Retiring Michigan DOT Chief Kirk Steudle Appointed Econolite Executive
Outgoing Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle has been appointed senior vice president of Econolite, a company that specializes in intelligent transportation systems and traffic management software.
Econolite issued a press release Oct. 22 announcing that Steudle will preside over the Transportation Systems Group and its subsidiary, CAVita, which specializes in vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technology.
“Kirk Steudle is an industry icon with 30 years of industry experience, much of it in application of technologies in transportation,” Econolite President Abbas Mohaddes said in the press release. “His leadership and proven track record for delivering notable results for some of the most influential transportation programs is unmatched, and we are very pleased to have him join the team and play a significant role in our growth and expansion plan in products and services.”
Steudle’s last day at MDOT will be Oct. 31. He worked at the agency for 31 years, the last 12 of which were spent as MDOT chief. Steudle also has served in leadership roles at the Transportation Research Board and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
During his tenure as MDOT director, Steudle led several initiatives related to transportation safety, including performance measures for road projects and asset-management principles. He also helped launch MCity, an autonomous-vehicle research center at the University of Michigan, as well as the American Center for Mobility, a nonprofit facility dedicated to testing and developing autonomous technology.
Gov. Rick Snyder has yet to announce Steudle’s successor.
“My perspective on the future of transportation aligns perfectly with Econolite’s vision of integrating technology today to create smarter connected communities and connected and automated mobility for the future,” Steudle said. “I look forward to working with Econolite, its partners and transportation agencies in forging new relationships and in applying new technologies that will help move people and goods in a safe and efficient transportation system.”
