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Rindlisbacher named ITD Chief Engineer

Blake Rindlisbacher, long-time ITD employee, has become ITD’s new Chief Engineer. The Chief Engineer is primarily responsible for resolving bid protests and contract claims, facilitating 129k pound truck-route designations, and state highway system adjustments. In addition to his Chief Engineer duties, Blake will continue to lead the Highways’ HQ Division, which includes Design/Traffic, Right of Way, Bridge, Environmental, ITIP Program Management Office and Planning.

"I love Idaho and working at ITD, and pledge to do my best in this new role," said Rindlisbacher, who grew up in Soda Springs. "I'm humbled by the appointment to Chief Engineer. I'll enjoy working with a strong team of people to provide a diverse set of services to ITD and the citizens of Idaho."

After serving as Ed Bala’s right-hand man as Assistant District Engineer in D5 for eight years, Blake became District Engineer in D6 in the fall of 2008, and moved back to Boise and became DES Administrator in January 2014.

Rindlisbacher began his ITD career in Idaho Falls as an hourly employee in the summer of 1989. The following summer, he held a similar position in District 2. Rindlisbacher began his full-time career path when he graduated from the University of Idaho Civil Engineering program in 1991.

He accepted a full-time position with the department as an Engineer In Training in District 4.

Rindlisbacher worked out of Shoshone (District 4) for about 3 1⁄2 years before his professional rotation took him to Headquarters in Boise, where he advanced to a construction associate.

He then returned to Lewiston (District 2), where he worked five years, first as the resident engineer for two years and as project development engineer for three years. The professional path took him to Pocatello in 2001.

During that advancement, Rindlisbacher lived or worked in every district except District 1.

Blake and his wife, Jodie, live in Eagle. They have three grown children — son Jake, and daughters Katie and Jenna. Blake and Jodie have four grandchildren, with another on the way.

Blake replaces longtime friend Kimbol Allen as the department's Chief Engineer.