Today, the Montgomery County
Council approved the appointment of Al R. Roshdieh as Director of the
Department of Transportation (MCDOT). Roshdieh has served as MCDOT Acting
Director since December 22, 2014. During the past year, Roshdieh has reinvigorated the department’s
mission and staff with a progressive vision for sustainable transportation that
is outlined in a vision document that was also released today for the first
time.
“Montgomery
County is changing and to thrive we must meet the transportation challenges of
the 21st century with fresh, creative solutions,” said Montgomery County
Executive Ike Leggett. “Over the past year while serving as Acting Director, Al
Roshdieh has clearly demonstrated that he is the right person to move MCDOT
forward. He has focused on transforming the transportation infrastructure to be
even more
transit-oriented, bikeable and walkable; boosted innovation
throughout the department; successfully strengthened relationships with the
community and, through public-private partnerships, enhanced economic
development. Roshdieh has proven that he has the vision and leadership skills
to deliver the first-rate, multimodal transportation system that Montgomery
County needs.”
Roshdieh
has served Montgomery County for more than 26 years as Acting Director and
Deputy Director of MCDOT, as the Deputy Director of the Department of Public
Works and Transportation, Chief of the Division of Operations, and Chief of the
Division of Facilities and Services. He has a wealth of experience in developing
policy; leading the planning, design, construction and operation of the
County’s transportation infrastructure; directing more than 1,300 employees;
and managing an annual operating budget exceeding $200 million and a capital
projects budget of more than $2.8 billion.
“My
goal as MCDOT Director is to foster a transportation system that conserves
natural resources, protects the environment, promotes social equity and helps
stimulate economic growth,” said Roshdieh. “Montgomery County is a vital and
innovative community that has embraced smart growth principles as the path to
an even brighter future. I believe that by taking a comprehensive approach to
mobility that promotes sustainable alternatives, we will further unlock the
County’s economic potential and provide the very best transportation choices to
move people and connect places.”
Roshdieh
brings to MCDOT a wealth of knowledge and experience in developing
transportation and public works policies and systems. He directed the
implementation of many County initiatives, including the County Executive’s
Pedestrian Safety Initiative, implementation of the Countywide Capitol
Bikeshare program and development of the Bus Rapid Transit program. Roshdieh
has enhanced economic development and increased the County’s tax base by
successfully negotiating numerous public/private partnerships and mixed-use
developments in the Wheaton, Bethesda and Silver Spring areas; redefining
departmental approaches to enhancing pedestrian and bicycle mobility and
safety; encouraging innovation by directing projects such as transit screen
installations, electric vehicle charging stations in garages and the County’s
first cycle track; winning grants to expand Bikeshare in Wheaton, a shared use
path and sidewalk in Clarksburg and a wayfinding system in Bethesda; and
earning six National Association of Counties awards.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s new director, Al R. Roshdieh, has issued a document that outlines MCDOT’s new vision, mission and guiding principles. Developed under Roshdieh’s leadership during his tenure as acting director, the document reflects the fresh and innovative approach he is taking to create a sustainable transportation system. Entitled “Moving Forward Together: A New Vision for Transportation in Montgomery County,” it outlines MCDOT’s core values as follows:
Guiding Principles:
Guiding Principles:
- Provide an effective and efficient transportation system
- Keep our system reliable, safe and secure
- Engage and support our diverse community
- Enhance quality of life
- Be innovative and forward-thinking
