"As many of you may know, I had the distinct honor of being confirmed as Commissioner of NYSDOT this past Tuesday. Going forward, our new Executive Deputy Stan Gee and I are anxious to continue laying the foundation for what we hope will be an exciting and productive time in this Agency's history.

To that end, we would like to announce several significant changes in the Department's management structure that we're sure will further NYSDOT's goals, objectives, and core mission. We are fortunate to have such a wide array of talented individuals here to work with including many who can excel in more than one program area. Also, because of this Agency's tremendous reputation, we have been able to recruit some of the most talented professionals in the transportation management field to join us here at 50 Wolf Road.

I know we can count on all of you to continue to do the work of this Agency in your usual professional and responsible manner as we enter a transition period for the individuals listed below:

Current Division Directors:

Michael McCarthy, Administrative Services Division: Mike will now serve as the permanent director of the Administrative Services division having been acting in the position for several months.

Michael Shamma, Engineering Division: Mike will now serve as the Regional Director in Region 2, Utica, having been the Chief Engineer for several months. He will also supervise several special initiatives at the direction of the Commissioner.

Brian Rowback, Operating Division: Brian will remain as NYSDOT's Chief Operating Officer and Director of the Operating Division.

David Ligeikis, Delivery Division: Dave will return to his position as the Eastern Zone Resource Manager after serving as the Acting Chief Regional Director and Director of the Delivery Division.

Michael Novakowski, Policy and Strategy Division: Mike will return to his position as NYSDOT's Chief Financial Officer after serving as the Acting Director of the Policy and Strategy Division.

Bruce Feldman, Legal Services Division: As our Chief Counsel, Bruce will continue to lead the Legal Services Division which now reports directly to the Office of the Commissioner. It had previously been located in the Administrative Services Division.

New Division Directors:

Robert Dennison: Bob will now serve as the Department's Chief Engineer and Director of the Engineering Division.

Mark Silo: Mark will now serve as the Chief Regional Director and Director of the Delivery Division

Karen Rae: Karen will now serve as the Director of the Policy and Strategy Division. She has most recently been the Deputy Secretary for Local and Area Transportation at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The Policy and Strategy Division will now report directly to the Commissioner. Karen will be joining us on June 3rd.

New Office Directors:

Jennifer Nelson: Jennifer will now serve as Director of Communications and will supervise the 11 Regional Public Information Officers and Main Office media relations staff. She has most recently been the Executive Assistant to the Commissioner.

Office of the Commissioner:

Lynn Weiskopf: Lynn will now serve as Executive Assistant to the Commissioner for Policy. Lynn has most recently supervised the Statewide Policy Bureau in the Policy and Strategy Division.

Sam Zhou: Sam will now serve as Executive Assistant to the Commissioner for Engineering and Special Projects. Sam has most recently been the Deputy Director of the Design Quality Assurance Bureau.

All of these new appointments will become effective on May 29th. However, there will be a transition period for those involved so individuals might not be reporting to their new locations immediately.

I want to take a moment to thank all of the above employees who have worked diligently in their various capacities in the Department and those who have enthusiastically agreed to serve NYSDOT in their new positions. "

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