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Caltrans Director Kempton Resigns, Iwasaki Named as Replacement

"Will has been an incredible driving force behind rebuilding California's infrastructure and especially instrumental in quickly moving federal stimulus dollars out the door to transportation projects around the state."

Randell H. Iwasaki (pictured) to succeed Will Kempton

Will Kempton, director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will resign effective July 31, to be succeeded by Randell H. Iwasaki. Yesterday, Gov. Schwarzenegger thanked Kempton and discussed the future of Caltrans under Iwasaki's leadership.

"Will has been an incredible driving force behind rebuilding California's infrastructure and especially instrumental in quickly moving federal stimulus dollars out the door to transportation projects around the state," said Schwarzenegger in a statement. "I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Will for his incredible work and service to the people of California, and I wish him the very best in all his future endeavors."

"Randy brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and practical experience at Caltrans to this position," said Schwarzenegger, "and I am confident he will be an effective director. He shares my commitment to updating and investing in our state's infrastructure to meet California's growing needs and to create jobs at a time when we need them most."

Among many awards and honors, Iwasaki, 49, of Elk Grove, was selected as one of Government Technology's "Doers, Dreamers and Drivers" for 2009. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from California State University, Fresno. The position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $153,360.

Kempton will become CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). "Finding a new CEO for OCTA with Will Kempton's transportation knowledge and experience at a time like this," said OCTA Chairman Peter Buffa. "is a grand-slam home run for us and for everyone in Orange County."