Gov. Patrick’s Statement On New Transportation Secretary

BOSTON — The office of Gov. Deval Patrick released the following statement Tuesday on the appointment of Jeffrey Mullan as transportation secretary:

Governor Deval Patrick today announced that he will appoint Jeffrey B. Mullan as Secretary and CEO of MassDOT, the new streamlined transportation organization created by the landmark transportation reform law the Governor signed in June. MassDOT will launch on November 1, 2009.

Mullan, an expert in the transportation field who has served in leadership positions at Massachusetts transportation agencies and authorities since 2007, was a key architect of the reform plan designed to reverse decades of neglect, modernize the state’s transportation network and begin re-investing in infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

Currently the executive director of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, he is overseeing the abolition of the Turnpike Authority and leading an inter-agency Highway Integration Team responsible for creating the MassDOT Highway Division that will incorporate MassHighway, Turnpike, Tobin Bridge and Department of Conservation and Recreation assets.

“Jeff brings a critical commitment to reform and high-level of expertise to the table,” said Governor Patrick. “He possesses the vision and know-how we need to effectively lead a unified transportation organization that eliminates waste, saves taxpayer dollars and improves the delivery of transportation services across our Commonwealth.”

In the coming weeks, Mullan will partner with Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi, Jr. to continue implementing the landmark transportation reform law that requires the merging of overlapping agencies, curbing of out-of-scale employee pension and health benefits and the elimination of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

In his role as Secretary and CEO of MassDOT, Mullan will be responsible for day-to-day management of the new transportation organization that includes four divisions – Highway, Transit, Aeronautics and RMV – and a Department of Planning and Programming charged with policy development and planning for the state’s network of roads, bridges, tunnels and airports.

“November 1st marks a historic turning point for Massachusetts as we transition to a more open and accountable transportation organization that prioritizes efficiency, customer service and public safety, and encourages innovation and creativity,” said Executive Director Mullan. “I am grateful to Governor Patrick for his confidence and look forward to delivering the cost-effective, quality transportation services our citizens expect and deserve.”

Prior to 2007, Mullan worked for 14 years at Foley Hoag LLP, where he was a partner and the co-chair of the firm’s administrative law practice. While at Foley, he represented many public sector clients on redevelopment and transportation projects. He also represented the Commonwealth in the creation of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy in 2004. Before joining Foley Hoag, Mullan worked at the Massachusetts Highway Department.

A Worcester native, Mullan is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and earned a JD from the Suffolk University School of Law. He lives with his wife and their three teenage sons in Milton, where he is a member of the Board of Appeals.