Heather Kienitz, PE*, Multimodal Transportation Market Leader at Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH®), has been recognized as the 2026 Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Minnesota Chapter Woman of the Year.
The award recognizes women who demonstrate leadership in transportation and help advance opportunities for women in the profession.
With 28 years of experience, Kienitz is a recognized leader in multimodal transportation, pedestrian safety, and complete streets. Her work has helped shape guidance used across the country, including her role as a co-author of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Pedestrian Crossing Guidance and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Manual. She has also led multiple MnDOT Complete Streets Workshops, helping transportation professionals rethink how streets serve all users.
“Heather leads with clarity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. She has strengthened our teams, championed women in transportation, and consistently shows what thoughtful, inclusive leadership looks like in practice.” – Benita Crow, PE*, SEH Vice President, Regional Leader
Kienitz is widely known for her commitment to mentorship and inclusive leadership. She is intentional about developing early career professionals, supporting women in transportation, and creating environments where diverse voices are heard and valued. Whether through formal mentorship, project leadership, or involvement in professional organizations, over her career she consistently creates opportunities for others to grow, gain confidence, and advance their careers – reinforcing a culture of support, respect, and shared success across the industry.
Beyond her technical expertise, Kienitz is a trusted advisor to clients and actively engages with organizations like WTS, ITE, and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) in support of professional collaboration and knowledge sharing. She has helped grow SEH’s multimodal mobility practice and introduced the Holistic Multimodal Analysis, first applied on the Highway 47 and Highway 65 Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study, to support comprehensive data driven informed, community-centered decisions.
Learn more about SEH’s work and opportunities to grow your career.
*Professional Licensure:
Heather Kienitz is a registered professional engineer in MN.
Benita Crow is a registered professional engineer in MN and WI.