The North Houston Association and the West Houston Association recently hosted a retirement party and roast with more than 400 guests in honor of Hans C. (Chris) Olavson’s work for 13 years as the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) director of district transportation planning. “Chris has been a major supporter of the North Houston Association,” said Catherine Wray, executive director. “He regularly attends our NHA Transportation Committee meetings to keep us informed on regional issues and the status of projects in our area. His input has been invaluable.”

At the event, TxDOT District Engineer Gary Trietsch, P.E., Former District Engineer Milton Dietert, P.E. and Former District Planning Engineer Oliver Stork, P.E. spoke about Olavson’s contribution to the area. A number of additional dignitaries commented on their experiences with Olavson, including Senator Jon Lindsay, Harris County Judge Robert Eckels, and Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Executive Director Alan Clark. Several legislators who were not able to attend the event sent their thanks to Olavson in the form of letters and resolutions. These well-wishers included Congressman Kevin Brady and Texas Transportation Commission Member Johnny Johnson.

In addition to working at TxDOT for more than 32 years, Olavson served as the study director of the Houston- Galveston Regional Transportation Study and the department’s liaison with the Houston Metropolitan Planning Organization. He also received the 1993 Luther Deberry award from Texas A&M University.
The following companies served as underwriters of the event: Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc., Brown & Root Services, Carter & Burgess, Cobb Fendley & Associates, Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation, HNTB Architects Engineers Planners, JNS Consulting Engineers, Inc., Klotz Associates, Inc., Lockwood Andrews & Newnam, Inc., Parsons Brinkerhoff. PBS&J, The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P., Turner Collie & Braden, Inc., Wilbur Smith Associates, and Williams Brothers Construction Company, Inc.