Northeast Georgia’s New Leader Takes Helm of State Transportation Board

New Leadership Appointed to georgia State Transportation Board

Atlanta, GA – August 22, 2025 – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) announced meaningful changes in leadership for the State Transportation Board (STB) following a meeting held on Thursday. These appointments signal a new chapter for the oversight and direction of transportation policy within the state.

Jamie boswell Elected as Chair

Jamie Boswell was elected by his fellow board members to serve as the new chair of the STB. He previously held the position of vice chair and represents the 10th Congressional District on the board. the 10th District is a large area in Northeast Georgia, including Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Elbert, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hart, and madison Counties.

Representing a Broad Geographic Area

Boswell’s district also extends to encompass Butts,Greene,hancock,Henry,Jasper,Morgan,Newton,Oconee,Oglethorpe,Putnam,Taliaferro,Walton,and Wilkes Counties.This expansive representation underscores the importance of the STB in addressing transportation needs across diverse communities within georgia.

Background and Experience of the New Chair

Jamie Boswell is an alumnus of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in real estate. He is currently the president and owner of the Boswell Group,a prominent Athens-based company specializing in insurance,real estate,and property appraisals. Boswell originally joined the 14-member STB in 2013.

Additional Appointments to the Board

Alongside Boswell’s election,Dennis McEntire was named Vice Chair,and Tim Golden was appointed as Secretary,both at Thursday’s meeting. These appointments complete the key leadership positions within the STB.

The Role of the State Transportation Board

The State Transportation Board plays a crucial role in determining policy and governing the Georgia Department of Transportation. Board members are selected by their respective U.S.congressional representatives and serve staggered five-year terms. According to a 2024 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, effective transportation governance is central to maintaining and improving infrastructure nationwide.

Did You Know? Georgia’s transportation system handles over $1.5 trillion in freight annually, highlighting the economic importance of efficient infrastructure.

Position	Name	district/Role
Chair	Jamie Boswell	10th Congressional District
Vice Chair	Dennis McEntire	N/A
Secretary	tim Golden	N/A

With these new appointments, the STB is poised to address ongoing and future transportation challenges within Georgia, ensuring continued progress and improvement in the state’s vital infrastructure network.

Understanding Georgia’s Transportation System

Georgia’s transportation network is one of the most extensive in the Southeast, comprising over 120,000 miles of roadways, eight deepwater ports, a major international airport, and numerous rail lines. The STB’s decisions impact not only commuters but also the state’s economy, tourism, and overall quality of life. Investments in road maintenance, public transit, and freight infrastructure are critical for Georgia’s continued growth. For more information on GDOT’s initiatives and projects, visit their official website: https://www.dot.ga.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions about the Georgia STB

• What does the Georgia State Transportation Board do? The STB determines policy and oversees the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
• Who selects the members of the STB? board members are selected by their corresponding U.S.congressional representatives.
• How long is a term for an STB member? STB members serve staggered five-year terms.
• Who is the new chair of the Georgia STB? Jamie boswell was recently elected as the chair of the STB.
• What districts does Jamie Boswell represent? Jamie Boswell represents the 10th Congressional District, encompassing multiple counties in Northeast Georgia.
• what is the importance of the STB’s decisions? The STB’s decisions have a significant impact on Georgia’s transportation infrastructure and economy.

What are your thoughts on the new leadership of the Georgia State Transportation Board? Share your comments below!

How might the new leaderS regional background influence funding allocations for transportation projects across Georgia?

A Shift in Georgia Transportation Policy: Understanding the Appointment

A meaningful change has occurred within Georgia’s transportation infrastructure leadership. A new figure from northeast Georgia has been appointed to lead the state Transportation Board, signaling a potential shift in priorities for road construction, public transit, and overall transportation planning across the state. This appointment impacts not only commuters and travelers but also economic development and regional connectivity. Understanding the implications of this leadership change is crucial for businesses, residents, and anyone invested in Georgia’s future.

