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Tomlinson takes over reins at ITD’s Office of Highway Safety Monday

A familiar face will take his place at the helm of ITD’s Office of Highway Safety on Monday (July 20), when John Tomlinson moves up from the Administrative License Hearing Officer position he has occupied for the last several years
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Tomlinson will join the Division of Engineering Products and Plans as Highway Safety Manager, and will assume responsibility for directing all aspects of highway-safety initiatives statewide.

Prior to the hearing-officer position (a post he was promoted to in August 2012), Tomlinson was the supervisor of the department’s Administrative License Suspension Program. He has been with ITD for seven years.

“John is taking the helm of a very important part of our agency — one with very active executive involvement and board focus,” said Dave Jones, Tomlinson’s new boss and administrator of ITD’s Department of Engineering Products & Plans.

“Saving lives is one of our primary functions, and is an integral part of serving our customers,” Jones added.

“We have a highly successful program. I’m encouraged by John’s desire to raise the bar even higher to make increased progress in the reduction of highway fatalities and serious injury crashes.”

Tomlinson graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in communications, broadcast journalism emphasis, and a minor in Spanish. He was on the short list of ITD employees who fielded calls from Spanish speakers, and could translate foreign-language documents. His proficiency with the South American language was on display in mid-April when, as part of AASHTO’s media training seminar, he was the only team member who could understand a question asked in Spanish, and more impressively, formulate a response.

Tomlinson also helped research and write several stories in conjunction with ITD’s Office of Communication. The information became the foundation for several published Transporter stories and press releases, usually focused on initiatives and innovations within the department’s Driver Services realm.

“John is a caring professional and exceptional communicator,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Alan Frew. “The Office of Highway Safety will be in great hands with John at the helm.”

He worked in the news business as a reporter, anchor, and a producer before coming to work for the state of Idaho. He also recently completed a national certification program through the National Judicial College.

Tomlinson was born and raised in Orange, Calif., and moved to Idaho 10 years ago. He has four children; ages 9, 7, 5, and 3. Besides spending time with his wife and children, he loves to watch and play any and all sports. He plays indoor soccer and loves baseball, especially the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“I am very excited for this new opportunity,” said Tomlinson. “I have a passion for highway safety, and look forward to working with a highly skilled staff whose goal is to make Idaho’s roads safer.”

"John has a track record of excellence and his abilities are versatile," said Drivers Services Manager Ed Pemble. "He is a skilled and talented communicator, produces quality work, and places a high priority on customer service. He recently completed rigorous certification and training requirements for NJC (National Judicial College) and NAHO (National Association of Hearing Officials). Over the past year, he researched and produced several DMV-related stories for both the Transporter and for general media release. We extend congratulations to John on his appointment as Highway Safety Manager!"