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 GoMDOT > About MDOT > Divisions > Executive Director
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Appointed by the three-member elected Transportation Commission, the executive director has full and general supervision over administrative
and technical matters relating to airport and port development, highway construction and maintenance, weight enforcement, public transit, and
rail safety. The executive director administers the policies approved by the Transportation Commission and prepares reports to the Legislature
and the Governor. The executive director appoints a chief engineer/deputy executive director and a director for each of the four operating offices
reporting directly to the executive director. These offices include Highways, Administrative Services, Intermodal Planning and Enforcement. The
Audit, Special Assistant Attorneys General, Information Systems and Public Affairs divisions, also report to the executive director.
Executive Director's Background History
 Melinda McGrath (Executive Director)
Melinda McGrath earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University in 1985 and began her engineering career in MDOT’s Bridge Division. After serving as project engineer in both the Northern and Southern Districts
and serving as the District Area Engineer over six Coast counties, she was named Assistant Chief Engineer-Field Operations in 2003. In August 2008, she was promoted to the position of Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer and in January 2012 she was appointed Executive Director.
She is a native of Columbus, Mississippi and currently resides in Clinton with her husband, Hoyt, and their three children, Margaret, Katherine and Jacob.
Mark McConnell (Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer)
Education & Professional History
• Graduated with a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1987.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer in 1992
MDOT Career
• Began working with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) in January 1988.
• Served as Project Engineer in Construction from 1992- 1995
• Served as District Maintenance Engineer (Yazoo City, MS) from 1995-1998
• Served as Assistant State Maintenance Engineer (1998 – 2008)
• Currently serves as Assistant Chief Engineer – Field Operations (2008 – present)
Professional Experience
• AASHTO Subcommittee on Maintenance Task Force on Roadside & Environment Vice Chairman from 2001-2004
• AASHTO Subcommittee on Maintenance Task Force on Roadside & Environment Chairman from 2004- 2008
• Selected to served on TRB and NCHRP Panels by peers
• Member MS Engineering Society
Family & Interests
• Married (Susan) with one daughter (Sydney – Age 17)
• Have three (3) horses, enjoy golf and reading
• Deacon at First Baptist Church – Jackson, MS
Jackie Duckworth (Deputy Executive Director/Administration)
Appointed by the Executive Director, the Deputy Executive Director/Administration is responsible for and has oversight of budget development and administrative support within the MDOT Central Offices. This oversight provides a financial framework and a computerized support system from which all other functions of MDOT may operate. Administrative Services also provides support to the Jackson offices in the form of building maintenance and office supplies. Six divisions fall under the supervision of the Office of Administrative Services including Financial Management, Budget, Procurement, Asset Management, Facility & Records Management and General Services.
Jackie Duckworth earned his BSBA in Accounting from Mississippi College. He began his MDOT career in 1992 as an External Auditor for MDOT’s Audit Division. In 1999 he was appointed director of the newly formed Consultant Services Unit. In December 2002, he was asked to serve as the Director of Programming. He served in this capacity until March 2011 when he assumed the duties of the Deputy Executive Director/Administration.
He is married to the former Sandy Martin of Raymond and they reside in Byram. They have two children, Christi and Jeffrey and three grandchildren, Rebecca, Garrett and Madeline.
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