James Bass, the Texas Department of Transportation's CFO for the past 15 years, has been named the interim executive director of the agency. The vote by the Texas Transportation Commission was unanimous.

Bass was named TxDOT's finance division chief in 1999 and chief financial officer in 2005.

According to Commissioner Jeff Moseley, the commission will accept applications for the permanent position until January 30, 2014. The position could be filled within a few weeks after that.

The commission for now is not hiring an executive search firm, Moseley said, instead relying on media, word of mouth and trade publications to get out the news that TxDOT is looking for a new leader.

Phil Wilson, a former aide to Gov. Rick Perry and current CEO, is leaving Jan. 17 to become general manager of the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The commission this time, in looking for an interim chief, decided to consider only people not interested in the permanent job, Moseley said.