Pollack Leaving Baker Administration for Biden Administration

Massachusetts transportation secretary Stephanie Pollack is leaving the Baker administration for the Biden administration, and she starts her new job in Washington next week.

Pollack was announced today as the Biden-Harris administration's pick for Deputy Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. She'll step down as Massachusetts Department of Transportation secretary and CEO on Jan. 26 and assume her new federal role on the 27th.

Governor Charlie Baker today appointed Jamey L. Tesler to replace Pollack in an acting capacity. Tessler, currently the state's Registrar of Motor Vehicles, previously held top roles at MassDOT. He also worked for the MBTA, for former governor Jane Swift’s legal office, and for the Office of State Treasurer.

"It has been a privilege to lead MassDOT's exceptional team these last six years and to work with the MBTA's senior leadership and the Fiscal and Management Control Board," said Pollack in a statement. "Massachusetts has become a leader in delivering a transportation system that puts people first and provides them with safer and better choices for walking, biking, using transit, or driving and I am confident that Jamey will be able to continue that good work."

Baker today praised Pollock, saying she 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.” Baker said she "provided MassDOT with stability and leadership through the last six years, serving longer than her three predecessors combined."

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said under Pollack the MassDOT has shown "commitment to local infrastructure" through initiatives such as the small bridges and complete streets programs.

Tesler said he is honored and said working with Pollack "has been a master class in transportation policy." Colleen Ogilvie, currently deputy Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at the RMV, will serve as Acting Registrar.