The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) recently appointed Dina El-Tawansy as director.
El-Tawansy will oversee a budget of nearly $18 billion and the management of more than 50,000 miles of highway and freeway lanes.
“Dina brings strong leadership history, extensive transportation expertise and nearly three decades of impressive Caltrans credentials to the helm of the most complex transportation network in the nation,” California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said. “Dina’s proven, people-focused record will enable a vital, seamless integration into this role as she and her team of 22,000 continue to prioritize improved lives for all Californians.”
Since 1998, El-Tawansy has held multiple positions with Caltrans including District 4 acting director, District 4 director, District 4 chief deputy director, District 12 deputy director of operations and maintenance, and District 12 regional project manager. She holds degrees in construction management and civil engineering.
“I am honored to serve as the director of Caltrans and to continue my work improving California’s transportation infrastructure,” El-Tawansy said. “My focus will be on accelerating the work of Caltrans across all programs to deliver efficient and effective transportation solutions.”
Caltrans has six primary programs: aeronautics, highway transportation, mass transportation, transportation planning, administration and the equipment service center.