Maine Transportation Commissioner Elected AASHTO President

David Bernhardt, the transportation commissioner in Maine, was elected president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials by the organization’s board at its annual meeting on Nov. 15 Boston.

Tennessee DOT Commissioner John Schroer was elected vice president.

"It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected to serve in this important national role,” Bernhardt said. “I’ve spent my entire professional career in transportation, rising through the ranks at Maine DOT as both a professional engineer and administrator. My experience has helped to prepare me for both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Bernhardt outlined three areas of emphasis: working closely with the new administration in Washington and with members of Congress to develop strong transportation legislation; freight and freight connectivity; and implementing AASHTO’s committee restructuring.

“AASHTO has helped to shape America’s transportation priorities for more than 100 years," said Bernhardt, who replaces Iowa DOT Director Paul Trombino. “Transportation is a bipartisan issue. Everyone benefits from the roadways, bridges, pedestrian and bicycle trails that are revitalizing urban and rural communities, and creating jobs and economic development.”

Bernhardt was appointed Maine’s commissioner by Gov. Paul R. LePage in February 2011 after serving in several top positions within the department. Schroer was appointed Tennessee’s commissioner by Gov. Bill Haslam a month earlier after serving as mayor of his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee.