John Njord, executive director of the Utah Department of Transportation, has been confirmed by the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for appointment as the AASHTO vice president effective June 5. Njord is replacing Tom Stephens who is retiring as director of the Nevada Department of Transportation.
On April 1, Stephens notified AASHTO President James Codell by letter of his upcoming retirement and the nomination of Njord by the Western Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials at its spring meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Stephens said, "John would be an excellent vice president, having well served Utah through the delivery of such projects as the landmark I-15 project and the transportation services for the Winter Olympics."
Codell appointed Njord as AASHTO vice president, and that was approved by the AASHTO Executive Committee by telephone poll this week.
Gov. Michael Leavitt appointed Njord to head UDOT in May 2001. Njord joined the department in 1988, where he most recently served as deputy director and chief engineer. He also served as the UDOT director of transportation planning with the Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee, where he was responsible for transportation planning for the Olympic Games. Njord also served as UDOT's engineer for urban planning, local government liaison and construction field engineer.
