AASHTO Journal, 9 September 2011
John Barton, assistant executive director for engineering operations at the Texas Department of Transportation, has been selected to serve as interim executive director of the agency while it searches for a permanent replacement for Amadeo Saenz Jr., who retired Aug. 31.Barton has been with TxDOT for more than 25 years, starting out while in high school as a summer employee. As assistant executive director for engineering operations, he is responsible for management and control of the aviation, bridge, design, environmental affairs, rail, right of way, and research and technology implementation offices. Barton also assists with planning for TxDOT in such areas as overall operating objectives and the technical merits of programs and policies.
In 2003, Barton received the AASHTO President’s Award for Planning for his work in transportation system improvements while as serving as director of transportation planning and development for TxDOT’s Wichita Falls District.