Mike DeBacker, PE
Vice PresidentTransportation Group General Manager
In an era of electrified cars and aging infrastructure, the transportation industry is being completely reimagined. A visionary, down-to-earth leader, Mike DeBacker is driving his team, the industry and our communities forward.
With more than three decades of experience, Mike focuses on maintaining, reimagining and building innovative transportation infrastructure. He has successfully developed and led informative transportation studies — focusing future transportation needs, alternative project delivery methods and multistate corridor planning projects — working in conjunction with turnpike and tollway authorities, departments of transportation, city and county governments, and private industry clients. His deep understanding of the industry, passion for the community and dedication to developing his team members is unparalleled.
In the community:
Mike is committed to strengthening our communities today and in the future. He supports organizations including:
- Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs and Transportation Committee, member
- Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Big 5 Initiative, co-chair
- Missourians for Transportation Investment, board member
- American Council of Engineering Companies for Missouri, national director, board member and former board chair
- International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association, Leadership Academy
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I've been cheered and booed by 80,000 fans at a Kansas City Chiefs game. One of my closest friends is the mascot, KC Wolf, and we've done many pregame skits together over the years.
What inspired you to pursue your career?
I grew up in a “do-it-yourself” family. We fixed what was broken, so I learned to problem-solve at a young age. I was also pretty good at math. Being the first in my family to go to college, it took me some time to believe I could be an engineer. I'm thankful for this career and company.
How do you and your team make the world a better place?
We improve every community we touch, through safer and more efficient transportation infrastructure — better roads, bridges, railways, transit, ports and policy for the future. It's gratifying to help people connect to what's important and what they need through the transportation system.