Rebecca Ruitto is a senior project manager and associate at engineering consulting firm CDM Smith, managing $13 million in active transportation planning and design projects, including the I-95 Greenwich PEL Study. She consistently exceeds performance targets and has led major state Department of Transportation contract wins.
Ruitto contributes firmwide through mentoring and business development and serves on the UConn College of Engineering advisory board and as a director with ACEC-CT. She is a longtime leader in WTS Connecticut, including serving as president.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
My biggest accomplishment was leading the successful pursuit and delivery of two major CTDOT on-call contracts, including a $10 million traffic engineering award — a first for CDM Smith. I exceeded 150% of profit targets while managing complex projects and expanding our transportation market presence statewide.
How are you involved in the community?
I support my community by mentoring students in STEM and career-readiness programs, organizing CDM Smith’s Holiday Gift Drive to support East Hartford families, and advancing the transportation field through WTS and ACEC CT leadership, scholarship initiatives and national advocacy efforts.
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What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I enjoy traveling to new places, relaxing at the beach, hiking with my golden retriever and playing golf.
Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty?
I advance the profession through mentorship, WTS CT and ACEC CT leadership, scholarship funding, STEM outreach and sustained community service.
I was inducted into UConn Academy of Distinguished Engineers in 2026 for leadership, professional achievement and service.
I led first-of-their-kind CTDOT contract wins, expanding CDM Smith’s transportation market presence and delivering measurable growth and statewide client impact.
Fun Fact
I can talk about transportation projects and vacation itineraries with equal enthusiasm.
