In the Spotlight

Tiara McCray, RWA-GN, is a seasoned right of way professional and the current Region 4 Young Professional Representative for the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), where she helps elevate emerging leaders across the Washington, D.C.–Maryland–Virginia region and beyond. With more than nine years of experience negotiating contracts and acquiring residential and commercial property interests for government agencies, she has built a reputation for delivering timely project clearance while maintaining strong relationships with property owners and stakeholders under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (Uniform Act).

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As a Right of Way Program Manager at STV, Tiara oversees project budgets, right of way schedules, and team performance, ensuring that acquisition and document control activities align with client goals and community needs. She previously served as a Realty Specialist with the Federal Highway Administration, supporting the development and interpretation of national policy and guidance for real estate acquisition and relocation assistance programs, and acting as a liaison to other federal agencies that must comply with the Uniform Act.

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Before her federal role, Tiara led the Property Acquisition Section for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, managing a team responsible for securing property interests for county transportation projects, overseeing right of way closures and dispositions, and forecasting land acquisition costs for the Capital Improvements Program. She began her career in transportation as a Right of Way Agent with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, gaining hands-on experience in corridor acquisition, negotiation, and relocation on highway projects.

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Tiara’s leadership extends well beyond her day-to-day work. She actively serves in international, regional, and local executive roles within IRWA, including service in Region 4 leadership and as a recognized Young Professional, reflecting her commitment to advancing the profession and mentoring emerging practitioners. A graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, she continues to deepen her expertise through specialized training such as FTA’s Uniform Act Basics for Transit Agency Personnel.

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Whether she is guiding complex acquisition programs, shaping policy, or championing professional development within IRWA, Tiara McCray is known for her strategic mindset, collaborative leadership style, and passion for delivering right of way solutions that balance project delivery with community impact.