September 13, 2024

By Lane Kimble

WisDOT’s new leader intends to focus on transportation funding and embracing technology as she takes office.

Kristina Boardman replaced former Secretary Craig Thompson, who left the department after more than five years for a job with UW-Madison.

Boardman most recently served as deputy secretary, having previously spent years running the Division of Motor Vehicles.  She came to WisDOT in 2005 after 10 years working as a legislative aide in the state Capitol.

“The opportunity to now lead the department I love is a true honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly,” Boardman said in a news release.

The release listed Boardman’s four priorities as secretary, including:

• Support the WisDOT workforce with ongoing opportunities for engagement and support.
• Maximize the funding opportunities of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring needed resources to Wisconsin.
• Strengthen our technology and tools to best deliver safe and efficient self-service opportunities to our customers and stakeholders.
• Support continued investment in transportation to deliver on our core responsibilities to safely connect the public, wherever they travel.

Boardman is WisDOT’s first-ever female secretary. You can read her full bio here.  Her first day was Thursday.