SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell, formerly an Horry County Administrator, announced several new members of the leadership team at the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
Secretary Powell said, “We are at an important juncture as we work to bring the agency’s Strategic 10-Year Plan to a successful close and continue positioning South Carolina for the future. We remain committed to building a better road and bridge network and ensuring prosperity for all. Each of these leaders brings their own strengths to help us build a better South Carolina. They each have my full confidence and I know they will do great things on behalf of the people we serve.”
Rob Perry, P.E. has been named as the Deputy Secretary for Engineering. In this role, Deputy Secretary Perry will provide oversight to the Engineering division, approximately 4,000 employees across the state that are responsible for engineering, building and maintaining the road and bridge network in South Carolina. Perry began his career with SCDOT in 1999 in Charleston as a bridge inspector and most recently served as the Chief Engineer for Bridges and Interim Deputy Secretary for Engineering.
Karl McCottry has been named as the Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration. In this role, Deputy Secretary McCottry will oversee the administrative functions of the agency including finance, information technology, procurement, minority and small business affairs, human resources, and local government services. Mr. McCottry has more than 30 years of service to the State of South Carolina, including 12 at the South Carolina Department of Transportation, most recently serving as the Director of Human Resources.
Jennifer Necker, P.E. has been named as the Deputy Secretary for Intermodal and Freight. Deputy Secretary Necker will be responsible for the strategic planning and coordination of transit and rail efforts on behalf of the department, working closely with transit providers and railroads. Necker previously served as the project manager for the Lowcountry Rapid Transit Program, the first of its kind in the state. Necker most recently served as the Acting Director of Mass Transit and Freight Programs.
Brent Rewis, P.E. will continue to serve SCDOT as the Deputy Secretary for Planning, a position he has held since 2020. In this capacity, Deputy Secretary Rewis oversees the strategic transportation planning efforts on behalf of the state – including Momentum 2050, the long range transportation plan currently being developed. Rewis has served at SCDOT for more than 24 years in a variety of roles including construction, maintenance, preconstruction and planning.
Swearing In Ceremony
The South Carolina Department of Transportation will hold a swearing in ceremony for newly confirmed Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell and the deputy secretaries. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, on the front steps of SCDOT Headquarters located at 955 Park Street in Columbia.