Hancock, Cox assume leadership roles at AASHTO

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recently elected Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock president and Wyoming Department of Transportation Director John Cox, vice president.

As president, Hancock expects to emphasize updating AASHTO's strategic plan, promoting innovation in state DOT and industry practices, and directing the association's lobbying effort to help pass the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.

"This is a critical time for transportation agencies across the country as we grapple with uncertain federal funding in the face of ever-increasing transportation needs," said Hancock in a press release. "AASHTO member transportation departments . . . rely on the federal government to provide sustainable levels of annual transportation funding today and into the future."

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear appointed Hancock to lead the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in July 2010. Hancock recently served as president of the Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and currently serves as chairman of the AASHTO Standing Committee on Planning and a member of the Transportation Research Board's Executive Committee.

Cox has served as the Wyoming DOT's director since January 2005. He spent the previous 28 years in law enforcement, including a stint as administrator of the Wyoming Highway Patrol.