Mr. Tesler replaces outgoing Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack
This week’s Presidential Inauguration has caused a shake-up of roles here in Massachusetts. President Biden, who was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States this week, has named Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack to the Federal Highway Administration. Ms. Pollack will join the Biden Administration as the FHA’s deputy administrator on Wednesday, January 27th.
“Stephanie has led MassDOT through many difficult challenges over the past six years; from the historic blizzards that exposed the problems of the MBTA, through saving the GLX project, instituting a data-driven Capital Improvement Plan, and guiding the RMV through a crisis last summer,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “She has provided MassDOT with stability and leadership through the last six years, serving longer than her three predecessors combined. She has allowed the agency to focus on long-term efforts developing the FMCB and upgrading the MBTA’s infrastructure, service and customer relations, and much more. We are so grateful for Stephanie’s service to the Commonwealth and congratulate her on her new appointment. I am confident that Jamey will step into this important role ready to lead on day one.”
As a result of the appointment, Governor Baker announced that the current Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Jamey Tesler, will take over for Ms. Pollack as the new acting transportation secretary. Mr. Tesler has served as Registrar since July 2020. In touting the appointment, Governor Baker noted that Mr. Tesler has years of experience across the Department of Transportation, previously serving as Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, and Assistant Secretary for Procurement for MassDOT. Prior to those positions, he also worked for the MBTA, Governor Jane Swift’s legal office, and the Office of the State Treasurer.
“I am honored by the trust the Governor and Lt. Governor are placing in me,” said incoming Secretary Jamey Tesler. “Working with Secretary Pollack for most of the last five years has been a master class in transportation policy, and I am happy to be able to use that knowledge to continuing advancing the programs and policies we have been working on together for so long.”
Colleen Ogilvie Named Acting RMV Registrar
As for the RMV, the Governor also announced that he has promoted Colleen Ogilvie to the role of acting Registrar. Ms. Ogilvie is currently serving as deputy Registrar and Chief Operating Officer of the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
