Caltrans has had a reputation among contractors as a difficult agency to work for, with lack of communication and efficiency. Kempton talks with ENR Transportation Editor Aileen Cho about his efforts to far to change the agency's climate and his ambitious goals moving forward. Design-build, innovative public-private partnerships and streamlined efficiency will be vital in helping the department deliver a slew of new projects, flush with almost $20 billion in bonds.

Will Kempton
Director, California Dept. of Transportation (Caltrans)

Appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger in November 2004, Mr. Kempton is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of California’s state transportation system, including more than 50,000 lane miles of state highways stretching from Mexico to Oregon and from the Pacific Ocean to Nevada and Arizona.

As leader of Caltrans, Mr. Kempton oversees an annual operating budget of more than $9 billion, 22,000 employees, and $7 billion worth of transportation improvements under construction.