New Caltrans director is Bay Area woman
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Dina El-Tawansy as the new director of the California Department of Transportation, effective Wednesday. El-Tawansy will oversee a workforce of more than 22,000 employees and manage a proposed budget of approximately $18. 7 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Since 2021, she directed Caltrans operations across several counties, including Alameda and Marin.
El-Tawansy earned her master’s degree in construction management from California State University, Long Beach, and her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. Her compensation is reported at $227,388 annually, reflecting the responsibilities of her new role. This appointment highlights the state's commitment to effective leadership in transportation infrastructure. El-Tawansy’s extensive experience in managing operations in the Bay Area positions her well to address the challenges facing California's transportation system. The change in leadership signals potential shifts in policy and direction for Caltrans moving forward.