Skip to main content

IBTTA names 2016 president

The 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 larg
January 6, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
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."

Related Content

  • March 8, 2021
    IBTTA elects Fremier as vice president
    Bay Area Toll Authority's Andrew Fremier to take up 2021 leadership role at IBTTA
  • January 20, 2021
    Q&A: IBTTA president Mark Compton
    Mark Compton is CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) in Middletown, PA. IBTTA's Bill Cramer sat down with Mark to learn a bit more about his background and interests
  • August 26, 2022
    IBTTA announces its Toll Excellence Awards
    Trophies will be presented at IBTTA’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Austin, TX on 19 September
  • January 21, 2015
    IBTTA statement on State of the Union Address
    Executive director and CEO of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), Patrick D. Jones, has made a statement on the State of the Union Address, saying: “In his State of the Union Address tonight, President Obama said that Republicans and Democrats must work together to make critical repairs and improvements to our long-neglected transportation infrastructure. As the economy starts back on the right track, Congress can rescue this vital part of our economic engine from further d