Gov. Snyder Names Long-Time MDOT Deputy As New Director

LANSING – Gov. Rick Snyder has named a new director to steer the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and replace long-time director Kirk Steudle.

Kirk Steudle

Mark Van Port Fleet took the helm as MDOT’s new leader Thursday, moving up from his post as senior chief deputy director. He has 38 years of experience at the department.

Van Port Fleet has also served as a “key negotiator” for the Snyder administration with Canada on the development agreements for construction of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Steudle retired Wednesday for a new private sector gig as senior vice president of Econolite, which is described as providing a “wide range of traffic management solutions, including area-wide traffic management systems planning, design, integration, implementation, and operations.”

About the Author: Mike Brennan

Founder of Michigan News Network, and serves as CEO, as well as Editor & Publisher of MITECHNEWS.COM. Brennan has worked since 1980 as a technology writer at newspapers in New York, NY, San Jose, CA., Seattle, WA., Memphis, TN., Detroit, MI., and London, England. He co-founded and served as managing editor of Pacific Rim News Service (SEATTLE), which developed a network of more than 100 freelance journalists in 17 Asia-Pacific countries.