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MassPike chief to head new state transportation agency

E-mail|Link|Comments () September 15, 2009 01:53 PM

Eugena Ossi/Governor's Office

Mullan meeting with Patrick Monday at the governor's home in western Massachusetts, where the governor is recovering from hip surgery.

By Andrea Estes and Noah Bierman, Globe Staff

Jeffrey Mullan, now director of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, was named chief executive officer and secretary of the new state department of transportation today, the governor's office announced.

Mullan had previously served as undersecretary of transportation and general counsel to the state transportation department. He lives in Milton.

He replaces James A. Aloisi Jr., who announced Friday that he would be stepping down Oct. 31, after less than a year on the job that was often marked by controversy.

"Jeff brings a critical commitment to reform and high-level of expertise to the table," Governor Deval Patrick said in a statement. "He possesses the vision and know-how we need to effectively lead a unified transportation organization that eliminates waste, saves taxpayer dollars and improves the delivery of transportation services across our Commonwealth."

The turnpike authority will be abolished under a transportation law that takes effect Nov. 1. The law will put virtually every bridge, road, bus, and subway under the control of a single board of five people. Mullan will serve under that board and oversee the day-to-day management of the new mega-agency, known as MassDOT.

Mullan said in the statement released by the governor's office that he was grateful to the governor and looked forward to "delivering the cost-effective, quality transportation services our citizens expect and deserve."

The statement said Mullan will work with Aloisi in the coming weeks to prepare for the November start date of the new law.

Mullan has served in top state transportation leadership jobs since 2007. Prior to that, he worked for 14 years at the Foley Hoag LLP law firm. Before that, he worked for the Massachusetts Highway Department. He lives with his wife and three teenage sons in Milton.