Kirk T. Steudle began his career with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in 1987 as an engineer trainee. A registered professional engineer, he rose through the ranks of the department to his current position. He was appointed State Transportation Director by Governor Rick Snyder on Jan. 1, 2011. He also served as State Transportation Director from 2006 to 2010.
Steudle oversees MDOT’s more than three billion dollar budget and is responsible for the construction, maintenance and operation of nearly 10,000 miles of state highways and more than 4000 state highway bridges. He also oversees administration of a wide range of multi-modal transportation programs statewide. MDOT currently has 2,500 employees throughout the state.
Steudle is the 2014 chair of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Executive Committee and has served on the TRB Executive Committee since 2004. He chairs the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) Oversight Committee for TRB. He served as president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) from 2011 to 2012 and continues to serve on the AASHTO Executive Committee. He has been a member of the AASHTO Board of Directors since 2006.
Steudle also is a national leader in the development of Connected Vehicle Technologies, working with a partnership of governments and auto manufacturers to further high-tech highway operations and at the same time, improve Michigan’s economy. Connected Vehicle Technology allows vehicles to communicate with the road and other vehicles to improve safety and mobility. Steudle is the incoming 2014 chair for the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA) Board of Directors. He also is a member of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program Advisory Committee to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Additionally, he serves on the board of the Engineering Society of Detroit, the largest engineering society in the country, and chairs the Michigan Mobility Transformation Center’s (MTC) External Advisory Board (EAB). Steudle also serves on the Lawrence Technological University (LTU) College of Engineering Advisory Board, and is a trustee for the Traffic Improvement Association (TIA) of Michigan.
In 2010, Steudle received the prestigious Thomas H. MacDonald Award from AASHTO, recognizing him for his continuous outstanding service and exceptional contribution to highway engineering. In 2011, he was awarded the P.D. McLean Award from the Road Gang for excellence in highway transportation. In 2012, he was one of nine alumni inducted into the inaugural LTU Department of Engineering Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2013, he received the Felix A. Anderson Image Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Michigan. This award is presented to individuals who positively impact the public’s understanding and appreciation of the engineering profession.
In the past, Steudle has served as MDOT’s Chief Deputy Director, Bay Region Engineer, and Deputy Region Engineer for the Metro Detroit Region. He also was president of the 2009 Mississippi Valley Conference.
He is a graduate of Adrian High School and Lawrence Technological University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Engineering. He also served on the Essexville City Council from 1995 to 1999.
Steudle and his wife, Marilyn, have two children and live in South Lyon, Michigan.