Director's Office

NDOT Leadership

Appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen in 2022, Vicki Kramer brings a wealth of experience in public policy, innovative financing, and infrastructure leadership as director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT).

 

She drives innovation at NDOT through initiatives such as:

  • Spearheading Nebraska's entry into public transportation financing and launching an Infrastructure Hub to help local agencies secure federal grants.

  • Advocating for driver accountability through initiatives like Buckle Up Phone Down, emphasizing youth motor safety education, and prioritizing work zone safety measures that protect both workers and drivers.

Her extensive public policy experience and understanding of Nebraska’s unicameral place her in a unique position to support state lawmakers in passing and maintaining informed, efficient, and effective transportation policy.

 

Key pieces of legislation introduced during her tenure have included:

  • LB706: Granted Nebraska Highway Commission bonding authority for the first time; and

  • LB1335:  Balanced infrastructure expansion and environmental stewardship.

  
Leadership and Collaboration

Kramer holds an active role in the country’s larger transportation conversations and is dedicated to advancing national and state transportation efforts by forming and maintaining local and federal partnerships.

 

She serves on the:

  • American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) State DOT CEO Leadership Forum;

  • American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) P3 Division;

  • AASHTO-Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)-ARTBA Joint Committee;

  • AASHTO CEO Working Group for Reauthorization Framework;

  • Transportation Vulnerability and Resilience (TVAR) Expert Task Group for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; and

  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Board.

She serves as chair of the governance committee for the I-80 Coalition, acts as state infrastructure coordinator and transportation advisor for the National Governors Association (NGA), and chairs the AASHTO Committee on Transportation System Security and Resilience.

 

Education and Career

Kramer holds a master’s in public administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Prior to being appointed as director of NDOT, Kramer served as the markets and strategy chief of staff for Kiewit Corporation. 

 

Kramer served as a staff member in the offices of U.S. Senators Chuck Hagel, Mike Johanns, and Deb Fischer, before leaving the Senate in 2014 to serve as the senior policy advisor to the Nebraska National Guard’s Adjutant General.

 

In 2016, Kramer joined NDOT to lead the Communications and Public Policy Division. She oversaw the reorganization of the communications staff and implemented multiple initiatives throughout the Division as NDOT works to grow transparency, increase public engagement, and improve customer service.

 

Kramer has served 14 years in the Nebraska Army National Guard (NEARNG). She resides in Ashland with her husband and two sons.

 

   

    

Vicki Kramer

Director - Nebraska Department of Transportation

 

 

   

    

Amy Starr

Deputy Director - Administration

 

  • Communications

  • Controller

  • Human Resources

  • Supports Aeronautics

   

Khalil Jaber

Deputy Director - Engineering

 

  • Bridge

  • Local Assistance

  • Program Management

  • Project Development

  • Right-of-Way

  • Roadway Design

  • Strategic Planning

  • Traffic Engineering

      

  

Lyn Heaton

Chief of Staff/

Director of Innovative Finance

   

Mick Syslo

Deputy Director - Operations

 

  • All eight districts

  • Business Technology

  • Construction

  • Materials & Research

  • Operations