COE Alum appointed MassDOT Highway Administrator

COE alumnus Frank DePaola has been named highway administrator for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. His appointment was announced on August 11 by MassDOT Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Mullan and incoming Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.

DePaola, who earned an MS in civil engineering from Northeastern in 1984, is a registered professional engineer in Massachusetts and Rhode Island with more than 30 years of experience in the design and construction industry.  He has served as acting highway administrator since March and begins his duties immediately.

“Frank DePaola is an engineer’s engineer who has earned the respect of his colleagues during his time running the Highway Division,” said Mullan. “He will be a stabilizing presence in the DOT at a critical time of transition.”

“Frank brings to this critical role a perfect combination of engineering know how and demonstrated leadership ability,” said Davey. “I am fortunate to have Frank as a key member of my senior team as we move forward on transportation reform in the months ahead.”

DePaola previously served as assistant general manager for design and construction at the MBTA.  Prior to joining the MBTA in 2009, he worked with Harvard University as part of the Allston Development Group and was previously director of construction for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

Related Departments:Civil & Environmental Engineering