JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Patrick McKenna, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation for nearly a decade, will step down from his role at the end of the week and leave the agency in September.
MoDOT formally announced its plan for a leadership change on Tuesday.
McKenna will step down as director on Friday, during which MoDOT Deputy Director Ed Hassinger will assume the duties of the director on an interim basis.
In September, Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission intends to launch a national search for a new director.
“We’ve appreciated Patrick’s innovative thinking, steady hand of leadership, and partnership throughout his tenure as MoDOT Director,” said Missouri Gov. Mike Parson via a news release.
“We thank Patrick for serving in his role the past eight and a half years. His leadership has revolutionized the way the department does business,” said W. Dustin Boatwright, Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Chairman.
Boatwright says that McKenna has increased Missouri’s transportation funding from a $1.7 billion to $14. 6 billion in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Missouri has also pushed for expansion of Interstate 70 and reconstruction of the Rocheport and Buck O’Neil bridges under his leadership.
“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, giving consideration to the extensive network of transportation professionals who are ready to compete and lead a world class organization. We are confident we will have a new director in place by the end of the year.”
McKenna has accepted a position with the Eno Center for Transportation in Washington D.C. and intends to begin in October.
Hassinger, the upcoming interim director, 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.
