AASHTO Board Elects Maine's David Bernhardt President and Tennessee’s John Schroer VP

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Board of Directors recently elected Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt, P.E., as the association’s president. Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer was elected vice president.

"It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected to serve in this important national role,” said AASHTO President Bernhardt. “I’ve spent my entire professional career in transportation, rising through the ranks at Maine DOT as both a professional engineer and administrator. My experience has helped to prepare me for both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”  

As President, Bernhardt will concentrate on three emphasis areas: working closely with the new Administration and members of Congress to develop strong transportation legislation; freight and freight connectivity; and implementing AASHTO’s committee restructuring.

In November 2014, AASHTO adopted a new strategic plan that called for a review of the committee structure and operations. Bernhardt will help lead the implementation of approved changes.

“AASHTO has helped to shape America’s transportation priorities for more than 100 years," said Bernhardt. “My priority will be to continue this great work as President because, when you think about it, transportation is a bipartisan issue. Everyone benefits from the roadways, bridges, pedestrian and bicycle trails that are revitalizing urban and rural communities and creating jobs and economic development here at home.”

President Bernhardt was appointed Commissioner by Maine Governor Paul R. LePage in February 2011. Prior to that Bernhardt served in several top positions at Maine DOT including director of Engineering and Operations. Bernhardt is a 1984 graduate of the University of Maine at Orono, where he earned Associate's and Bachelors of Science degrees in Civil Engineering. He is a registered professional engineer and he is an active participant on national and state committees involved in transportation. Bernhardt lives in Vassalboro, Maine with his wife Carmen, and has two daughters and a son.

AASHTO Vice President John Schroer was appointed Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation in January, 2011. He is the 29th commissioner of the state agency that oversees a statewide transportation system including highways, rail, airports, waterways and transit. Commissioner Schroer also serves as chairman of the AASHTO Standing Committee on Finance and Administration.  Prior to joining Tennessee DOT, Schroer was mayor of his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee. Commissioner Schroer received a bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. Schroer and his wife, Marianne, have three children and one grandson.