Roberto Canales - Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives

Roberto Canales, P.E., currently serves as NCDOT’s Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives. He is responsible for working with the various modes of transportation to enhance logistical planning for the movement of freight and people across North Carolina. Roberto also serves as NCDOT’s representative for this initiative nationally.

Previously, he served as Deputy Secretary for Transit at NCDOT. He was responsible for the department’s five multimodal divisions: Aviation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation, Ferry, Public Transportation and Rail. He also served as the central point of contact for transportation initiatives involving the Global TransPark, North Carolina Railroad and Ports Authority.

Roberto received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from N.C. State University and is a registered Professional Engineer with the State of North Carolina.

He joined NCDOT in 1984 and has held a variety of positions within the Division of Highways in which he addressed highway safety and efficiency initiatives. Roberto led NCDOT’s initiative to create Intelligent Transportation Systems and served as branch manager of the Construction and Materials Branch prior to creating and spearheading the enhanced functions of the Contractual Services Unit, which focused on the needs of underutilized businesses.

He also guided the department’s transformation efforts by leading a team of professionals tasked to evaluate the department’s functions, design new processes aimed at improving program efficiencies and implement best practices. The overall goal was to improve how the department meets the needs of North Carolina.