Secretary Valentine announced that Lynn J. McDaniel has been named director of the Office of Innovation within the Transportation secretariat, effective May 29. The new office will reside within the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI) and will focus on coordinating innovation among the commonwealth’s transportation agencies including Aviation, the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), Virginia Space, the Virginia Port Authority, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Motor Vehicles. 

"We have chosen an exceptional leader to take the helm of this new initiative," said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. "Lynn McDaniel’s strength in technology management and business development will allow her to integrate government and private sector strategies to solve transportation problems and expand business opportunities."

The office will work across Virginia’s multimodal transportation system to identify opportunities, coordinate research and create an entrepreneurial environment within the transportation sector. Its work will include Connected Corridors, Data Analytics, Integrated Applications, and Unmanned Systems that span space, land, water and aviation.

McDaniel most recently served in leadership positions with Advantus Strategies LLC, WorldView Solutions Inc., and Virginia Interactive LLC. Throughout her career, McDaniel managed corporate strategic relationships and spearheaded technologically based business solutions.

"Transportation is at a critical juncture that will require nimble navigation of technology and innovation," said Transportation Deputy Secretary Nicholas Donohue. "Lynn’s combination of experience and business acuity will ensure continued success and propel our efforts forward."

 

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