Robert E. Skinner, Jr. has been the Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering since 1994. TRB is a non-profit organization that promotes transportation innovation by sponsoring professional meetings and publications, administering applied research programs, and conducting policy studies.

Prior to joining TRB in 1983, Skinner was a Vice President of Alan M. Voorhees and Associates, a transportation consulting firm, for which he managed the firm's activities in the eastern United States. Skinner earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia in 1969 with high distinction. He earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from MIT in 1971. A registered professional engineer, Skinner received the James Laurie Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers.