Last week, the Texas Transportation Commission selected General Joe Weber as the Texas Department of Transportation's 20^th executive director, effective on or about April 23. Weber currently serves as Vice President of Student Affairs at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Ted Houghton, Chairman Texas Transportation Commission, said:

"We are thrilled to have a leader with such stature and experience join the TxDOT team and be part of this great organization. General Weber is the right person at the right time to make a great agency even better."

Commissioner Jeff Moseley, who led the search efforts on behalf of the commission, said:

"As TxDOT continues its transformation in becoming a best-in-class agency, General Weber is the right fit for this department. The general's proven track record and collaborative nature will help the department work even more closely with the Legislature and other key transportation stakeholders."

As a lieutenant general in the United States Marine Corps, Weber most recently managed the welfare of more than 75,000 Marines and Sailors along the eastern seaboard. Previously, the general served in assignments throughout the United States and overseas leading major efforts, including tours in Iraq and Japan. His primary duties focused on training, education and combat readiness for thousands of Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen.

Mr. Weber said:

"It is a true honor for me to be selected to lead TxDOT at this time in its evolution and as it continues to fulfill its mission. I look forward to working closely with the dynamic TxDOT team, the Legislature and transportation stakeholders keen on using transportation as an economic development tool that continues to make Texas a great destination for businesses and visitors, and for the 26 million of us who call it home."

Weber succeeds Phil Wilson, who earlier this year became general manager of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). Weber is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has a master's degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state.