Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley, who also serves as director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, announced today that he will retire from both positions in March 2013. Ridley will remain secretary of transportation in Governor Fallin’s administration after his departure from ODOT and OTA.
Ridley has worked with ODOT for 44 years and was appointed director of the agency in August 2001 under Governor Frank Keating. In May 2009, he became secretary of transportation to Governor Brad Henry before adding OTA director to his portfolio in October of that year. Under Fallin, he has continued to serve in all three roles.
“No one has done more for transportation in Oklahoma than Gary Ridley,” said Fallin. “From his start at ODOT in 1965 as an equipment operator, Gary has impressed his colleagues with his professionalism, work ethic and dedication to high quality work. While he will be sorely missed at ODOT and OTA, he will continue to play an important role in improving our transportation infrastructure in his position on my cabinet.”