Rahn named MoDOT director

Pete K. Rahn will be the new director of the Missouri Department of Transportation. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission announced Rahn’s selection recently after concluding an extensive nationwide search.

Rahn, 49, was head of the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department from 1995 to 2002 and has been an executive at several large companies. He’ll join MoDOT on Sept. 15.

As MoDOT director, Rahn will head a $1.8 billion agency with more than 6,000 employees. The department builds and maintains Missouri’s 32,000-mile state highway system and supports other modes of transportation as well.

"I’m excited about this opportunity to contribute to the continuing improvement of transportation in Missouri," Rahn said. "My goal will be to work with every member of the department to build the best transportation system in the country. This will not be accomplished easily, but with the tremendous talent available, we can do it."

"We’re thrilled to find someone of Pete’s caliber," said Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Chairman Bill McKenna. "His credentials are top-notch, and we’re confident he’ll be an innovative and highly effective leader. During the interviews, we were very pleased with his people skills, his enthusiasm and his desire to serve the public. He did a great job leading the New Mexico transportation department, so he’s equipped to handle the challenges we’re facing here in Missouri."