Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced leadership changes within the Department of Transportation and the Office of Children’s Ombudsman.
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- Brad Wieferich will move from acting director to director of the department.
- He previously worked as the chief operations officer of the department.
- The new director has been with the department for 27 years, serving in several different capacities.
- The department is responsible for the nearly 10,000-mile state highway system. Additionally, it administers state and federal transportation programs for aviation, intercity passenger services, rail freight, and local public transit services.
Office of Children’s Ombudsman:
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- Ryan Speidel will move from active director to director.
- Prior to his current role, he served as deputy director within the office.
- Speidel has worked in public service for nearly two decades, in a number of roles including law enforcement, the regulatory field, and leadership.
- The legislature created the office in 1994 to bring accountability and oversight to Michigan’s child welfare system. Its primary responsibility is to receive and investigate complaints concerning children who for reasons of abuse or neglect are under the supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services.
