Governor Kevin Stitt (R) announced that Tim Gatz (above), executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, plans to retire from the agency effective October 31, though he will continue to serve as the state’s secretary of transportation until January 11, 2027, the end of the governor’s term.
[Above photo by Oklahoma DOT]
“Tim has been with my administration since the very beginning, and he’s been my go-to on every road, bridge, and turnpike question for nearly eight years,” the governor said in a statement. “I wish him the best in this next chapter.”
Gatz began his career at Oklahoma DOT in 1990 as a drafting technician and rose through the ranks, joining the agency’s executive team in 2006 and serving as deputy director from 2013 to 2016.
He has also served as the chair of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Committee on Funding and Finance for the last two years and will continue to serve in that capacity through January of next year.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as a member of Governor Stitt’s Cabinet and to be part of an incredible team,” Gatz said. “Even in the face of daunting challenges, we have improved our transportation partnerships, system, and infrastructure extensively since 2019.”
Concurrently, Gov. Stitt named TJ Dill, Oklahoma DOT’s chief engineer, as the agency’s interim director.
He has served in multiple roles within the agency since 2013 and has been chief engineer since 2024. Originally from El Reno, OK, Dill currently resides in Yukon with his wife and three children.
“TJ has spent his career working to improve infrastructure across Oklahoma,” said Gov. Stitt. “I’m thankful that he has stepped up to lead the agency after years of serving with Tim Gatz.”
“I am grateful for the confidence the governor has placed in me as interim director,” Dill said, “and remain committed to serving the people of Oklahoma with integrity and dedication.”
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