Governor Rod Blagojevich on Friday appointed Timothy W. Martin as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Martin was the chief operating officer of the Chicago Public Schools from 1997-2003. As Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Public schools he was responsible for implementing the $3.2 billion capital program, as well as the day to day operations of over 600 schools. The Chicago Public Schools served over 500,000 meals per day and transported approximately 48,000 students.

From 1992-1997 he was chief highway engineer at the Chicago Department of Transportation. While with CDOT he directed the relocation of Lake Shore Drive and the start of the Museum Campus on the city's lakefront, as well as the reconstruction of State Street. He also worked with the city's Department of Public Works, the Department of Planning and Development, and Midwest Consulting Engineers.

Martin holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and an MBA from the University of Illinois.

In his press release on Friday's appointments, Governor Blagojevich said, "These men and women will be vital members of a team that approaches state government with a renewed energy and a firm commitment to serve the people of the state, grow our economy, protect workers, preserve our natural resources, and address the frustrations of commuters."

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