The new head of the DOT has some long-standing Coweta ties.

On Wednesday, The State Transportation Board announced Gena Lester Abraham as DOT Commissioner effective December 1, 2007. Abraham will become DOT’s 14th Commissioner and first woman ever to hold the state’s top transportation post overseeing 5,800 employees statewide and over $2 billion annual agency budget.

Abraham currently lives in Sharpsburg and is probably very familar with some of the county’s transportation problems.

“There were several great candidates and it was a tough decision but Gena’s experience and management discipline are extraordinary. The Department faces many challenges and I know Gena has the ability to face them head on. I have every confidence that she will be able to shape a bright future for transportation in this state,” said State Transportation Board Chairman Mike Evans.

Dr. Abraham was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue in February 2006 as State Property Officer and has served as the Executive Secretary and the Director of the Construction Division of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) since June 2003. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor of Construction Engineering and Management in the Civil Engineering Department at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Dr. Abraham has also served as Chief Engineer for the Georgia Building Authority. Prior to coming to state government she managed construction across the U.S. for LaSalle Partners. Dr. Abraham serves on several boards including: Chair of the Georgia Land Conservation Council, Secretary Treasurer of the Sapelo Island Heritage Authority, MARTA Board, State Board of Equalization and the Capital Asset Management Advisory Council.

She holds a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Abraham has one son.

Current DOT Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl announced his retirement September 5, 2007, capping a 40 year career with the Department. His effective leadership of Georgia DOT garnered consistent recognition for Georgia’s roadways as among the best maintained in the nation. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the National Partnership for Transportation Quality (NPHQ) and a host of other industry associations have recognized Georgia DOT for its use of innovative techniques and quality driven programs and processes. Linnenkohl also made strides in strengthening the Department’s internal policies and processes in key performance areas, including roadway safety and traffic congestion. For example, in spite of rising right of way and construction equipment costs nationwide, his implementation of a Department-wide strategic plan improved on-time and on-budget project delivery while boosting the morale of the 5,800 employees of Georgia DOT, exemplifying the limitless possibilities of hard work and promotion through the ranks.

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