Senator Cortese Welcomes Dina El-Tawansy as New Caltrans Director, Praises Vision for California’s Transportation Future

SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, issued the following statement recognizing Dina El-Tawansy on her appointment as Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans):

“I want to congratulate Director Dina El-Tawansy on her appointment to lead Caltrans. With more than three decades of experience and a distinguished track record of leadership, she brings the expertise, vision, and commitment needed to guide one of the nation’s largest and most complex transportation systems.

As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I look forward to working closely with Director El-Tawansy as we advance a transportation agenda that prioritizes safety, equity, sustainability, and reliability for all Californians. Her leadership overseeing a nearly $20 billion budget, more than 22,000 employees, and critical infrastructure—from 50,000 lane miles of highway to thousands of bridges and transit partnerships—will be essential as we meet the demands of a growing and evolving state.

Director El-Tawansy’s Bay Area leadership, including her tenure as the first female to serve as District 4 Director, demonstrated her ability to deliver major projects, strengthen regional partnerships, and put communities first. Her commitment to multimodal transportation solutions—integrating highways, transit, rail, biking, and walking—aligns with our shared goal of building a more connected and climate-resilient future.

I commend Governor Gavin Newsom for this outstanding appointment. I am confident Director El-Tawansy will continue to move California forward with innovation, collaboration, and a clear focus on improving the daily lives of the people we serve.”

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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