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Oregon Department of Transportation Director Kris Strickler, the second longest serving director in agency history, will be leaving his role on Jan. 2, 2026.
Gov. Tina Kotek will appoint Lisa Sumption, Director of Oregon Parks and Recreation, to be interim director, effective Jan. 2. The governor will work with the Oregon Transportation Commission to identify a permanent director by conducting a national search. Director Sumption will return to OPRD at the conclusion of this interim assignment.
Director Strickler led ODOT through numerous major events including the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, COVID and the transportation funding crisis. The funding crisis threatened to severely reduce everyday maintenance services for Oregonians. In September, the Oregon Legislature convened in a special session and successfully voted to provide new funding for road maintenance and transit services.
“The decision to leave ODOT did not come easily to me, but with funding for the maintenance and operations of our transportation system secured, now is the time for new leadership to lead ODOT’s next chapter,” said Director Strickler. “The employees of ODOT are dedicated to improving the lives of Oregonians and because of that commitment, I know ODOT will continue to thrive.”
Strickler has led the 4,500-person agency since fall 2019. Before becoming ODOT director, he served as the Southwest Region Administrator for the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Oregon Project Director for the Columbia River Crossing and most recently as ODOT’s Highway Division Administrator.
“A dedicated leader who has not shied away from embracing challenges, Kris is one of the longest tenured directors in the history of the agency,” said Gov. Kotek. “I’m grateful for his years of service and his unrelenting focus on making sure Oregonians can keep moving, safely, sustainably, and without delay. Likewise, I am grateful to Interim Director Lisa Sumption for stepping up to take the reins as we embark on a nationwide search and to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for their willingness to assist ODOT in this time of transition.”