Department Of Transportation Secretary Wicks Resigns

Dover -- It is with great consideration, that Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Carolann Wicks has resigned her position as Cabinet Secretary effective March 18, 2011.

"This has been a difficult decision, but one that has been made with a clear conscience and the best interest of the department at heart." Secretary Wicks stated. "I have greatly enjoyed the many years I have served the State of Delaware, from an engineer just out of college to my position of leadership in one of the most hardworking agencies in the State of Delaware. The opportunities I have experienced in my years at DelDOT will always be looked upon with sincere gratitude. But, as with many other retirees, I will now move on to the next chapter in my life, including spending more time with my family."

Carolann Wicks is the eighth Secretary of the Department of Transportation. Carolann began her long career at DelDOT more than 28 years ago as a Civil Engineer. She served in several leadership roles including the Chief Engineer for the department and Director of Transportation Solutions. As Secretary, she was responsible for the capital program, managing statewide transit services, motor vehicle services, and the maintenance and operation of 90 percent of Delaware's transportation system. DelDOT employs over 2600 transportation professionals to achieve these goals.

"My only regret is that I am leaving a great organization with the most hardworking, dedicated state employees. The citizens of Delaware are being well-served by these many individuals, all with the goal of making Delaware's transportation system the best and safest for all who travel throughout our State," said Secretary Wicks.

During her time with the department, Secretary Wicks was selected to serve on numerous national and regional Boards and Committees. Recently she served as President for the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO), and is currently serving as Chairperson on the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission (NEC). She has received numerous awards: the Eugene E. Abbott Award for excellence in Transportation Planning, the department's highest honor; AASHTO's Alfred E. Johnson award for excellence in Engineering and Management; the Outstanding Alumnus Award and the Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement from the University of Delaware, and the Woman in History Award presented by the Business and Professional Women/Dover Chapter. Additionally, she has the honor of serving as an executive board member for the Diamond State Port Authority and she is a member of the University of Delaware's Civil Engineer Executive External Advisory Council. She also is a member of the American Association of State Highway Engineers (ASHE).