MassDOT Appoints New Interim Highway Administrator
Vendors should monitor the leadership change at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for potential shifts in operations.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People
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Meghan Haggerty has transitioned to the role of interim highway administrator for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. She succeeds Jonathan Gulliver, who vacated the position to lead the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.
Why it matters
The change in leadership at MassDOT impacts administrative continuity for firms engaged in state infrastructure projects. Operators should track how the department's operational priorities shift under new interim management.
Meghan Haggerty transitions to interim highway administrator after serving as the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Chief Operating Officer since February 2023. Her predecessor, Jonathan Gulliver, vacated the role to lead the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.
The players
Meghan Haggerty
The newly appointed interim highway administrator who previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Jonathan Gulliver
The former highway administrator who departed the agency to lead the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for overseeing and maintaining the public transportation and highway infrastructure across Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
A public authority that provides wholesale water and sewer services to residents and businesses across the state.
The details
Haggerty assumes the highway administrator role after serving as Chief Operating Officer for the state department. This move functions as an internal leadership shift, moving the former COO into the top oversight position for state highway operations. For contractors and vendors, this transition marks a shift in the primary point of contact for project oversight and regulatory compliance.
Timeline
February 2023: Meghan Haggerty began her tenure as MassDOT Chief Operating Officer.
October 28, 2026: Meghan Haggerty announced her new position as interim highway administrator.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the established pattern of internal promotion within the Massachusetts state government's administrative personnel appointment process. It signals a move toward continuity within the agency as the state navigates ongoing infrastructure project management.
Infrastructure vendors should monitor internal communications from MassDOT for any changes in project reporting or procurement priorities. Operators currently under contract should verify if this change necessitates an update to their agency point of contact.
The takeaway
The appointment of an interim administrator suggests a period of management stability for existing state highway projects. Firms should update their contact records to ensure all project compliance filings are directed to the new administrator’s office.
Further reading
For more on personnel changes affecting state commerce, see Massachusetts People.
Live Poll
Do you trust local government transitions to maintain service quality in your state's highway department?
