AASHTO Journal - Boratyn to Replace Marchbanks as Ohio DOT Director

Jack Marchbanks (above right) announced he will step down as director of the Ohio Department of Transportation on September 30, though he plans to serve as a senior policy advisor to help ensure a smooth transition for his replacement.

[Above photos via the Ohio DOT]

Pamela Vest Boratyn – who currently serves as the deputy executive director of the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund – has been nominated by Governor Mike DeWine (R) to serve as the agency’s director beginning October 1, though she needs to be confirmed by the Ohio Senate.

Boratyn has worked in various capacities for Ohio DOT, including assistant director and chief of staff, over her 30-year career in public service. She also served as general counsel for eight years during Gov. DeWine’s previous tenure as Ohio’s attorney general. Under former Attorney General Betty Montgomery, Boratyn served as chief of the Transportation Section.

“I want to thank Director Marchbanks for his leadership of Ohio DOT since the beginning of my first term as governor,” said Gov. DeWine in a statement. “Jack has shared my vision for increasing safety on Ohio’s roads and making sure that our transportation system works efficiently to serve our residents, businesses, and visitors. I am also pleased that Pam Boratyn has agreed to serve as Ohio DOT’s new director. Pam has a passion for public service and a wealth of experience in the transportation sector.”

Marchbanks – who served as Ohio DOT director since 2019 – holds a Ph.D. in history from Ohio University and plans to return to academia in the future. He also looks forward to devoting more time to promoting the performing arts and African American culture, two of his lifelong passions.

He’s also shared his insights on a variety of state department of transportation issues, including workforce recruitment and retention and civil rights, at several American Association of State Highway and Transportation meetings.

Marchbanks also oversaw critical state transportation initiatives during his tenure, such as work on the Brent Spence Corridor Project,which included a personal tour of areas affected by planned construction work; an ongoing four-year overhaul plan for the state’s highway rest areas; a multi-agency and private sector effort to make Ohio school buses more visible to other motorists and students; and the launch of a new system designed to detect traffic congestion and subsequently warn motorists of dangerous highway slow-downs.

“I take pride in what the Ohio DOT team accomplished for the citizens of Ohio on my watch,” Marchbanks noted. “And I thank Governor Mike DeWine for affording me the privilege to lead one of Ohio’s most important and impactful agencies.”