Sonja Simpson

Dr. Sonja Simpson is the office manager for Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services' Columbus, Ohio, operation.

Prior to this, she was the assistant director of field operations with the Ohio Department of Transportation. Simpson has also served ODOT in two other positions: as district deputy director of District 5, and as the deputy director of the Division of Operations in ODOT’s Central Office.

A strong believer in “Good Government,” Simpson has more than 19 years of public sector experience. She was on Columbus Business First’s “Forty Under 40” list for 2012, and was named the American Public Works Association Manager of the Year for Administrative Management in 2013. In 2017, Simpson was presented the Women’s Transportation Seminar Columbus Chapter 2017 Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award.

Simpson earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a master’s in regional planning from California University of Pennsylvania. She also holds a doctorate in business administration with a specialization in public administration from Northcentral University. She has been teaching at the college level for 15 years. Her research interests include public administration, leadership and diversity in public organizations.