KDOT Secretary Lorenz confirmed by Senate

Julie Lorenz has been confirmed as Secretary
of the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Julie Lorenz was confirmed by the Senate today as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).  Lorenz was appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly in January 2019. In her capacity as Secretary of KDOT, Lorenz also serves as the Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

“Secretary Lorenz is an expert in the area of transportation and understands just how critical it is to the future of our economy and our state,” Gov. Kelly said. “She has been a state and national leader in transportation for two decades and Kansas is lucky to have her leading KDOT.”

“I am honored to serve as the Secretary of Transportation,” Lorenz said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with communities and constituencies across our state to develop a supportable vision for transportation, complete T-WORKS and craft the next transportation plan for long-term, sustainable success for all Kansans.”

This is Lorenz’s second tour of duty for KDOT, serving as the Director of Public Affairs and Special Assistant from 2003 to 2011. During that time, she led the development of several efforts at the agency, including the development and eventual legislative passage of the $8.2 billion, 10-year T-WORKS funding program in spring 2010.

Governor appoints Lorenz to lead KDOT

Julie Lorenz was appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly to lead KDOT as Interim Secretary of Transportation.

Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed Julie Lorenz to lead the Kansas Department of Transportation as Interim Secretary. She succeeds Richard Carlson, who retired on Jan. 11.

While new to this position, this is her second tour of duty for KDOT, serving as the Director of Public Affairs and Special Assistant from 2003 to 2011. During that time, Lorenz led the development of several efforts at the agency, including the development and eventual legislative passage of the $8.2 billion, 10-year T-WORKS funding program in spring 2010.

“I am honored to be back at KDOT,” Lorenz said. “I’m excited to help develop new opportunities to expand our transportation investments across the state while also working to maintain the existing system. Transportation is a part of everyone’s lives and the work KDOT does is critical to our state.”

Lorenz comes from Burns & McDonnell where she was a Principal specializing in strategic business consulting and planning and policy development for the transportation industry at the national, regional and local levels.