AASHTO Journal - Joey Hopkins Stepping Down as NCDOT Secretary

On October 1, Joey Hopkins (above) plans to retire as secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation; capping off a nearly 30-year career at the agency. Governor Josh Stein (D) has named Daniel Johnson, NCDOT deputy secretary and general counsel, as his replacement.

[Above photo by NCDOT]

Prior to becoming NCDOT secretary in October 2023, Hopkins served as NCDOT’s chief operating officer, with development of North Carolina’s Strategic Prioritization Process a major accomplishment of his tenure at the time; a plan that helped NCDOT use existing funding more efficiently and effectively to enhance the state’s infrastructure while supporting economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life.

“Secretary Hopkins was planning for his retirement until Hurricane Helene struck our state,” said Gov. Stein in a statement. “I asked him to delay his retirement to help steer us through the early phases of recovery and rebuilding. He is a true public servant, beloved across the state and across the aisle, and I wish him a joyful retirement with his family.”

“It has been an honor to serve as secretary of transportation, and I am grateful to all the North Carolinians who put their trust in our team,” said Hopkins. “Daniel Johnson has been a valuable advisor to me, and I am proud to pass the torch to him.”

Johnson, who’s served as NCDOT’s deputy secretary and general counsel since 2019, previously worked in private practice, as an assistant district attorney in Wake County, and as a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy.

A Navy and Marine Corps Medal recipient, Johnson is a native of Hickory, NC, and earned undergraduate and law degrees at the University of North Carolina.

“We have much work ahead to strengthen our infrastructure in western North Carolina, as well as to lead our entire state into the future of transportation,” the governor said. “With his record of public service, leadership, and expertise in transportation, Daniel Johnson is the right person for the job. I welcome him to the role and look forward to working together to build a safer, stronger, and better-connected North Carolina.”