ST. IGNACE, MI — The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) has found its new Chief Bridge Engineer: longtime Assistant Bridge Engineer Julie Neph.

Neph, who has been with the MBA for the majority of her career, will begin her new role on November 3.

"I'm thrilled to see Julie in the Chief Engineer position," said MBA Executive Secretary Kim Nowack, Neph's predecessor in that job. "Her 27 years working as an engineer here at the bridge allows her to jump right in and be very effective in her new role."

Neph has been responsible for management of a variety of both in-house and contracted projects for the maintenance of the Mackinac Bridge and facilities. She and Nowack represent the MBA as members of the International Cable Supported Bridge Operators Association.

"I am excited, in this new position, to continue to work alongside the wonderful people who share my commitment to caring for the bridge and maintaining the flow of traffic for our customers," Neph said. "It's an honor to be selected."

Neph joined the MBA after one year in the Michigan Department of Transportation's Engineering Development Program. She graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. Her hometown is Sanford, and she currently lives in Cheboygan.