Who is Leading the charge? – Background and Experience

While specific details regarding the appointee’s name and prior roles require further public disclosure (as of August 22, 2025), the selection criteria and expected focus areas are becoming clearer. The individual hails from a prominent position within the Northeast Georgia region, likely possessing extensive experience in:

Local Government: Previous roles on city councils or county commissions.

Business & Economic Development: Involvement in regional chambers of commerce or economic development authorities.

Transportation Advocacy: Participation in local transportation planning committees or advocacy groups.

Infrastructure Projects: Direct experience overseeing or contributing to local road, bridge, or public transit initiatives.

This regional background is considered a intentional choice, aiming to bring a fresh viewpoint to statewide transportation challenges and ensure the needs of growing areas like Northeast Georgia are adequately addressed.

Key Priorities for the State Transportation Board

The State Transportation Board oversees the Georgia department of Transportation (GDOT) and is responsible for:

Setting Transportation policy: Defining the long-term vision for Georgia’s transportation network.

Approving Major Projects: Authorizing funding and construction for highways, bridges, and public transit systems.

Managing the Transportation Budget: Allocating resources to ensure efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars.

Overseeing GDOT Operations: Providing guidance and oversight to the department responsible for implementing transportation projects.

Expect the new leader to prioritize the following areas:

1. Addressing Traffic Congestion: Focusing on solutions to alleviate bottlenecks in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta and rapidly growing regions like Northeast Georgia. This includes exploring options like express lanes, managed lanes, and improved signal timing.
2. Expanding Public Transit: Increasing access to public transportation options, particularly in areas underserved by existing systems. this could involve expanding bus routes, developing light rail corridors, or investing in commuter rail.
3. Rural Connectivity: Improving transportation infrastructure in rural areas to support economic development and provide access to essential services. This includes maintaining existing roads and bridges and exploring opportunities for new infrastructure investments.
4. Freight Transportation: Enhancing Georgia’s freight transportation network to support the state’s role as a major logistics hub. This includes improving port access, expanding rail capacity, and investing in truck routes.
5. Safety Improvements: Implementing measures to reduce traffic fatalities and improve overall road safety. this includes investing in safety features like guardrails, rumble strips, and pedestrian crossings.

Impact on Northeast Georgia: Specific Regional Concerns

Northeast Georgia is experiencing rapid population growth, leading to increased traffic congestion and strain on existing infrastructure. Key concerns for the region include:

Highway Capacity: Addressing bottlenecks on major highways like GA 400 and I-85.

Local Road improvements: Upgrading local roads to accommodate increased traffic volumes.

Commuter Options: Expanding commuter rail or bus service to connect Northeast Georgia to Atlanta.

Last-Mile Connectivity: Improving access to transportation options for residents in rural areas.

Preserving Rural Character: Balancing transportation improvements with the need to preserve the region’s rural character and natural resources.

the new leader’s regional ties are expected to ensure thes concerns are given due consideration in the Board’s decision-making process.

Funding Mechanisms and Future Projects

Georgia utilizes a variety of funding mechanisms to support its transportation infrastructure, including:

Gasoline Taxes: A primary source of funding for road construction and maintenance.

Vehicle Registration Fees: Revenue generated from vehicle registration is allocated to transportation projects.

Federal Funding: Georgia receives federal grants and funding for specific transportation initiatives.

Toll Revenues: tolls collected on certain highways and bridges are used to fund ongoing maintenance and improvements.

Transportation Enhancement Program (TIP): A multi-year plan outlining planned transportation projects and funding allocations.

Currently, several major projects are underway or planned in Georgia, including:

I-285/GA-400 Interchange: A major reconstruction project to improve traffic flow at a critical interchange.

Express Lanes on I-85: Adding express lanes to I-85 to provide commuters with a faster and more reliable travel option.

* Atlanta BeltLine: A multi-use trail and transit corridor encircling the city of Atlanta