Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has named Will Reid, P.E., as the next commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), effective July 10. Reid, who currently serves as TDOT’s Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer, will replace outgoing Commissioner Butch Eley, who will remain Deputy Governor and continue advising Lee on long-term state projects until his planned departure later this year.
The transition marks a continuation of the administration’s focus on infrastructure accountability, efficiency, and transparency.
“Will Reid is a proven leader whose unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation has elevated the work of TDOT and the future of transportation in Tennessee,” said Gov. Lee. “His deep understanding of our state’s infrastructure needs, coupled with a track record of driving efficiency and transparency, makes him the right person to lead TDOT into its next chapter of service to Tennesseans.”
Reid, a licensed professional engineer and native of Bartlett, began his career with TDOT in 2014 as Director of Construction. He has since held several key leadership roles and became Deputy Commissioner in 2022. Before joining the state agency, Reid spent more than 15 years in the private sector as a transportation engineering consultant. He holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Memphis.
In his time at TDOT, Reid played a central role in major departmental reforms. Most notably, he helped develop TDOT’s first-ever fiscally constrained 10-Year Project Plan, released in 2024. The plan was hailed as a milestone in strategic infrastructure planning. Reid also helped lead a reorganization of the department aimed at speeding up project delivery and increasing return on taxpayer investment.
As commissioner, Reid will oversee TDOT’s ongoing mission to deliver a safe, reliable transportation network that supports economic growth and enhances quality of life across the state.
Gov. Lee also praised Butch Eley for his leadership in both roles.
“Deputy Governor Eley has played an important role in advancing Tennessee’s infrastructure efforts, and his work has positioned the state for continued progress,” Lee said. “I’m confident that Will Reid will carry these initiatives forward, and TDOT will continue to advance in the years ahead under his leadership.”
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