"Paul brings a level of leadership and industry experience that is an invaluable resource to our firm and our clients," said Michael Sutton, PE, IEI's CEO. "His skilled management of the investments made to grow Michigan's infrastructure, and his ideation of the barrier-shattering Chief Officer of Culture, Equity, and Inclusion position at MDOT are great examples of the vision and action Paul will bring to IEI. We are honored that he has joined the IEI team and excited for the future of our firm under his leadership."
Ajegba's engineering career started in the private sector of the infrastructure industry and was followed by more than 32 years with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). He has successfully managed and delivered the design and construction of complex projects pertaining to highways, bridges, transit, aviation, and marine and port activities. In January 2019, Michigan's Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, appointed Ajegba as Director of MDOT, where he provided leadership, strategy, and direction of the department's $5 billion transportation program.
"IEI's Detroit office opened less than two years ago," Ajegba said. "In that short time, the firm has demonstrated their capacity for solving engineering challenges and their commitment to supporting the growth of Michigan's vital infrastructure. IEI has been steadily growing their presence in Detroit and the surrounding communities by delivering infrastructure projects that align with the firm's values and support local vibrancy. I am confident with this team that in a couple of years, we will look back and see that much has been done. We aim to be one of the leading firms in Michigan."
Both nationally and locally, Ajegba is active in many professional organizations that demonstrate his dedication to the civil engineering profession and his commitment to creating impactful infrastructure. He has served as Chair of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Council of Public Transportation, as well as the Civil and Environmental Engineering Friends Association with Michigan University. He is also a member of the Engineering Society of Detroit, National Academy of Construction, and The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), to name a few.
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Ajegba's career trajectory has been recognized throughout the industry. In 2017 he received the COMTO Public Agency Executive of the Year Award, and in 2010 he received the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority Leadership Award. He also received the Woodward Avenue Action Association Board Leadership Award and MDOT Director's Award in the Professional Supervisory Category.
Ajegba is a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Michigan and has received his Master of Science in construction engineering from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Prairie View A&M University.
IEI is a multi-disciplinary civil engineering consulting firm that focuses on the delivery of design engineering, program management, and construction engineering and inspection services. IEI cultivates various types of engineering projects from conception and planning through implementation. The firm aims to create sustainable infrastructure necessary to build and connect communities, improve quality of life, and encourage economic development. IEI is a DBE/MBE certified firm.
