CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: April 22, 2008	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:    OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS    TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062    Fax: (860) 594-3066    Web site:www.ct.gov/dot

Intermodal and Public Transit Expert Will Lead DOT’s New Direction

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that she is nominating Joseph F. Marie of Scottsdale, Arizona as the new Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Mr. Marie is currently the Director of Operations and Maintenance for METRO, the regional public transit system for Phoenix, Arizona and he brings to his new position more than 22 years of transit industry experience in both the public and private sectors. He is a native of Massachusetts.

As senior operations officer, Marie is currently directing the start up and operations of the $1.4 billion Central Phoenix/East Valley Rail System.  This is part of a comprehensive program that involves more than $5 billion in investment in public transit infrastructure. Marie previously served as Assistant General Manager of Operations for METRO TRANSIT in Minneapolis and has held executive positions with two Fortune 500 companies. He has also held senior transit positions in the States of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

“Joseph Marie is a seasoned, proven administrator with a strong background in public transit, which really is the future of transportation in Connecticut,” Governor Rell said. “Reforming and refocusing the DOT continues to be one of my top priorities.  We all understand what is at stake and what is required. We know that a modern, integrated transportation system of roads, rails and airports is fundamental to a strong economy. We do need a new, highly focused agency and Joe Marie has the vision, organizational skills and experience to move the DOT forward to the next level.

“Joe not only understands the vital importance of building a comprehensive and integrated system of transportation infrastructure and services, he has spent his career implementing and managing those systems,” the Governor noted. “As Governor, I have led the way for the largest investment in decades in our transportation network – mass transit, rail service and road building. We need the best leadership possible to continue to bring change and improvement to the Department of Transportation as we build our 21^st century transportation system.

 Marie has published more than a dozen articles and papers in industry journals on equipment technology, operations and modal integration.  His industry experience includes positions with rail equipment manufacturers Bombardier and Siemens. He received his Bachelors degree in Economics from Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts and a Masters in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University.

“The DOT is at a critical point in its history,” Governor Rell said. “It is one of the most important agencies in state government and it is responsible for policies and initiatives that will have a profound effect on our economy and quality of life now and in the future. We have made significant progress in setting a new direction. Joe recognizes the challenges we face and he is very much looking forward to addressing them head-on.

“I look forward to this new challenge and want to express my thanks to Governor Rell for her confidence in me,” Mr. Marie said. “I am eager to work with the talented, dedicated employees of the Connecticut DOT. I have a deep appreciation of the challenges they face. I know how important it is to succeed -- and I know by working together and by listening and leading, that we can accomplish our important mission of transforming the delivery of transportation services in Connecticut.”

“Joe will implement a transportation strategy that recognizes the vital importance of mass transit, smart growth, transit-oriented development and the critical role of all forms of transportation in the maintenance and growth of our economy,” Governor Rell said. “My goal has been to build a 21^st century transportation system to support and help grow our 21^st century economy. We must continue to anticipate our future with the work we do today.”

The Governor thanked Deputy Commissioner H. James Boice for his service as Acting Commissioner while the national search committee completed its work.

The appointment will be effective in June. The nomination requires legislative approval.