Oregon and Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) officials said the entities are seeking a single program administrator to helm efforts to replace the Interstate Bridge over the Columbia River.
The selected individual would be responsible to both Transportation Departments to lead the program office, serving a key role in directing the multidisciplinary, multi-agency team charged with program development.
“Replacing the Interstate Bridge is essential for the economic vitality, resiliency, and livability of the entire Portland-Vancouver region,” Oregon DOT Director Kris Strickler said. “Finding a program administrator who can effectively lead the work of the office as a partnership effort will be critical to successfully identify a solution that truly reflects community needs and values.”
Securing an administrator ensures the program office follows a transparent, data-driven process, officials said, prioritizing equity and inclusion throughout each stage of the program process.
“We need to do everything possible to set this program up for success to meet the needs of the bi-state region,” Washington State DOT Secretary Roger Millar said. “Having one top executive for the office that jointly represents both states will provide consistent leadership and a unified vision for the program.”
A national recruitment search is currently underway, utilizing the services of J. Tedesco & Associates, a recruitment firm they indicated ODOT has had proven success with during recent leadership searches.