The 3804 International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) has elected Earl J. (Buddy) Croft III as its 2016 president. Croft was elected president for a one year term by the IBTTA’s international membership at its 2015 Annual Meeting in September. Croft is currently the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) in Jamestown, Rhode Island.
Since 2006, Croft has led a state-wide team responsible for finance, operations and maintenance of Rhode Island’s four largest bridges in Aquidneck Island. This included the Newport Pell Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in New England. During his tenure, RITBA has spent nearly US$180 million dollars maintaining and repairing its bridges to enhance safety.
One of his proudest accomplishments to date is the installation of a median barrier on the bridge deck of the Newport Pell Bridge, a US$6 million dollar building project whose aim was to reduce the number of crossover accidents and enhance safety for all motorists.
Croft has been a member of IBTTA's Board of Directors for the past six years, most recently serving as first vice president. Before joining IBTTA's Board, Buddy was a member of several committees including serving as Chairman of the IBTTA Audit Committee and as a member of the Finance and Government Affairs Committees.
"I am delighted to assume the helm of this organisation at this pivotal time in transportation history," said Croft. "In the United States, we are at a crossroads where the country’s building and repair needs for it roads, bridges and tunnels are colliding with significantly reduced transportation budgets, both on the federal and state levels. IBTTA plays an important role in providing solutions to address these challenges here and abroad and I look forward to addressing these transportation issues as president."
"Buddy is the perfect leader to serve as president of IBTTA at this critical time," said Patrick D. Jones, executive director and CEO of IBTTA. "Under his leadership, Buddy has modernised Rhode Island's tolling operation by introducing the E-ZPass system and open road tolling for motorists. He brings to IBTTA a tremendous level of experience and leadership in transportation and tolling."
Since 2006, Croft has led a state-wide team responsible for finance, operations and maintenance of Rhode Island’s four largest bridges in Aquidneck Island. This included the Newport Pell Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in New England. During his tenure, RITBA has spent nearly US$180 million dollars maintaining and repairing its bridges to enhance safety.
One of his proudest accomplishments to date is the installation of a median barrier on the bridge deck of the Newport Pell Bridge, a US$6 million dollar building project whose aim was to reduce the number of crossover accidents and enhance safety for all motorists.
Croft has been a member of IBTTA's Board of Directors for the past six years, most recently serving as first vice president. Before joining IBTTA's Board, Buddy was a member of several committees including serving as Chairman of the IBTTA Audit Committee and as a member of the Finance and Government Affairs Committees.
"I am delighted to assume the helm of this organisation at this pivotal time in transportation history," said Croft. "In the United States, we are at a crossroads where the country’s building and repair needs for it roads, bridges and tunnels are colliding with significantly reduced transportation budgets, both on the federal and state levels. IBTTA plays an important role in providing solutions to address these challenges here and abroad and I look forward to addressing these transportation issues as president."
"Buddy is the perfect leader to serve as president of IBTTA at this critical time," said Patrick D. Jones, executive director and CEO of IBTTA. "Under his leadership, Buddy has modernised Rhode Island's tolling operation by introducing the E-ZPass system and open road tolling for motorists. He brings to IBTTA a tremendous level of experience and leadership in transportation and tolling."
