Commission delays choosing new MDOT executive director

JACKSON — The three-member Mississippi Transportation Commission decided to defer the hiring of a new executive director for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) until after the statewide elections are held in November.

The Commission said several factors led to the decision to defer. Former Northern District Transportation Commissioner Bill Minor passed away unexpectedly in November 2010, leading to a special election earlier this year to fill his unexpired term. Mike Tagert won that election and began serving as Northern District Transportation Commissioner in February.

MDOT has undergone administrative office changes since that time.

Also, Southern District Commissioner Wayne Brown announced earlier this year that he will not seek re-election.

“We want to make it clear that there were some excellent candidates that were interviewed for the position,” said Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall, chairman. “In order to be fair to those candidates and keep a stable work environment for our valued employees, we think it’s best to let the newly elected Transportation Commission make the decision of hiring a new director.”

Source: Mississippi Transportation Commission