Building Trust and Bridges
Andrew Li’s career has been shaped by more than just technical training. Growing up in China, Canada, and the United States, and speaking Mandarin, English, and French, he learned early how to work across cultures, listen closely, and bring people together around common goals.
Those skills now guide how he approaches transportation and construction projects every day. An engineer who takes a people-first approach to leadership, Li epitomizes what Roads & Bridges was looking for when we began the Top 25 Under 40.
With degrees in civil engineering from McGill University and computational and applied mathematics from Johns Hopkins University, Li entered the infrastructure industry with a strong analytical foundation. He is also among a relatively small group of professionals who hold a professional engineer license and a certified construction manager credential.
“Having both credentials allows me to lead projects with a full view of the lifecycle,” Li said. “My engineering license anchors decisions in technical excellence, while my construction management background keeps constructability, cost and schedule at the forefront.”
Li began his career as a regional construction manager in the Washington, D.C., area, overseeing complex transportation projects and building a reputation for steady leadership and clear communication. He became known for balancing technical rigor with thoughtful stakeholder engagement, an approach that helped him manage risk while also maintaining trust among clients, agencies and project teams.
Today, Li serves as the national business and growth leader for GFT’s Construction Services business group, overseeing more than 1,200 professionals across North America. As the youngest person in the firm’s history to hold the role, he leads national strategy for business development, client relationships and market positioning, helping shape how construction services are delivered at scale.
Alongside his national responsibilities, Li also serves as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Business Line Leader, with profit-and-loss responsibility for approximately 275 construction services personnel. Under his leadership, the region has generated roughly $50 million in net labor revenue while supporting major clients including WMATA, MDOT MDTA, PennDOT, VDOT, DDOT and Amtrak. His focus remains on keeping teams aligned around client needs and delivering measurable, long-term value.
“I believe effective leadership starts with a clear vision and strong relationships,” Li said. “I focus on aligning our teams around client priorities and empowering leaders to make informed decisions.”
That leadership philosophy is grounded in inclusion, adaptability and transparency. Li’s multicultural background and multilingual fluency help him build trust across disciplines and communities, particularly on large, stakeholder-driven transportation programs. He has also championed improved communication strategies that ensure diverse perspectives are considered throughout planning and delivery.
One of the most defining moments of Li’s career came in the aftermath of the 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. As agencies mobilized to support the Maryland Transportation Authority, Li played a key role in representing his firm during salvage and recovery operations, helping coordinate efforts to remove more than 50,000 tons of steel and concrete from the Patapsco River alongside federal, state and local partners.
As the effort shifted from recovery to rebuild, Li facilitated coordination among MDTA, the GPI–Gannett Fleming joint venture team, subconsultants and public agencies. His steady presence helped bring clarity, transparency and alignment during an emotionally charged and high-pressure period, laying the groundwork for a collaborative and resilient rebuild.
Beyond project delivery, Li remains active in industry organizations including the Chinese American Civil Engineers Society, the Construction Management Association of America, and the American Council of Engineering Companies. Through CACES, he mentors emerging engineers and supports the development of diverse talent across the profession.
“Andrew Li has been honored as a rising industry leader for his ability to integrate technical expertise with a human-centered approach to leadership,” said Anthony Ferruccio, business group director for construction services. “His background enables him to cultivate trust among diverse stakeholders and deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges.”
For Li, being named one of Roads & Bridges’ Top 25 Standout Professionals is less about personal recognition and more about responsibility.
“It’s an honor, and I see it as both recognition and responsibility,” he said. “My focus going forward is mentoring the next generation of leaders and delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and resilience for the communities we serve.”