‘A proven leader’ Tennessee Governor appoints new TDOT commissioner

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed Will Reid, a professional engineer, as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Reid is set to assume the role on July 10. He will replace Butch Eley who stepped down after almost seven years of leadership. Lee announced the appointment on Wednesday.

“Will Reid is a proven leader whose unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation has elevated the work of TDOT and the future of transportation in Tennessee,” said Lee. “His deep understanding of our state’s infrastructure needs, coupled with a track record of driving efficiency and transparency, makes him the right person to lead TDOT into its next chapter of service to Tennesseans.”

Reid has served as TDOT’s Chief Engineer and Deputy Commissioner since August 2022. He is a native of Bartlett and began working at TDOT in 2014 after 15 years as a transportation engineering consultant. He was a major contributor to TDOT’s first fiscally constrained 10-Year Project Plan, which includes plans for an Exit 408 in Sevier County

“Deputy Governor Eley has played an important role in advancing Tennessee’s infrastructure efforts, and his work has positioned the state for continued progress,” said Lee. “I’m confident that Will Reid will carry these initiatives forward, and TDOT will continue to advance in the years ahead under his leadership.”