TxDOT's executive director will retire later this year.
A spokesperson at the Texas Department of Transportation confirms for KUT News that Amadeo Saenz, Jr. will retire from the agency on August 31. A three-member restructuring council of experts presented a report to the Texas Transportation Commission earlier this month. In it, the group recommended sweeping executive changes at TxDOT, in an effort to regain the trust of the public and the legislature. But the spokesperson did not say whether the report contributed to Saenz's decision.
In a letter to Transportation Commission chair Dierdre Delisi dated January 24, Saenz pledged to focus his attention on the current legislative session, the transportation reauthorization bill and the commission's expectations based on the restructuring council's report. In response, Delisi released a statement praising Saenz's efforts during his time at the Transportation Department.
"Throughout the course of his career, Amadeo has earned a reputation as a leader and coalition builder, and earned the respect and trust of his peers across the country, our partners here in Texas, and most importantly, his employees. “Amadeo has served his state with honor and integrity. TxDOT is a better agency today thanks to his leadership."
According to the department's website, Saenz has worked for TxDOT since 1978, serving as its executive director since October 2007.
