About Judy Wagner, PE

Judy Wagner of Hillsboro, Missouri, director of public works for the city of Arnold, Missouri, earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Missouri S&T in 1991. She began her career as a maintenance intern with the Missouri Department of Transportation as a student. After graduation, she was hired full time as a construction inspector and was eventually promoted to resident engineer, the first woman to hold this position in St. Louis area. From 2002 until her MoDOT retirement in 2019, Wagner served as Franklin and Jefferson County area engineer, leading a large team on projects that include developing over $100 million in cost-sharing partnerships to construct large highway projects with local and state funding. She planned, prioritized and developed projects in the area. Wagner worked on the new Highway 21, Interstate 55, Highway 50 and Highway 100 widenings. She is most proud of leading a new major bridge over the Missouri River on Route 47 in Washington, Missouri. A member of Transportation Engineers Association of Missouri (TEAM) Programming Committee since 2011, she was elected TEAM Governing Board president-elect in 2022 and became president in 2023. Wagner co-founded the Jefferson County Safety First Coalition. A member of the American Public Works Association, she created a roadway asset management plan and led the rebuilding of the Public Works Complex. She is responsible for city facilities, fleet, streets and stormwater infrastructure. She assists and supports all departments and manages several grant projects. Wagner enjoys spending time with friends and family boating, traveling, four-wheeling, camping and relaxing around their pool. She volunteers for the KMA (Keeping Memories Alive) Foundation and other community fundraisers through the Festus Elks Club. She has been married over 32 years and has two grown successful children.