Lettiere sworn in as newTransportation Commissioner

"Combining 30 years of experience at the Department of Transportation with his unique vision, Commissioner Lettiere has already provided the people of New Jersey with markedly improved transportation services," said Governor James E. McGreevey. Lettiere was serving as the DOT's Deputy Commissioner when he was nominated to succeed Jamie Fox, who the Governor appointed as his Chief of Staff.

Governor McGreevey credited Lettiere with advancing many of the Administration's transportation initiatives, such as the proposed consolidation of the New Jersey Turnpike and the New Jersey Highway Authority, reform efforts underway at the Motor Vehicles Commission, and programs that support Smart Growth development. Lettiere this week unveiled a proposed $2.6 billion joint capital program for the DOT and NJ TRANSIT, and a major Highway Safety initiative.

"This is a great opportunity for me and for the DOT to demonstrate that a commissioner can emerge from the ranks," Lettiere said. "I thank the Governor for his confidence in appointing me and Jamie Fox for his tutelage while commissioner."

Lettiere was appointed Deputy Commissioner in February 2002. He previously served as Assistant Commissioner for Capital Investment and has managed the Department's $2.6 billion Capital Program since 1993.

Lettiere is a member of the national work group that is developing the framework for the reauthorization of the federal transportation act. He also has instituted numerous innovative financing techniques for complex transportation projects and chairs the nationally recognized Local Bridge Initiative Group.

The commissioner is a graduate of the General Motors Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. He has a Masters of Business Administration from Rider University.