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Applicant Pool To Choose Next FDOT Secretary Narrowed To Three

FDOT's website

With Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad’s departure weeks away, Governor Rick Scott is now a step closer to naming the Secretary’s replacement. A nine-member panel tasked with narrowing down the list of candidates for the job recommended three to the Governor Thursday.

After talking over the nine listed applicants, the Florida Transportation Commission unanimously chose Jim Boxold—FDOT’s current chief of staff—as the first nominee. And, Commissioner Beth Kigel says he’s done a great job in the past.

“Being able to work with the legislature and the Governor’s office in moving the legislative agenda forward for FDOT—given the timeframe that we’re talking about here as well, I think that’s a particular flavor that’s strongly desired. The current Secretary has been outstanding in that regard,” said Kigel.

The other two candidates are Arthur Misiaszek, a Connecticut engineer who has experience working for Amtrak, and Gene Conti, the former Secretary of North Carolina’s Department of Transportation. Among those dropped from the candidate pool were FDOT's Assistant Secretary Richard Biter as well as Rep. Lake Ray (R-Jacksonville). Another candidate withdrew.

Update from 12/19/14: CLICK HERE to find out Governor Scott's pick.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.