ARDOT will need a new Director soon, and the Highway Commission is working on it.
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Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Director Lorie Tudor is retiring effective January 10, 2025. Tudor informed the Highway Commission of her decision in a letter dated December 2nd, 2024.
“I’ve had a great career at ARDOT. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with a wonderful group of hard-working individuals who all understand the value and importance of serving the people of Arkansas,” Tudor said.
Commission Chairman Alec Farmer praised Tudor for her 41 years of service to the Department and to the people of Arkansas. “She has been a tireless and highly effective leader for the Department. Her hard work and all-out dedication will pay off for many years to come,” Farmer said.
Tudor took over as the Department’s first female Director in March of 2020. She immediately faced the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Next came the challenge of closing the Hernando de Soto I-40 Mississippi River bridge in West Memphis in May of 2021 after a fracture was discovered.
Under Tudor’s leadership, the citizens of Arkansas voted to make the temporary half-cent sales tax a source of revenue for ARDOT to ensure a future funding stream. She also helped guide the successful completion of the Connecting Arkansas Program. This included 31 state highway construction projects, and helped modernize the state’s transportation system.
During her time as Director, the Department secured funding and took steps for the construction of a Fallen Worker Memorial.
“This monument emphasizes how thankful we are for ARDOT workers and Arkansas Highway Police officers who paid the ultimate price,” Tudor said.
Tudor began work with ARDOT in 1981 as a Clerk Typist. After 14 years of service, she left the Department to pursue her Engineering degree. Upon graduation from University of Memphis in 1997, Tudor returned to ARDOT as an entry level Civil Engineer in January of 1998, working in the Planning and Research Division.
In 2014, Tudor was promoted to the position of Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer. In March of 2020, she was named as the Department’s Director.
Some of the highlights and accomplishments of Tudor’s ARDOT career include:
Oversaw the implementation of the Guidehouse Efficiency review recommendations which helped improve the Department’s operational effectiveness and transparency.
Initiated and championed safety programs enabling a risk-reduction environment which enhanced the well-being of ARDOT and contractor employees.
Led a comprehensive reorganization of ARDOT, streamlining operations to better serve the public and increase efficiency and responsiveness to the transportation needs of the state.
Helped launch the new ARDOT Strategic Plan, providing a clear vision and roadmap for the future of the Department.
Supported and guided Department in launch of Construction Manager General Contractor (CM-GC) delivery method, allowing designer and contractor to work together from project initiation to completion.
Prioritized partnerships with contractors and communities, leading to enhanced efficiency, cohesion and innovation.
Has been a strong advocate for women in transportation, inspiring and empowering women to pursue careers in the transportation and engineering fields.
Served as President of the Southeast Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Tudor is the past Chairman of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Committee on Funding and Finance. She was inducted into the University of Arkansas’ Academy of Civil Engineering in 2018. She was the recipient of the AASHTO’s Alfred E. Johnson Achievement Award in 2019.
She was appointed to the State Board for Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors in October 2020 and served as the Board President, July 2022 to June 2023. She was recipient of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Arkansas SIR (Skill, Integrity, Responsibility) Award, the highest honor given to a person outside of their Association.
Chairman Farmer stated that the Commission will meet as expeditiously as possible to consider Tudor’s replacement.
MySaline will update this story with any new details.