BOSTON — Governor Maura T. Healey has appointed Monica Tibbits-Nutt as the Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), effective immediately. This announcement marks a significant leadership change at MassDOT, with Tibbits-Nutt transitioning from her role as Acting Secretary, a position she held since mid-September. Her prior experience includes serving as the Undersecretary for Transportation, demonstrating a deep understanding of the department’s operations and challenges.
Governor Healey expressed confidence in Tibbits-Nutt’s capabilities, highlighting her achievements in making Massachusetts’ transportation system more reliable, safe, and accessible. During her tenure as Acting Secretary, Tibbits-Nutt spearheaded several key initiatives. These included preparing a plan with the MBTA to overhaul track infrastructure, integrating climate planning across MassDOT, securing federal funding for infrastructure, and providing support for communities affected by extreme weather. She consistently prioritized community engagement and equity, aligning her efforts with the Healey-Driscoll administration’s objectives.
“Monica Tibbits-Nutt is a proven leader who has done important work at MassDOT over the past year as we’ve worked to make Massachusetts’ transportation system more reliable, safe and accessible,” said Governor Healey. “As Acting Secretary, she hit the ground running by working with the MBTA to prepare a first-of-its kind plan to fix the tracks by the end of next year, taking important steps to integrate climate planning across MassDOT, securing federal funding to support infrastructure needs, and stepping up for communities that were devastated by extreme weather. She prioritizes community engagement and equity at every turn. Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I are confident that Secretary Tibbits-Nutt is the right person to lead the hardworking team at MassDOT and serve the people of Massachusetts.”
Support from Administration and Personal Commitment
Lieutenant Governor Driscoll echoed the Governor’s sentiments, praising Tibbits-Nutt for her respected leadership and her ability to foster strong relationships with colleagues and community partners. This endorsement reflects a unanimous administration belief in her ability to effectively manage the state’s transportation system.
“Secretary Tibbits-Nutt has been a deeply valued member of our team from day one, and our entire administration is thrilled to see her step into this well-deserved role,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “She has earned the respect of her colleagues and community partners, and I know that our transportation system is in good hands under her leadership.”
Secretary Tibbits-Nutt expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead MassDOT and emphasized her commitment to a transportation system that is safe, reliable, resilient, and equitable. She acknowledged the shared dedication of the MassDOT team to these goals, signifying a collective effort towards improving Massachusetts’ transportation infrastructure.
“I am grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for the opportunity to lead MassDOT as Secretary,” said Secretary Tibbits-Nutt. “Over the past year, I have had the privilege to serve alongside and get to know the incredible team at MassDOT. We all share a deep commitment to delivering the safe, reliable, resilient and equitable transportation system that the people of Massachusetts deserve. I am honored by the opportunity to lead the Department in this critical moment and build on the progress that the Healey-Driscoll Administration has made together.”
Monica Tibbits-Nutt: A Profile in Leadership
Monica G. Tibbits-Nutt’s journey in transportation leadership began when Governor Healey appointed her as Undersecretary of Transportation in January 2023. Her tenure on the MassDOT Board of Directors and as Vice-Chair of the Fiscal Management and Control Board (FMCB) overseeing the MBTA from 2015-2021, further solidified her credentials in this field.
During her two-month stint as Acting Secretary, Tibbits-Nutt led several significant projects. These included managing emergency construction and relief following catastrophic flooding, securing over $108 million in federal funding for the West-East Rail project, and submitting funding applications for key infrastructure projects across the state. She also played a pivotal role in releasing $4.7 million in Community Transit Grant awards to municipalities and obtaining over $4.57 million for road safety improvements in several cities.
Additionally, Tibbits-Nutt worked closely with the MBTA to develop a Track Improvement Plan and extended ferry services. Her initiative in establishing the Office of Transportation and Climate Planning and Policy as a shared service set operational standards for both MassDOT and MBTA, showcasing her proactive approach to leadership.
Xylo News 