SALEM, OR — Leah Horner, who has worked in several high-profile transportation roles and has a long track record of public service, will join the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) as the next Assistant Director of Operations.

“Leah brings an incredible breadth of experience,” said ODOT Director Kris Strickler. “She also knows people, how to bring them together, how to listen, and how to build consensus. She believes in the power of public service and customer service, and I look forward to her using her knowledge and experience to help move the agency forward.”

In her most recent role, Horner worked as Gov. Kate Brown’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Infrastructure Director. She previously served as the governor’s Jobs and Economy Policy Advisor and Director of Regional Solutions.

In her new role, she will oversee operations at the 4,700-person agency. Operations includes more than 2,700 employees who build and maintain the state’s multimodal transportation system. Horner was ODOT’s Government Relations Manager from 2014 to 2018. She then served as Legislative Director for the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Horner holds a master's degree in economic development and entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Hawaii.