The Hon. Victor Mendez is a Venture Partner, Public-Private Partnerships at RIDGE-LANE LP.

Victor Mendez served as the 20th United States Deputy Secretary of Transportation, where he was the Chief Operating Officer, responsible for day-to-day operations of the 10 modal administrations and the work of more than 55,000 USDOT employees nationwide and overseas.  Mendez focused on ensuring the safety and efficiency of America’s transportation system, which plays a key role in economic development.

Before becoming Deputy Secretary, he was the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, where he oversaw the agency’s 2,900 employees in Washington and field offices across the country.  During his time at FHWA, he parlayed his lifelong interest in innovation and technology into launching the Every Day Counts initiative, which gives states a range of tools and technologies to streamline construction projects and make them more cost effective.

Before joining USDOT, Mendez was Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, where he served for 20 years; improving the Agency's customer service in its highway and motor vehicle divisions.  Under his leadership, ADOT built the Regional Freeway System in the Phoenix area six years ahead of schedule and consistently delivered statewide construction programs on time.

Mendez earned a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso and later earned an MBA from Arizona State University.  He is a registered professional engineer.