DawsonTimes.com

I have today accepted the resignation of Vance Smith as Commissioner of the Department of Transportation.

Prior to his resignation, Mr. Smith appointed Department Operations Director Keith Golden to the position of Deputy Commissioner. In accordance with state law, the Deputy serves as interim commissioner in these circumstances.

Deputy Commissioner Golden will begin his new duties immediately. A 25-year Georgia DOT veteran, Golden is a licensed professional engineer and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in civil engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology. He began his Georgia DOT career in planning and has held numerous management positions, most recently in traffic operations.

Mr. Smith will remain as an advisor to the Department until December 31, 2011.

On behalf of the Board, I thank Mr. Smith for his service to transportation in Georgia and welcome Deputy Commissioner Golden to his new position. We look forward to working with him.