Landry names new head of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Gov. Jeff Landry announced leadership changes at the state Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Thursday morning.
Major changes include Secretary Joe Donahue moving into a new role within the agency as executive counsel and announcing Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Executive Director Glenn Ledet as the new secretary.
'Joe has done an outstanding job in one of the most thankless roles in state government. Louisiana's roads and infrastructure are in dire need of reform, and Joe worked every day to move DOTD forward despite the challenges,' said Landry. 'Now, he's returning to his passion—practicing law—and I know he'll bring the same dedication and integrity to his new role as DOTD Executive Counsel. I'm excited about the new era of leadership Glenn and Eric will bring to the department.'
Ledet said he looks forward to working with the DOTD team and its partners to make the state's transportation network stronger. As the head of CPRA, he led the agency's implementation of the $50 billion Coastal Master Plan. He also has over a decade of experience in the engineering industry.
'Together, we will focus on delivering efficient and safe infrastructure that meets the needs of Louisiana's residents, communities, and businesses both now and in the future,' said Ledet.
Landry also announced that Eric Dauphine, currently the district administrator of Lafayette-District 03 serving eight parishes, will be deputy secretary.
'I appreciate the opportunity to help lead DOTD during this time of transition, focusing on strategic improvements and comprehensive change needed to enhance Departmental operations,' said Dauphine.
Leadership changes were announced after lawmakers passed a bill that would restructure DOTD. According to House Bill 528, the secretary would have the power to eliminate positions determined to be unnecessary following civil service rules. The agency's head would also be allowed to enter into agreements with other state agencies to develop programs and monitor, enforce and collect penalties for state construction zone violations.
The bill changed who appoints the role of deputy secretary, shifting it from being a secretary appointment to a governor-appointed position. Tasks for the deputy secretary include overseeing the office of transformation to 'optimize' the agency and submitting an annual report to the legislature.
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Landry names new head of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
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