VDOT Chief Of Policy To Retire

A Message from the Chief Deputy Commissioner, Robert H. Cary, P.E., L.S.

Dear Colleagues: 

I am writing to share that after working alongside nine VDOT commissioners, and with over 43 influential years of service with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Chief of Policy Rick Walton has announced his retirement.

Prior to joining VDOT in 2005, Rick was a senior assistant attorney general with Virginia’s Office of the Attorney General, where he led the transportation team for nearly 20 years. Before that, he worked as an assistant attorney general representing VDOT and as a special assistant attorney general assigned to VDOT’s Fredericksburg District.

Rick has served as a remarkable counselor for the Commonwealth and VDOT and has had a key role in shaping elements of Virginia’s multimodal transportation system, including supporting the establishment of the Route 28 Tax District. The Route 28 Tax District was the first-of-a-kind agreement of private landowners that prioritized taxing themselves to fund local transportation improvements. Rick worked with attorneys from Fairfax and Loudoun counties, along with those representing property owners along the Route 28 corridor in drafting legislation that provided the mechanism for creating the tax district, and then in establishing the district and the numerous agreements between the tax district, the counties and VDOT. This district was established in 1987 and is still making a difference throughout the Dulles technology corridor today.

Rick was instrumental in establishing Virginia as a leader in innovative partnerships and project financing. He helped facilitate Virginia's Public-Private Transportation Act and supported the legislation and agreements which resulted in the construction of the Dulles Greenway and the agreements between multiple agencies and the private sector on construction of the Silver Line extension in Northern Virginia. These efforts have helped the Commonwealth navigate major transportation challenges through innovative funding with private partners, and continue to serve as effective solutions for VDOT and our partners. 

Walton received a bachelor’s degree in government and foreign affairs from Hampden-Sydney College and his law degree from Vermont Law School. Walton is a member of the Virginia State Bar. Rick was the 2013 recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Outstanding Achievement Outstanding Leadership. He received the Distinguished Service Award and the Meritorious Service Award for his work in the Attorney General’s Office, and, in 2019, Rick was honored with the Women in Transportation Ray Lahood Award. 

While it is hard to imagine VDOT without Rick, we recognize the many contributions he has made to Virginia and how his leadership and collaborative contributions have shaped VDOT, our people and our mission. Rick’s retirement is effective Jan. 1, 2022, but will leave the office in mid-November. 

Please join me in congratulating Rick on his retirement and best wishes and safe travels as he and Brenda plan to spend retirement exploring the world and spoiling their grandchildren. 

Regards, 

Rob Cary
Chief Deputy Commissioner