Kansas, Ohio Governors-Elect Announce DOT Director Picks
The newly elected governors of Kansas and Ohio have announced their choices to lead their states’ departments of transportation.
Kansas Gov.-elect Laura Kelly announced Jan. 9 that she has selected Julie Lorenz to lead the Kansas Department of Transportation. Lorenz currently serves as a senior strategic consultant at Burns and McDonnell, an engineering and construction firm.
Lorenz
Lorenz has experience with the agency she is about to lead. Before her work at Burns and McDonnell, she was director of public affairs and special assistant for KDOT Secretary Deb Miller. During her time at KDOT, Lorenz developed strategic planning efforts and contributed to the legislative passage of the $8 billion Transportation Works for Kansas program in 2010.
Marchbanks
“Transportation is the lifeblood of our state’s economy,” Lorenz in a press release issued by Kelly’s office. “I’m thrilled to join Gov.-elect Kelly’s team and return to KDOT where we’ll focus on strengthening transportation. A strong transportation system improves Kansans’ lives by connecting communities, increasing safety and expanding economic development opportunities across the state.”
Ohio Gov.-elect Mike DeWine announced Jan. 10 that Jack Marchbanks will serve as director of Ohio DOT. Marchbanks currently serves as ODOT’s assistant director for business and human resources. He previously worked as a district deputy director for the agency.
Kelly and DeWine are scheduled to be inaugurated Jan. 14. They represent two of the 36 people who were elected (or re-elected) to serve as governor during the Nov. 6 elections.
