The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has named Erick Kind as the new engineer for the department’s Grand Region, replacing 28-year veteran Roger Safford who is retiring.
The position is MDOT’s top administrator in the region that covers 12 west Michigan counties.
Kind will be responsible for 187 employees, a capital program of roughly $80 million, a yearly $35 million maintenance budget and 1,400 miles of roadways.
“I am excited to build on the Grand Region’s history of putting customer service first,” Kind says. “Roger Safford is a friend and mentor, and I hope to carry on with his vision for delivering innovative transportation solutions for MDOT’s Grand Region.”
Kind has worked at MDOT for 21 years and most recently served as manager of the Grand Rapids Transportation Service Group. He also serves on the Regional Prosperity Initiative and Workforce Development Foundation Learning Team concurrently with his new position.