John A. Davis
BSCE 1982, MSCE 1987
City Traffic Engineer
City of Des Moines, Iowa
"Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less."
John A. Davis was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, graduating from Lawrence Central High School in 1978. A third-generation Purdue University engineer, John earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1982 and began his career with the City of Indianapolis.
John returned to Purdue to complete a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1987, specializing in Transportation and Traffic Engineering. His academic studies combined with leadership roles as a resident assistant and staff resident in Wiley Hall laid the foundation for a distinguished 42-year career.
Currently, John serves as the City Traffic Engineer for Des Moines, Iowa, where he oversees the city’s traffic and transportation systems, including traffic control devices, signal systems, parking, and skywalks. His tenure has been marked by initiatives such as a citywide transportation safety action plan aligned with Vision Zero, a curbside management strategy, and the implementation of advanced parking technologies.
John’s career includes leadership roles with the City of Indianapolis, Lee County, Florida, and engineering firms in Wisconsin. In every role, he has managed complex projects, led multidisciplinary teams, and advanced safer, more efficient transportation networks.
A member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) since 1981, John has held numerous leadership positions, including ITE’s 2024 International President. He has chaired the Traffic Engineering Council, founded the Collegiate Traffic Bowl Committee, and served twice on ITE’s International Board of Direction. He has received ITE’s Burton W. Marsh Award for Distinguished Service, along with similar honors from the Florida and Wisconsin Sections and Midwestern District.
An Eagle Scout and Silver Beaver Award recipient, John has supported Scouting America since 1978 as an adult volunteer and currently serves on the Mid-Iowa Council Executive Board.
He and his wife, Paula, have been married for 31 years and have two sons, John Michael and Anthony. A proud Boilermaker, John often says, “I may be a Hoosier by birth, but I’m a Boilermaker by the Grace of God.”