The Florida Department of Transportation is the latest state agency to lose its leader, after Governor Rick Scott secured his re-election.
Ananth Prasad has overseen one of Florida’s largest agencies, the Department of Transportation. He’s served as that agency's secretary since Scott was first elected in 2011 and becomes the fourth agency chief to step down since Scott was re-elected. His departure follows turnover at the Florida Department of Children and Families, Corrections, and Environmental Protection.
The other agencies have interim chiefs, but no replacement for Prasad has been identified. In a statement announcing Prasad’s departure, the Scott administration says The Florida Transportation Commission will begin a search for a new leader.
“Secretary Prasad has also helped Florida become a major force in international trade because of his commitment to expanding our Florida ports and airports,” said Governor Rick Scott in a written statement. “I am grateful for Secretary Prasad’s service to our state and we will continue making our transportation system a top priority as we select another excellent leader for this department.”
Prasad worked for 20 years at DOT—first as chief engineer and later assistant secretary for engineering and operations before he was tapped by Scott to lead the 10-billion dollar agency. His last day on the job is January 2, 2015.
