California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger named Will Kempton, a longtime employee of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) before a stint as assistant city manager of the city of Folsom, to head Caltrans.
Since January 2003, the 57-year-old Kempton has been assistant city manager of Folsom, where he is responsible for city operations including community development, neighborhood services, parks and recreation, utilities and public works.
From 1992-2002, Kempton was a partner at Smith, Kempton & Watts, a private-public affairs consulting firm with a focus on transportation. From 1985-1992, he served as executive director of the Santa Clara County Traffic Authority in San Jose. In his years at Caltrans (1980-1985) he held several positions, including assistant director of legislative and congressional affairs.
Kempton said he is "honored the governor has entrusted me with this important responsibility." He said his oversight will see improvement of California transportation through efficient maintenance and speedy, safe completion of projects "to keep Californians moving and our economy going strong."
