Caltrans regional director to lead state agency
After nearly 35 years of working in the agency, former Caltrans District 11 director Laurie Berman, who has served as director of the San Diego-Imperial County region until last fall, was appointed to lead the state agency beginning next month.
On Tuesday, Gov. Jerry Brown announced the appointment of Berman to serve as the new director for the Department of Transportation. The announcement comes as current Director Malcolm Dougherty announced his departure from public service to pursue other opportunities in the private sector.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead an agency that has a major impact on those who live, visit and do business in the state of California,” Berman said. “Transportation plays a vital role in the state’s economy and livability for every Californian, and I look forward to building on the great progress this department has made over the last several years.”
Berman has been serving as Caltrans Acting Chief Deputy Director since October 2017. Berman has a 34-year history with Caltrans, serving in multiple roles in the department including district director in the San Diego region where she oversaw the groundbreaking on the I-5 north coast corridor project, the successful delivery of the State Route 125 public/private partnership project and improved mobility efforts along the California/Mexico Border.
Locally, she oversaw the initial portion of the investment of nearly half a billion dollars for repairs along Interstate 8 throughout the eastern portion of Imperial County.
State officials hope her appointment allows the agency to move forward seamlessly with its transportation priorities, and particularly with the commitments and plans that lie ahead for SB 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act.
“I am very confident that Laurie is the right person to lead Caltrans. She’s been instrumental in delivering on the promise of SB 1 and will ensure a smooth transition for our hardworking staff and the public,” said Dougherty. “I appreciate the leadership that she has exemplified in the San Diego region during her eight years as district director and know we are on the right path to continue serving Californians.”
Berman will lead the $8.5 billion organization with nearly 20,000 employees, effective March 3, 2018.
“I’d like to thank Director Dougherty for his 25 years of dedicated public service. Under his leadership, Caltrans has remained committed to efficient project delivery and safety, and remains a valued member of the transportation community with his years of service in various state and national organizations,” said Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Annis. “Laurie has been actively engaged in the implementation of SB 1. As we look to the future, her leadership will guide the department as it continues its work to rebuild California.”