SALEM, OR — A new month signals a new era for the Oregon Transportation Commission and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The commission, which oversees the state’s transportation system and ODOT, has a new Chair.

Robert Van Brocklin, a lawyer with Oregon’s largest law firm, Stoel Rives LLP, has taken the gavel from Tammy Baney who served two terms on the commission and oversaw the passage of House Bill 2017, the state’s largest ever transportation investment.

“I look forward to leading the commission,” Van Brocklin said. “It is critical that we fully implement House Bill 2017 — the Transportation Funding Act — and actively pursue innovation to modernize and diversify transportation services in Oregon.”

At its meeting in The Dalles, the commission appointed Kris Stickler as ODOT’s Deputy Director. The commission offered Strickler the Director position, and his appointment awaits senate confirmation, which should occur in November. As deputy, Strickler will have all the duties of Director. Paul Mather, who took the position after the departure of Matthew Garrett, will return to his role as Assistant Highway Administrator.

Chair Van Brocklin also named Alando Simpson as Vice Chair. Simpson is the longest serving member of the current commission. He is CEO of City of Roses Disposal and Recycling in Portland. He graduated from Portland State University with a degree in communications and has served as a board member for the National Association of Minority Contractors of Oregon and the Oregon Sustainability Board.

Simpson is a certified LEED Green Associate and is involved in supporting Oregon small businesses. He is on the board of the City of Portland Small Business Advisory Council. Simpson is also involved with youth sports and currently serves as Chair of the Oregon Sports Authority Advisory Council.

“The state of Oregon has made significant investments into the future of our transportation system,” Simpson said. “I am eager to pursue the opportunity to further influence ODOT’s role as a sustainable and innovative transportation agency for the 21st century.”

The Dalles also saw the first in-person meeting for newly appointed Commissioner Sharon Smith. Smith, from Bend, is a legal counsel for the Bend-La Pine School District. Since 1991, Smith has assisted the Bend La-Pine District in building 17 new schools, renovating older schools and adjusting to Bend’s growing population, which has almost quadrupled in the last 30 years.

She has also served on numerous boards addressing local development issues as well as nonprofit boards helping children and families. She co-founded the Safe School Alliance, which formed 20 years ago to improve school safety. Sharon has experience in working with transportation system plans, transportation engineers and planners.

“I’m excited to use my transportation knowledge and land use skills and extensive contracting experience to help improve the department’s goal of delivering innovative and efficient transportation solutions,” Smith said.