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Pam Lowe returns to ITD as deputy director

Pam Lowe returns, after a short respite, to the Idaho Transportation Department as the new deputy director, succeeding Charlie Rountree who recently announced his retirement.

Interim Director Dwight Bower announced Lowe’s appointment to the department’s No. 2 position this week. She began her new assignment Thursday (Sept. 7).

Lowe served as Administrator of ITD’s Division of Motor Vehicles for nearly two years before leaving in May, with plans to join her husband on a job assignment in Italy. She reconsidered, however, when asked to fill the vacancy at ITD.

"It was a tough choice, but the opportunity to come back here and work with my fellow ITD employees as we lead the department into the future was something I did not want to pass up," she said.

"I have developed a great appreciation for the department and its employees and look forward to continuing the relationship I've enjoyed the past 13 years. I am excited about what we will accomplish as we work together to improve transportation in Idaho."

Under her leadership, the DMV began a process to evaluate current computing deficiencies and identify options for securing a new computer system to serve licensing, titling and registration needs throughout the state.

Lowe became the first female district engineer in Idaho when she was chosen to lead District 3 in December 2000. In that position, Lowe became familiar with the challenges of rapid change and progress, identifying and implementing transportation solutions for a region that includes the state’s largest population centers and areas of fastest growth.

The new deputy director brings to her position more than 25 years of engineering experience. Her career at ITD began in 1993 when she became a construction associate and provided assistance and oversight to districts 5 and 6. Two years later (April 1995) she advanced to Planning Services Manager and then to regional engineer for District 3 in 1997.

As District 3 assistant engineer from March 1999 to December 2000, Lowe had oversight and management responsibilities for the engineering program that included more than 200 design projects and construction value of more than $400 million. She supervised a staff of about 70 staff engineers and technicians.

The district engineer position included responsibilities for all district functions, such as planning, project development, construction and operations. Completion of the WYE Stage 2 project that rebuilt the Interstate 84/I-184 interchange.

Before launching her career at ITD, Lowe worked at the Federal Highway Administration and the Arizona Department of Transportation. Prior to serving in the public sector, she worked for a private engineering firm.

Published 9-8-06