Thursday, December 18, 2014

A look back. A vision forward

As we close in on the end of 2014 we all look back on the year that was and plan for what's to come. 

When I look back, it was a tough year. We had a rough winter, we fought floods, and Amendment 7 did not pass. It always seems like you remember the bad things, but we also completed projects all over the state that were on time and under budget, we are on track for fewer fatalities than last year and our customer satisfaction is very high.

With that said what I remember most about my first full year as Chief is meeting the folks on the MoDOT team around the state. It's people that make things happen. I have been at the ceremonies numerous times where our folks pulled people out of burning cars and then say: "Oh, I was just doing my job." I have been to the innovations challenge to see all of the great things our folks are coming up with and putting into practice. I see how you all go out of your way to help folks, whether it an angry customer, one of our own that has fallen on tough times or an unknown  stranger through the charitable campaign. I have talked with many of you at Maintenance Buildings and see how proud you are of your work and your frustration when you can’t do more because of our lack of money. I am truly humbled by the things you all do and how you do them.

As we look to next year we will face some of the same challenges as last year and some new ones, but I know I don’t have to worry about how the team will rise to meet them.

Enjoy some time off, get recharged and we will all get ready to take on the new year.


Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Innovations Challenge Captures Interest of Other DOTs

In the last month, I have been to FHWA’s “ Every Day Counts” event and to the Annual AASHTO meeting listening to folks talk about innovative ideas and programs. What strikes me is that most of the things being talked about we have been doing for several years. That is not by accident, we have created a culture that encourages innovation and rewards taking risks to get better.

At the “Every Day Counts” event I highlighted our Innovations Challenge and many state and national leaders were very intrigued with this and were interested in attending our event next spring. By the way, I know the deadlines for entry are coming quickly, so get your innovations submitted!


What we all strive for everyday is to figure out how to make what we do better, safer, and more efficient and then share it with all of our team so they get the benefit and then improve it again.