The Arkansas Highway Commission has appointed Jared D. Wiley as the new Director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT). The decision, announced after an executive session on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, follows the Commission’s scheduled business meeting earlier that day. Wiley will assume the role following the retirement of current Director Lorie H. Tudor, effective January 10, 2025.
“The Department is very fortunate to have a deep pool of highly qualified talent to choose from in selecting the next Director. We know that Jared will do an excellent job leading ARDOT and the entire team. The Commission looks forward to working with him in this new role,” said Alec Farmer, Chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission.
Wiley has been serving as ARDOT’s Chief Engineer for Preconstruction since April 2023. His appointment marks the culmination of a nearly two-decade career with the department, during which he has held multiple leadership roles.
“I am humbled and honored by the trust the Commission has shown in me,” Wiley stated. “I commit to building on the legacy of cooperation and collaboration that was established by my mentor, Director Tudor. She has taught me and our staff many things over her 41-year career. ARDOT is blessed with a great staff of dedicated public servants. The entire ARDOT team will continue to work diligently to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of Arkansas’ transportation system.”
Wiley’s journey with ARDOT began as an Engineering Student Intern in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was hired in December 2005 as a Civil Engineer in the Planning and Research Division. Over the years, Wiley advanced through several positions, including Consultant Coordinator, Division Head of Program Management, and Assistant Chief Engineer for Planning, before taking on his current role.
Wiley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Arkansas State University and is a Registered Professional Engineer. His extensive experience in planning, program management, and preconstruction has positioned him as a key leader within ARDOT.
Wiley becomes the sixth person to serve as Director of ARDOT in the past 52 years. His predecessor, Lorie H. Tudor, leaves a legacy of over four decades of service, marked by significant contributions to Arkansas’ transportation system.
As Wiley prepares to step into his new role, the Arkansas Highway Commission and the ARDOT team are optimistic about the department’s future under his leadership.
