AASHTO Journal, 7 October 2011
The Texas Transportation Commission last week hired Phil Wilson as the Texas Department of Transportation’s 19th executive director. Wilson will start his new job Oct. 17.
Wilson currently serves as senior vice president of public affairs for Luminant, an electric generation company headquartered in Dallas. He previously served as Texas’ secretary of state, where he was was responsible for elections and acted as the governor’s chief liaison on issues with Mexico. Wilson’s past public service also includes time as an aide to Gov. Rick Perry and former Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas.
“Phil’s experience as a public servant and member of the Texas business community has prepared him well to lead the department as it continues to modernize,” TxDOT Commissioner Ted Houghton said in a statement. “While TxDOT is certainly a national leader in transportation infrastructure development, there are opportunities for Phil to guide the department through this period of transition, emerging a more responsive and efficient organization.”
Wilson is the department’s first executive director hired since 2009 legislation removed a previous requirement that the position be held by a professional engineer. He said in a statement that he is honored to be selected for the position of executive director.
“This is an agency with a rich history in successfully building for our future with dedicated employees,” Wilson said. “I look forward to working with the agency, commission, legislature, and local communities on the most efficient and effective ways to build infrastructure for Texas.”
As a chair of the Governor’s Competitiveness Council, Wilson and his colleagues made several transportation recommendations to improve the state’s competitiveness including proposals to re-examine public/private partnerships, expand inland ports, repair and maintain the state’s existing infrastructure, and advance rail relocation efforts.
Wilson succeeds Amadeo Saenz Jr., who retired from state service at the end of August. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University.