By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Governor Appoints New Leaders For Caltrans
ct logo trans

A new Director and Deputy Director have been appointed to serve in the top spots for the Department of Transportation, Caltrans, by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

The announcements were made this past week and included the appointment of Laurie Berman to serve as the new Director for Caltrans and Ryan Chamberlain as the new Chief Deputy Director. The appointments come as Director Malcolm Dougherty announced his departure from public service to pursue other opportunities in the private sector. The appointments take effect on March 3, 2018.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead an agency that has a major impact to those who live, visit and do business in the state of California,” said Berman. “Transportation plays a vital role in the state’s economy and livability for every Californian, and I look forward to building on the great progress this department has made over the last several years.”

Berman has been serving as Caltrans Acting Chief Deputy Director since October 2017. She has a 34-year history with Caltrans serving in multiple roles in the Department including District Director in the San Diego region where she oversaw the groundbreaking on the I-5 north coast corridor project, the successful delivery of the State Route 125 public/private partnership project and improved mobility efforts along the California/Mexico Border.

“I am very confident that Laurie is the right person to lead Caltrans, she’s been instrumental in delivering on the promise of SB 1 and will ensure a smooth transition for our hardworking staff and the public,” said outgoing Director Dougherty. “I appreciate the leadership that she has exemplified in the San Diego region during her eight years as District Director and know we are on the right path to continue serving Californians.”

Berman will lead the $8.5 billion organization with nearly 20,000 employees, with Chamberlain serving as second in command. The Governor’s appointments put in place a strong leadership team moving forward.

“I am looking forward to working closely with Ryan in his new capacity and know that he is the right person for the job,” said Berman. “Rolling out one of the first SB 1 projects in the state, Ryan has shown impressive leadership in Orange County and has a commitment to improving infrastructure for all Californians.”

Chamberlain has been serving as the Caltrans District Director in the Orange County region since 2012, where he worked in partnership with local and regional agencies to move innovative projects to construction like the recently celebrated Interstate 405 Improvement Project. Chamberlain oversaw Caltrans Orange County’s Managed Lanes Network Study which identified ways to increase the movement of people within the existing State Highway System. Prior to his role as District Director, Chamberlain served as chief of the division of transportation planning, branch chief of local development and intergovernmental review, and was a transportation planner in the private sector.

And while the new leadership team gets ready to step in, the outgoing director has also earned some kudos.

“I’d like to thank Director Malcolm Dougherty for his 25 years of dedicated public service. Under his leadership, Caltrans has remained committed to efficient project delivery and safety, and remains a valued member of the transportation community with his years of service in various state and national organizations,” said Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Annis. “Laurie has been actively engaged in the implementation of SB 1, as we look to the future her leadership will guide the department as it continues its work to rebuild California.”