AASHTO Journal, 19 December 2014
Gov. Rick Scott appointed Jim Boxold, who has been chief of staff at the Florida Department of Transportation since July 2013, to become the state’s transportation secretary effective Jan. 3.
Boxold will replace Ananth Prasad, who earlier announced he would leave that post on Jan. 2 after nearly four years as the agency CEO.
The incoming FDOT secretary, whom Scott selected from three candidates identified by the Florida Transportation Commission, was previously at the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture from 2003-2013 as director of cabinet affairs.
Prior to that Boxold had been deputy director of cabinet affairs for Gov. Jeb Bush in 2001-02, and legislative affairs director for U.S. Rep. Porter Goss from 1995 to 2001.
Gov. Scott said during Boxold’s time as FDOT’s chief of staff “we’ve accomplished a lot to meet the transportation needs of Florida families, visitors and businesses. This year we made an historic investment of over $10 billion for transportation and DOT’s five-year plan will invest nearly $41 billion into our state’s transportation system, thanks to the leadership of Secretary Prasad and Jim. We have also focused on making Florida’s ports a world leader in trade, a goal that we will continue to pursue.”
Scott said Boxold “will bring passion, energy and experience to our mission of making Florida the premier destination for jobs.”
The governor said he was grateful for Prasad’s service “and I am confident Jim is the best person to carry on his commitment to excellence in improving our state’s infrastructure in the years ahead.”
Boxold said that under Scott, “transportation has been made a top priority to help drive our state’s economic growth and improve the lives of families.” He said the agency will continue with that mission.