Patrick McKenna, the director of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), has informed the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission of his decision to leave the department. His last day at MoDOT will be September 20. During his nine-year tenure with MoDOT, McKenna led an enterprise of 5,100 employees to transform decades of deferred maintenance for the nation’s 7th largest transportation network.
He has accepted a position with the Eno Center for Transportation, where he will begin his new role as president and CEO on October 7, 2024. The Board of Directors at Eno Center for Transportation is thrilled to welcome Patrick McKenna. James H.
Burnley, chairman of the Board of Directors and former U.S. secretary of transportation, said, “He is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities the transportation industry faces today. We are confident that his vision and expertise will drive the organization to new heights.”
Governor Mike Parson expressed his gratitude for McKenna’s service. “We’ve appreciated Patrick’s innovative thinking, steady hand of leadership, and partnership throughout his tenure as MoDOT Director.
McKenna transitions from MoDOT leadership
By working together, Missouri’s infrastructure improvement is on a solid foundation, and we have achieved unprecedented wins, including expanding I-70 to six lanes, the Focus on Bridges program, the new Rocheport and Buck O’Neil bridges, and huge investments in lettered roads across our state, among countless others. While Patrick will be greatly missed among our cabinet team, we wish him the absolute best.
We are proud to have had his leadership in Missouri and know this new legacy of excellence will continue on at MoDOT.”
Effective end of day August 23, MoDOT Deputy Director Ed Hassinger will assume the duties of the director as interim director during this transition and search for a new director. Hassinger has worked for MoDOT for more than 40 years and has served in the role as deputy director and chief engineer for the last 11 years. The commission plans to launch a national search for its new director following its monthly meeting in September.
“MoDOT has an existing team of leaders who consistently exceed expectations to deliver for Missourians, and we value each of them,” said Boatwright. “The commission will exercise due diligence by performing a national search open to both external and internal candidates. We are confident we will have a new director in place by the end of the year.
Together we will continue to deliver on these needed transportation projects for all Missourians.”
- MassTransitMag.”Patrick McKenna named president and CEO of Eno Center for Transportation”.
- KirksvilleDailyExpress.”Commission announces plan for MoDOT leadership change”.
- STLToday.”MoDOT to launch national search for new road and bridge czar”.