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    1. Management

    Massachusetts Governor appoints Jamey Tesler as acting MassDOT Secretary

    Jan. 22, 2021
    The appointment follows MassDOT Secretary Stephanie Pollack's appointment to the Federal Highway Administration.
    Related To: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)

    Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced the departure of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, and appointed Jamey L. Tesler as acting secretary of transportation.

    Secretary Pollack was announced as deputy administrator of the Federal Highway Administration for the Biden-Harris Administration. Secretary Pollack will also be acting administrator until the confirmation by the Senate of a permanent highway administrator. Secretary Pollack will step down as MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jan. 26 and will assume her new federal position Jan. 27.

    “Stephanie has led MassDOT through many difficult challenges over the past six years; from the historic blizzards that exposed the problems of the MBTA, through saving the GLX project, instituting a data-driven Capital Improvement Plan, and guiding the RMV through a crisis last summer,” said Gov. Baker. “She has provided MassDOT with stability and leadership through the last six years, serving longer than her three predecessors combined. She has allowed the agency to focus on long term efforts developing the FMCB and upgrading the MBTA’s infrastructure, service and customer relations and much more. We are so grateful for Stephanie’s service to the commonwealth and congratulate her on her new appointment. I am confident that Jamey will step into this important role ready to lead on day one.” 

    “Stephanie has worked so hard for the communities of Massachusetts - the successes of the small bridge, complete streets and more recent Shared Streets and Spaces program show the commitment to local infrastructure that has been a hallmark of MassDOT during her tenure,” said Lt. Gov. Polito. “Jamey has the right experience to continue that important work, and we are thankful he has volunteered, yet again, to help.”

    Jamey Tesler, currently registrar of Motor Vehicles, has years of experience across MassDOT, previously serving as chief operating officer, chief of staff and assistant secretary for procurement for MassDOT. He has also worked for the MBTA, former Gov. Jane Swift’s legal office and the Office of the State Treasurer. 

    “It has been a privilege to lead MassDOT’s exceptional team these last six years and to work with the MBTA’s senior leadership and the Fiscal and Management Control Board,” said Stephanie Pollack. “The Governor and Lt. Governor have my deepest gratitude for entrusting me with the stewardship of MassDOT and their leadership as transportation champions. Massachusetts has become a leader in delivering a transportation system that puts people first and provides them with safer and better choices for walking, biking, using transit, or driving and I am confident that Jamey will be able to continue that good work.”

    “I am honored by the trust the Governor and Lt. Governor are placing in me,” said Tesler. “Working with Secretary Pollack for most of the last five years has been a master class in transportation policy, and I am happy to be able to use that knowledge to continuing advancing the programs and policies we have been working on together for so long.”

    Colleen Ogilvie, currently deputy Registrar and chief operating officer, will serve as acting registrar.