GDOT Commissioner Gena Evans fired

First female commissioner of state agency is out.

The Georgia Department of Transportation fired Commissioner Gena Evans today.

Boardmembers offered Evans, the beleaguered state agency’s first female commissioner, the option of resigning or being fired. The source said she did not want to resign. Boardmember Brandon Beach of Johns Creek made the motion and was seconded by David Doss of Rome. The final vote was 9-1-1. Vice Chairman Larry Walker voted against firing Evans. Boardmember Robert Brown of Decatur abstained.

Chief Engineer Gerald Ross will serve as interim commissioner while a nationwide search for a replacement is conducted.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has proposed a massive reorganization of the state’s transportation agencies. Under his proposal, the department would be gutted.

More details to come.

(Photo courtesy of MARTA)