Director Dave Ekern announces retirement from ITD;
Dwight Bower appointed interim director
Idaho Transportation Department Director David Ekern
announced his retirement today effective Aug. 25.
"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."
"My
family and I have enjoyed Idaho and its people, the
professionals in the department that are truly dedicated
to public service, and the professionals in the private
sector who are working with us to deliver the best transportation
system possible to the citizens and businesses of our
state," he added. "We wish all of you only
the best as you continue the journey."
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 nine years, retiring in 2002.
ITD’s deputy director, Charlie Rountree, will
oversee daily operations of the department until Sept.
5.