Robert C. Johns

Robert C. Johns, the new director of the Volpe Center, introduced himself to the staff in October 2009 with an address that expressed his commitment to furthering Volpe's organizational excellence and expert performance in transportation research, development, and systems deployment.

Prior to beginning his new post at the Volpe Center in September 2009, Johns had been director of the Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) at the University of Minnesota. As director, Johns more than doubled the revenue attracted to the University for transportation research, education, and outreach, leading CTS to the top echelon of university transportation centers in the U.S.

Johns also held research and management positions with the Santa Fe Railway, the Minnesota DOT, and the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities. He has over 20 years of experience leading Transportation Research Board (TRB) committees, and currently is chair of the Technical Activities Council, which oversees TRB's 200 technical committees. Johns received a B.S. in Engineering Operations from Iowa State University, and an M.B.A. and M.A. from the University of Iowa.