The Colorado Dept. of Transportation’s executive director, Don Hunt, announced in early November his intent to leave the agency at the end of the year, as planned after the re-election of Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Hunt’s tenure as director included his leadership during the 2013 flood recovery, innovation in transportation funding—which resulted in increased construction and improvement to Colorado roadways—improving maintenance and operations and the upcoming launch of CDOT’s new commuter bus service. He has served as the agency’s executive director for the past four years.

“From the beginning, Don communicated that he would not be a two-term executive director. Don has set up CDOT for success and his successor has big shoes to fill,” said Hickenlooper. “His leadership directed CDOT through one of the most challenging times in its history during the last year’s floods and we as a state owe our gratitude to his extraordinary leadership and vision for this organization.”

Hickenlooper and Hunt will be looking for a successor and cast a wide net to find a strong leader and manager who also has solid transportation knowledge.

“The key to a successful transition lies with the men and women of CDOT who work tirelessly to ensure the mobility and safety of all users of Colorado roadways,” said Hunt. “They are the backbone of the department and shoulder the day-to-day work, which will keep things moving. It has been my privilege to serve with such a dedicated group of people.”