Transportation leaders named in Connecticut, Minnesota and Wisconsin

Governors-elect in Connecticut, Minnesota and Wisconsin have announced their choices to lead their states' transportation departments.

Connecticut Gov.-elect Ned Lamont has selected transportation industry veteran Joseph Giulietti as the next commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Giulietti served as president of the MTA Metro-North Railroad from 2014 until his retirement in August 2017. Prior to leading Metro-North, he served for 15 years at the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, where he was deputy executive director and then executive director.

"Joe Giulietti is a national transportation leader, a visionary and, most importantly, a true believer in the connection between strategic transportation planning and economic development," said Lamont in a press release.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov.-elect Tim Walz named Margaret Anderson Kelliher as the next commissioner for the state’s transportation department. Kelliher served two terms as the Minnesota House Speaker. While in the House, she served 10 years on the Transportation Policy and Transportation Finance committees.

As speaker, Kelliher oversaw oversaw the successful Transportation and Transit Funding package in 2008, which created an investment of new and dedicated funds into Minnesota's bridges, roads and transit systems.

"Margaret understands the importance of addressing the diversity of transportation needs across our state. She is an accomplished leader who will bring people together to improve Minnesota’s transportation system," said Walz in a press release.

In Wisconsin, Gov.-elect Tony Evers picked Craig Thompson as the next secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Most recently, Thompson served as executive director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin (TDA).

Prior to joining TDA in 2007, Thompson served as the legislative director for the Wisconsin Counties Association.

Evers' choice of Thompson as WisDOT secretary drew praise from Wisconsin Railroad Association President Ken Lucht.

"As the executive director of the Transportation Development Association, Craig has been a strong leader and consensus builder among the diverse transportation partners. He understands that freight rail is an important part of the transportation mix," Lucht said in a press release.