Kris Strickler stepping down as ODOT Director

SALEM – Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Kris Strickler has announced he will step down on Jan. 2.

Strickler has served in that role since fall 2019 and is the second longest serving director in the history of ODOT. He previously served as the Southwest Region Administrator for the Washington State Department of Transportation, Oregon Project Director for the Columbia River Crossing, and most recently as ODOT’s Highway Division Administrator.

A release from ODOT did not mention what role Strickler is leaving for, but Transportation Commission Vice-Char Lee Beyer mentioned in a meeting Thursday that Strickler was going into the private sector.

Among Strickler’s accomplishments listed in the release was implementing safety improvements on Cabbage Hill between Pendleton and La Grande, as well as adding kiosks and expanded online services for the state’s DMV offices.

“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 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.” 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Sumption has been appointed as interim director by Gov. Tina Kotek. A permanent director will be found through a national search.

Photo of Kris Strickler courtesy of ODOT

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Elkhorn Media Group