JEFFERSON CITY � The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission today announced the resignation of Pete Rahn as director of the Missouri Department of Transportation. Rahn�s resignation will be effective April 23, 2010.

�It�s with a very heavy heart that we have accepted Pete�s resignation,� says Rudy Farber, chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. �We want to thank him for his outstanding service to Missouri and certainly wish him well in his new career and in having more quality time to spend with his family.:

�His innovative and highly effective leadership was exactly what was needed to handle the challenges MoDOT faced when he became director,� Farber says. �As a result, Missouri�s transportation system is now in much better shape and MoDOT has reestablished a positive reputation with the public.�

The commission will name an interim director and undertake a national search for Rahn�s replacement.

�MoDOT is a tremendous organization filled with talented and dedicated employees,� Rahn said. �I feel very fortunate I have been allowed to associate with these exceptional people.�

Rahn has served as director since September 2004. He will be assuming a position of senior vice president with HNTB, a Kansas City-based engineering firm. He will lead HNTB�s national transportation practice.

�I am excited about the opportunity to take on the very challenging role being offered to me by HNTB,� Rahn said.