PIERRE, SD — The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) announces that Joel Jundt, SDDOT Secretary, will officially be welcomed as a new Board Member for the Transportation Research Board (TRB) during the upcoming organizational annual meeting. SDDOT also recently announced that Greg Rothschadl, a 31-year veteran of SDDOT recently assumed new duties as the Yankton Area Engineer.As part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the TRB provides leadership in transportation improvements and innovation in all modes of transportation. TRB stimulates research and offers research management services that promote technical excellence; provides expert advice on transportation policy and programs; and disseminates research results broadly and encourages their implementation.

Jundt will become a member of the Executive Committee, which is the senior policy body for the TRB. The Executive Committee is comprised of approximately 25 members appointed by the Chair of the National Research Council of the National Academies. Governor Kristi Noem named Jundt as Secretary of SDDOT in March 2021.

“Joel has long been respected throughout the industry and has dedicated his life to promoting transportation access and opportunity in South Dakota,” Noem said. “He has proven himself to be the leader who can spearhead the future of mobility here in South Dakota.”

A native of Rapid City, Jundt graduated from South Dakota School of Mines in 1985 with a degree in civil engineering. He has been a part of SDDOT for his entire career, starting as a Road Design Engineer and working his way up to be Rapid City Region and Operations Engineer, Director of Planning and Engineering, and Deputy Secretary. He began serving as Interim Secretary of SDDOT in November 2020.

Rothschadl started with SDDOT in 1990 as an Intern. He has been a SDDOT team member for his entire professional career, beginning as an EIT (Engineer in Training), and advancing into roles including Project Engineer, Lead Project Engineer, and Engineering Supervisor within the Yankton Area. Rothschadl holds his Professional Engineering (PE) licensure.

“Greg has long been respected throughout the SDDOT and has dedicated his life to providing a safe and effective public transportation system in South Dakota,” said Craig Smith, Director of Operations. “With all his experience, Greg will do an excellent job in his new role for the SDDOT.”

The Yankton Area provides transportation programs and services for Bon Homme, Clay, Hutchinson, Lincoln, Turner, Union, and Yankton counties. The Yankton Area Engineer position was previously held by Rod Gall. Gall retired in December 2021, after 41 years of service to SDDOT and the citizens of South Dakota.