Thomas DiPaolo, Assistant Chief Engineer at MassDOT, to Receive the WTS-Boston 2025 Honorable Ray LaHood Award

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WTS-Boston is proud to announce that Thomas DiPaolo, Assistant Chief Engineer at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Honorable Ray LaHood Award. This honor recognizes a man who has made significant contributions to the advancement of women and minorities through programs or opportunities and has shown outstanding contributions to the transportation industry.

Tom DiPaolo has actively promoted his colleagues, especially women and minorities, throughout his career at MassDOT. His dedication to fostering an inclusive environment is evident in his ongoing support for women and minority colleagues, particularly in leadership roles.

Tom’s involvement in key programs, such as Title VI actions, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committees, and mentoring, has created a supportive and empowering space for underrepresented groups. Through his efforts, he has worked to ensure that all individuals feel welcomed, integrated, and valued within the MassDOT team.

Tom has provided unwavering support to colleagues, offering guidance throughout their careers and helping them navigate the challenges of leadership roles. Additionally, Tom has been a strong advocate for the professional growth of individuals, encouraging their leadership potential and contributing to their success at MassDOT.

Beyond mentoring, Tom has worked tirelessly to support women and minority-owned businesses, participating in initiatives that enable these businesses to collaborate with MassDOT. He has represented MassDOT at the Diversity EXPO, organized by the WTS-Boston Diversity Committee, for several years, helping foster relationships with women-owned, minority-owned, and veterans-owned businesses, ultimately contributing to their success in working with the agency.

Tom’s contributions extend beyond individual mentorship to his leadership in shaping critical MassDOT initiatives. His involvement with the Design Solutions Committee and in major projects has played a key role in creating an inclusive atmosphere where diverse ideas and perspectives are valued. His ongoing influence in shaping MassDOT’s culture, policies, and community engagement demonstrates his commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative transportation industry.

About the Award Recipient

Thomas DiPaolo has worked for MassDOT (formerly MassHighway) for 39 years. Starting as a design engineer in one of the department’s district offices, he relocated to Boston in 1992, where he rose through the ranks to become the Assistant Chief Engineer for MassHighway in 1998. Throughout his 27-year tenure in this role, Tom has continuously chaired the Architects and Engineers Review Board, collaborated with the local chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies on project design and contracting issues, and contributed to the development of numerous policies and initiatives, particularly in design standards, design requirements, and design contracts. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Lafayette College.

WTS-Boston congratulates Thomas DiPaolo on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates his invaluable contributions to the advancement of women and minority groups and the transportation industry. His leadership, mentorship, and dedication to equity and inclusion continue to have a lasting impact on MassDOT and the broader community.

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