Anthony R. Kane, a noted transportation safety advocate in leadership roles with the Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, has died at 72.
Kane, Ph.D., M.ASCE, was the executive director of FHWA from 1994 to 2001, having risen through the ranks since his start there in 1968. While associate administrator for engineering and program development, he was selected by Department of Transportation Secretary Samuel Skinner to lead development of the landmark Intermodal Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. As executive director, Kane oversaw the agency’s 2,700 employees and spearheaded a restructuring.
After leaving FHWA, he became AASHTO’s director of engineering and technical services, helping to form the association’s policy and legislative proposals. He also oversaw development of AASHTO’s technical publications and standards. He retired in 2013.
“Tony Kane was an extraordinary leader,” said Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director. “He far exceeded most of us intellectually and he brought great energy to life, whether at work or play.” He established a golf tournament later named for him that has raised thousands of dollars for charity.
ASCE honored him for his achievements with the Francis C. Turner Award in 1997. He also received the U.S. Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service in both 1985 and 1990, the U.S. Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service in 1996, and the AASHTO President’s Special Award of Merit in 2001.
Kane received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a civil engineering masters from Northwestern University. He earned a doctorate in business administration from George Washington University. Kane is survived by his wife Jackie, two children and a grandchild.
