AASHTO Journal, 22 March 2013
Missouri Department of Transportation announced Thursday that Chief Engineer Dave Nichols would take over as MoDOT Interim Director, effective immediately. Nichols’ appointment comes after Director Kevin Keith submitted his resignation to take a medical leave of absence with the intent to retire on July 1.
“The commission has accepted Kevin’s resignation and we are grateful for his long career of dedicated, results-oriented service to MoDOT and the citizens of Missouri,” said Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Chair Joe Carmichael in a statement. “We are committed to a seamless leadership transition for the benefit of our employees, our customers, and our stakeholders.”
Nichols has been with MoDOT for almost 30 years, serving in various roles. He previously served as MoDOT’s first director of program delivery before assuming his role as chief engineer. Nichols also served as Northwest District Engineer, headquartered in St. Joseph, and worked at the department’s Kansas City District.
Nichols has been tapped to serve in his role as interim director for “a minimum of one year,” according to a MoDOT news release.
Keith had served as MoDOT director since 2010. He also served as Chair of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Standing Committee on Performance Management.
“We thank Kevin for his years of distinguished service in advancing transportation infrastructure, not just in Missouri, but the nation as a whole through his efforts at AASHTO,” said AASHTO Executive Director Bud Wright. “Kevin was a true leader and his work as chair of AASHTO’s Standing Committee on Performance Management exemplified his commitment to building a strong, data-driven transportation system to benefit the nation.”