Dr. Ashok Kaveeshwar, administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) founded within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced his resignation last week. The resignation is effective Sept. 4 and Deputy Administrator John Bobo will serve as RITA administrator in the interim.
RITA was founded within the U.S. DOT last year with the passage of the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act. The act split the Research and Special Projects Administration into RITA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Keveeshwar became the administration's first administrator in May 2005.
According to the U.S. DOT, RITA is dedicated solely to the advancement of DOT priorities for innovation and research in transportation technologies and concepts-innovations that will improve mobility, promote economic growth and ultimately deliver a better integrated transportation system.
"We have worked closely with Administrator Kaveeshwar on the new freight cooperative research program; the ITS research program and the University Transportation Centers program and have a valued relationship," said AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley. "We wish him well in his future endeavors and look forward to working with the new RITA administrator."
