Director of RI Bridge Authority Takes Office as President of International Association

The executive director of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority began a one-year term as president of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association at the stroke of the new year.

Early J. “Buddy” Croft III was elected President for a one-year term by the IBTTA’s membership at its 2015 annual meeting in September.

“I am delighted to assume the helm of this organization 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.”

According to a news release, Croft has made safety a primary focus since his appointment in 2006 as the RITBA’s director. One of his proudest accomplishments to date was the installation of a median barrier on the deck of the Clairbone Pell Bridge, which connects Jamestown and Newport. That $6 million project was built to reduce head-on collisions and enhance the bridge’s overall safety.

““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 modernized 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.”

At the RITBA, Croft is in charge of a team responsible for the funding, operation and upkeep of four bridges: the Pell, Jamestown Verrazzano, Mount Hope and Sakonnet River Bridge. It also maintains Route 138 from North Kingstown to Newport.

“We are fortunate to have Buddy elected President of IBTTA,” said Stephen C. Waluk, Chairman of the RITBA Board. “It is a tremendous achievement and his involvement with IBTTA will serve Rhode Island well as we strive to maintain the integrity and safety of RITBA’s four bridges - the Newport Pell, the Jamestown Verrazzano, the Mount Hope, and the Sakonnet River Bridges.”

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.

In addition to his activities with IBTTA, Croft also serves on the Executive Board of the E-ZPass Group. The Group is an organization comprising 15 states and 26 agencies from the New England, the Mid-Atlantic and the Midwest regions.