Julie Meredith named new WSDOT Secretary – On Jan. 8, Governor-elect Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Julie Meredith as the new Secretary of Transportation.
“Julie Meredith brings deep experience and leadership and a strong commitment to public service to this role,” said Governor-elect Ferguson. “I am confident that she will center the needs of Washingtonians at the Department of Transportation, so our roads, bridges, and transit systems work better for the people of our great state.”
“For the last 36 years, I have been proud to be part of an agency committed to creating the reliable and safe transportation network that Washington’s economy and people rely on,” said Meredith. “It is an honor to serve as the next Secretary of Transportation for Washington state, and I look forward to serving communities around the state.”
AGC of Washington President Phil Wallace said, “The construction community has always been able to work closely with Julie Meredith during her ascent to the top leadership role at WSDOT. She brings great experience and department expertise to the position of Secretary. We applaud her selection and look forward to working with her to improve the state’s infrastructure.”
The day after the appointment was announced, Meredith attended and briefly spoke to the 230-plus attendees at the AGC/WSDOT Annual Meeting.
Julie Meredith has been a public servant contributing to Washington state’s transportation infrastructure since 1989. In the last two decades, she has been instrumental in delivering each of the Puget Sound region’s most complex, high-profile transportation projects. She has been involved in improving the SR 520 corridor across Lake Washington including the world’s longest floating bridge, replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, and improvements along the I-405, SR 167 and SR 509 corridors.
Her portfolio also includes regional mobility management, WSDOT’s partnership with Sound Transit to deliver historic system expansion, and tolling operations and management, including toll operations for the new interstate bridge connecting Washington and Oregon.
Meredith is known for her proactive approach to solving complex problems, building lasting partnerships, and commitment to diverse and inclusive leadership in the transportation industry.
Meredith earned a Bachelor of Science in forest resources from the University of Washington before launching her engineering career and is a licensed Professional Engineer.
“Secretary Millar is a steadfast public servant who led WSDOT through a remarkable period of growth,” said Governor-elect Ferguson. “I am thankful for his service and contributions to such a critical state agency.”
The appointment is effective January 15, 2025.