current Chief Transportation Officer Ron Papsdorf as its next Executive Director. He will assume the role on July 1, 2026.
HOUSTON — The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) announced Monday that it has selected current Chief Transportation Officer Ron Papsdorf to serve as its next Executive Director. Papsdorf, a long-time fixture within the regional planning agency, is set to officially assume the helm on July 1, 2026.
The appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the agency, which serves as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the eight-county Houston-Galveston-Brazoria consolidated metropolitan statistical area. H-GAC’s influence extends across a 13-county region, serving as a critical clearinghouse for federal funding, regional infrastructure strategy, and environmental policy.
Papsdorf has been a core member of the H-GAC staff since 2008. During his tenure as Chief Transportation Officer, he has navigated the complexities of the region’s growing infrastructure needs, overseeing the allocation of federal transportation grants and coordinating long-range mobility plans across a diverse landscape of urban, suburban, and rural jurisdictions.
Robert Scott, the Mayor of League City and current chair of the H-GAC Board of Directors, praised the selection, noting that Papsdorf’s deep institutional knowledge was a deciding factor for the board.
“Ron has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the progress of the Gulf Coast region throughout his career,” Scott said in a statement. “His steady hand and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders make him the ideal choice to guide the council as we face the challenges and opportunities of the next decade.”
The transition from a focus on transportation to the full breadth of H-GAC’s operations—which includes water quality management, clean air initiatives, aging and disability services, and regional economic development—represents a strategic move toward internal leadership continuity.
For his part, Papsdorf expressed a commitment to maintaining the agency's collaborative ethos, which often requires balancing the competing interests of more than 100 member local governments.
“I am honored and humbled by the trust the board has placed in me,” Papsdorf said. “H-GAC’s strength has always been its ability to bring local leaders together to solve regional problems. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure the sustainable growth and continued prosperity of every corner of this region.”
The long lead time until Papsdorf’s 2026 start date is expected to allow for a structured transition period, ensuring stability for ongoing regional projects. This includes the implementation of the Regional Transportation Plan, which is currently undergoing rigorous public review and federal compliance updates.
H-GAC acts as the primary regional forum for addressing issues that transcend city and county boundaries. The organization’s work is funded largely through federal and state grants, as well as contributions from its member jurisdictions. More information regarding the agency’s current programs and upcoming board meetings can be found at www.h-gac.com.
As H-GAC prepares for this leadership change, the agency remains focused on its ongoing legislative priorities, including securing infrastructure resiliency funding in the wake of increasingly volatile climate events along the Gulf Coast. Papsdorf’s background in transportation, which is intrinsically linked to disaster evacuation and supply chain stability, is viewed by many local officials as a vital asset for the region’s future.