AASHTO Journal - Nick Donohue Appointed Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) for the Commonwealth of Virginia has appointed Nick Donohue (above) to serve as the state’s next secretary of transportation.

[Above photo via Virginia DOT]

Donohue – a Richmond, VA, native – has served in senior leadership roles under three Virginia governors. As deputy secretary of transportation during the tenure of former Governor Ralph Northam (D), he worked with the General Assembly to pass one of the largest state transportation packages in more than three decades, established the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program, and helped secure the first dedicated capital funding for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

He also served as assistant secretary of transportation/special assistant to the secretary during the tenure of former Governor Tim Kaine (D).

Donohue also played a key role in the “Transforming Rail in Virginia” initiative, which increased both Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express service across the Commonwealth. He also led the development of SMART SCALE, Virginia’s nationally recognized project prioritization process, and helped strengthen the state’s approach to public-private partnerships.

Most recently, Donohue founded Transportation and Infrastructure Strategies LLC, advising public and private sector clients on a broad range of transportation issues, with a focus on efficient use of taxpayer dollars, multimodal solutions, plus transparency and accountability in decision-making.

A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Donohue lives in Richmond with his wife and their three children.

“To strengthen our economy long into the future, we need to make sure Virginia has efficient infrastructure that allows families to get to work and school, businesses to transport their goods, and travelers to see all that the Commonwealth has to offer,” said Gov.-elect Spanberger in a statement. “[Donohue’s] range of experience will ensure Virginia tackles our transit challenges, improves the reliability of our networks, and prepares for new opportunities ahead.”

“Transportation is ultimately about opportunity, connecting people to jobs, education, and the communities they call home,” Donohue noted. “I am committed to ensuring every investment we make strengthens those connections.”