AASHTO Journal, 8 March 2013
Oklahoma Department of Transportation announced Monday that Mike Patterson, current deputy director and chief financial officer of the department, has been appointed to serve as the department’s director. Patterson will replace retiring ODOT Director Gary Ridley.
Patterson’s appointment was made by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.
“I welcome the opportunity to serve the department,” Patterson said in a statement. “ODOT is known nationally as one of the best and we will continue to be so. We will continue to be laser-focused on providing a safe, effective, and efficient transportation system for the people, commerce, and communities of Oklahoma.”
Patterson began work at ODOT in 1970 as a summer employee and has served in multiple roles since. He has served in his current position since 2010. He is also active in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, where he currently serves as vice chair on the organization’s Standing Committee on Finance and Administration​. Patterson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Ridley expressed his support for Patterson’s appointment.
“In his three decades with ODOT, Mike has been instrumental in working with the state legislature and governor to ensure that transportation is a top priority in Oklahoma,” Ridley said. “I am confident that under Mike’s leadership, ODOT will continue to make great strides in improving our state’s transportation system.”
Patterson will begin his duties as director on April 1. Ridley is slated to remain on Fallin’s cabinet as Transportation Secretary.