8/17/2006
Idaho Transportation Department Director David Ekern announces retirement/UPDATE WITH CORRECTION
BOISE - Idaho Transportation Department Director David Ekern announced his retirement today effective Aug. 25 after serving three years as head of the state's second largest agency.
"The last three years have been an exciting journey in building and modernizing our transportation system to help Idaho meet the challenges of the 21st Century," Ekern said. "I have recently been approached with two potentially significant career opportunities and do not think it is appropriate to pursue these negotiations while fulfilling my duties as director."
Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Frank Bruneel thanked Ekern for his service.
The transportation board named Dwight Bower as interim director effective Sept. 5. Bower served as the department's director for 9 years, retiring in 2002.
ITDs deputy director, Charlie Rountree, will oversee daily operations of the department until Sept. 5.
Idaho Transportation Department notes
1,834 employees
Annual budget (approximate) $500 million
Idaho Transportation Board (a seven member citizen board) hires ITD director
David Ekerns annual salary was $130,000