Del. Del. Thomas Davis Rust (R-86) - middle - receives an Outstanding Project And Leaders (OPAL) award. Photo by David Hathcox
The American Society of Civil Engineers awarded Del. Thomas Davis Rust (R-86) an Outstanding Project And Leaders (OPAL) award in Arlington on March 26, for his lifetime achievement in government. The national OPAL award was established 15 years ago, to recognize outstanding civil engineering leaders whose lifetime accomplishments and achievements have made significant differences.
Rust has a diversified career, serving as mayor of Herndon for 19 years, as delegate for 14 years, and numerous commissions and boards, while building an engineering company.
Having started his civil engineering career in 1965 for the Fairfax County Department of Public Works, Rust quickly moved from engineer, to assistant chief engineer, to chief of the design branch. He was then offered a job with Patton & Harris, a civil engineering firm, and it soon became Patton Harris Rust & Associates. In 2011, Patton Harris Rust & Associates merged with Pennoni Associates in 2011, where Rust serves as vice chairman on the board of directors.
Rust’s background in civil engineering gives him a unique perspective in addressing transportation issues in Virginia. He was a staunch patron of the 2013 landmark transportation bill, which brings much needed funding to transportation in Northern Virginia as well as the Commonwealth. As chairman of the House of Delegates Transportation Committee, a member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, a member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, and vice-chairman of the Dulles Corridor Rail Association, Rust’s commitment to transportation is evident.
Rust has garnered many accolades during his service, including Legislator of the Year from the American Planning Association (Virginia), Legislator of the Year from the Virginia Interfaith Center, and Delegate of the Year from the American Council of Engineering Companies.
Passionate about education, Rust was the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree in engineering from George Washington University, and a second master’s degree in environmental and urban planning from University of Virginia. He has served in the Virginia higher education system in leadership positions on the Boards of Visitors at Longwood University and Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Tech College of Engineering’s Committee of 100.