Ray Rucker named TDOT Region Two Director

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely has named Ray Rucker as the new Region Two Director. Rucker has been with TDOT for 40 years, and has held several positions during his tenure, including Regional Traffic Engineer and Regional Maintenance Manager. Most recently Rucker held the position of Assistant Region Two Director. Rucker takes over as Region Two Director after the recent retirement of Bob Brown, who spent 57 years with the department including 18 years as Region Two Director.

 

“Ray Rucker brings many years of knowledge and experience to the position of Region Two Director,” said Nicely. “I am confident Region Two will continue to operate efficiently under Ray’s leadership.”

 

Regional directors oversee maintenance, construction, traffic engineering, design, right-of-way, material testing, and incident management in TDOT’s four regions of the state. Region Two is based in Hamilton County and includes 24 East and Middle Tennessee counties that stretch from Coffee County in Middle Tennessee to Polk County bordering North Carolina and Georgia, Clay and Pickett Counties adjacent to Kentucky, and Marion and Franklin Counties bordering Alabama. Region Two also encompasses Monteagle Mountain and the counties of the Cumberland Plateau, including the cities of Cookeville and Crossville.

 

“Ray understands the complex issues that TDOT is facing in these tough economic times,” added TDOT Chief Engineer Paul Degges. “I foresee a seamless transition as Ray takes the reins of Region Two.”

 

“I have some big shoes to fill but I am ready for the challenge,” said Rucker. “My goal is to continue working to keep Region Two’s transportation system running smoothly and efficiently. I am fortunate to have an excellent staff in place already, and I thank Commissioner Nicely for his confidence in me.”

 

Rucker holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Math/Industrial Arts from Austin Peay State University and one in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Technological University. He and wife Judy reside in Harrison and have two children and four grandchildren.

 

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For more information contact:
Jennifer A. Flynn
TDOT Region Two Community Relations Officer
Jennifer.Flynn@tn.gov
423-510-1164