Date:
Friday, July 20, 2007
Contact:
Lloyd Brown, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7076 (Olympia)
From the road crew to the big chair, Paula J. Hammond has surveyed it, designed it and built it.
This week, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced Paula had earned it.
Gov. Gregoire this week named Paula the Interim Transportation Secretary to lead WSDOT following the recent resignation of Doug MacDonald.
“The completion of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a great turning point to celebrate all of the achievements of Secretary Doug MacDonald and focus on replacing his leadership,” Gregoire said announcing the appointment. “Paula has been a central anchor for the achievements of the Department for a number of years. She is the perfect leader for this transition period.”
Paula, who for six years served as the WSDOT Chief of Staff, began her career working in the Lacey project office helping design and build Interstate 5 through Olympia. Other positions held by Paula include Assistant Secretary, Highways and Local Programs; Program Manager, Olympic Region; Transportation Planning Manager, Olympic Region; and, Transportation Engineer, Olympic Region.
“I thank Gov. Gregoire for her confidence in me and the department. Our agency is in a great place due to Doug MacDonald’s hard work and leadership,” said Hammond. “I expect everyone at WSDOT to continue the momentum we’ve achieved on project delivery, communication and accountability.”
Paula, a long-time Olympia resident, originally hails from Klamath Falls, Oregon. She is a graduate of Oregon State University, with a BS in Civil Engineering and she is a Professional Engineer. Paula’s husband Alan is a Professional Land Surveyor. They have three children, Greg, Rachel, and Kerry.
“Everyone at WSDOT, and especially I, are pleased that that Paula will be at the helm,” said Doug. “Her energy, skills and experience make her the right person at the right time for the job.”
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