Career
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
Omishakin started his career in transportation policy as Director of Healthy Living Initiatives under Nashville Mayor Karl Dean,focusing on multimodal transportation planning and pedestrian safety. [4]
He later joined the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) as Deputy Commissioner for Environment and Planning (2011–2019),where he oversaw environmental policies,multimodal transportation,and freight logistics. [5]
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
In September 2019,Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Omishakin as Director of Caltrans,where he managed a $17 billion budget and nearly 22,000 employees. His tenure focused on expanding public transit,improving highway safety,and advancing active transportation (walking,biking,and public transit access). [6]
During his time at Caltrans,he led Vision Zero initiatives to reduce roadway fatalities and pushed for sustainability efforts such as electrifying state fleet vehicles. [7]
California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA)
In February 2022,Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Omishakin as California Secretary of Transportation,making him the first African American to hold the role. [2]
As Secretary,he oversaw $125 million in rail infrastructure investments to combat coastal erosion along San Clemente rail corridors. [8]
He played a key role in managing the 2023 I-10 Freeway emergency repairs,ensuring a rapid reopening after severe fire damage. [9]
Professional Associations and Policy Influence
Omishakin has served as Chair of the AASHTO Council on Active Transportation and is a board member of America Walks,a nonprofit advocating for pedestrian-friendly urban planning. [5]
His leadership in sustainable infrastructure has been recognized in transportation policy circles,with coverage from Engineering News-Record,San Clemente Times,and major state publications. [8]
Omishakin also serves on several transportation- and mobility-focused boards,including the Mineta Transportation Institute,Veloz,and the University of California Institute of Transportation Studies. [10] [11]
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