AASHTO Journal, 28 October 2016
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback tapped Richard Carlson to be permanent secretary of the state Department of Transportation and director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, after Carlson has been heading KDOT as interim secretary since July 15.
The Kansas Senate will need to confirm him as KDOT’s chief executive; it is currently adjourned until Jan. 9, 2017.
Brownback’s second term extends until Jan. 10, 2019.
Carlson had served in the Kansas House of Representatives for 10 years beginning in 2004, chaired its Taxation Committee for six years and was on the Appropriations and Commerce and Labor Committees. Before leading KDOT he was legislative liaison for the Department of Revenue.
Brownback said that Carlson “brings both experience and a deep understanding of Kansas and its citizens to this position. I appreciate his commitment to serving the state and know that he will be a strong and positive leader for KDOT.”