AASHTO Journal - Julie Meredith Appointed New WSDOT Secretary

Incoming Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson (D) has appointed Julie Meredith (above) to be secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation effective January 15. She replaces Roger Millar, who is stepping down after serving as WSDOT secretary for nine years.

[Above photo by WSDOT]

Meredith is a 36-year veteran of WSDOT who worked on several major transportation projects for the agency, including improving the SR 520 corridor across Lake Washington – a project that debuted the world’s longest floating bridge – and replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, as well as improvements along the I-405, SR 167, and SR 509 corridors.

Her portfolio also includes regional mobility management and WSDOT’s partnership with Sound Transit for system expansion, as well as tolling operations and management, including toll operations for the new interstate bridge connecting Washington and Oregon.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources from the University of Washington and is a licensed professional engineer.

“Julie Meredith brings deep experience and leadership and a strong commitment to public service to this role,” said Gov.-elect Ferguson in a statement. “I am confident that she will center the needs of Washingtonians … so our roads, bridges, and transit systems work better for the people of our great state.”

“I have been proud to be part of an agency committed to creating the reliable and safe transportation network that Washington’s economy and people rely on,” noted Meredith. “It is an honor to serve as the next Secretary of Transportation for Washington state, and I look forward to serving communities around the state.”

Gov.-elect Ferguson also praised Millar – who served as the 2022-2023 president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials – for his leadership of WSDOT.

“Secretary Millar is a steadfast public servant who led WSDOT through a remarkable period of growth,” the governor-elect said. “I am thankful for his service and contributions to such a critical state agency.”