Boardman Outlines Vision for Wisconsin DOT

September 20, 2024

Kristina Boardman (above) – who officially became secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on September 12 – recently outlined her strategic vision for the agency in terms of addressing statewide transportation needs.

[Above photo by Wisconsin DOT]

Formerly deputy secretary of the Wisconsin DOT, Boardman was named secretary after former secretary Craig Thompson – who also served as president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials – stepped down on September 11 to join the University of Wisconsin-Madison as vice chancellor of university relations.

Garrett Eucalitto. Photo by CTDOT.

[Editor’s note: Garrett Eucalitto, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, is finishing out Thompson’s term as AASHTO’s president.]

Boardman becomes the first woman to lead the Wisconsin DOT after serving in a variety of roles in the agency, including administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles or DMV.

“It’s been a privilege to work at Wisconsin DOT serving the people of Wisconsin for the last 19 years,” she said in a statement.

“The opportunity to now lead the department I love is a true honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly,” Boardman added. “I will build on the progress we’ve made to improve our transportation system in recent years and will continue to share Wisconsin DOT’s story, so the public understands the crucial work we do every day to improve safety and mobility in Wisconsin.”

To that end, her transportation priorities going forward include:

  • Support the Wisconsin DOT workforce with ongoing opportunities for engagement and support.
  • Maximize the funding opportunities of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA to bring needed resources to Wisconsin.
  • Strengthen the agency’s technology and tools to deliver the safest and most efficient self-service opportunities to Wisconsin DOT customers and stakeholders.
  • Support continued investment in transportation to deliver on the agency’s core responsibilities to safely connect the public, wherever they travel.

In addition to her time at Wisconsin DOT, Boardman spent nearly three decades working for state government in a variety of roles, including 10 years as a legislative aide for the Wisconsin State Assembly, before transitioning to Wisconsin DOT in 2005.

She also served as chair of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators International Board of Directors for 2022-2023.

Related articles