CHICAGO, IL The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Board of Directors elects Iowa Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino III to Association President. David Bernhardt, P.E., Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation was also elected to Vice President.

"I've spent more two decades in transportation and this ranks at the top of my list of extraordinary moments and I approach it with great humility," said AASHTO President Paul Trombino. "I am deeply honored to be selected by the AASHTO Board of directors to serve in this national leadership role."

While he plans to continue pursing AASHTO's policy priorities - including Congressional action on a new surface transportation bill - Trombino will primarily focus his time as President on ensuring AASHTO is well positioned to serve its member departments. Trombino said his primary emphasis will be on implementing AASHTO's new strategic plan, including completing a thorough review of the association's committee structure.

"Transportation powers the creation of wealth across the United States, unleashing opportunity for economic activity and quality of life," said Trombino. "AASHTO has served its members well for 100 years, and it is important that the organization continue to adapt to ensure it can serve its evolving membership."

Appointed Director of the Iowa Department of Transportation in May 2011, Trombino is responsible for a $1 billion annual budget, approximately 3,000 employees, 9,400 miles of highways, and 4,300 bridges. The state's modal programs of transit, rail, and air, as well as motor vehicle services and motor carrier services and enforcement departments also fall under the agency's umbrella.

Trombino is a member of the AASHTO Executive Committee and Chair of the AASHTO Subcommittee on Transportation Communications. Prior to joining Iowa DOT, Trombino worked at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 17 years holding several positions, including Operations Director of the Highway Division and Director of the Bureau of Transit, Local Roads, Rails and Harbors. Trombino also spent four years in the finance and banking industry in Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Trombino earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

AASHTO Vice President David Bernhardt, P.E., was appointed commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation in February 2011. Commissioner Bernhardt joined the Maine Department of Transportation in 1984 and has held several positions at the department throughout the years. Immediately prior to his becoming Commissioner, Bernhardt served as Maine DOT's Director of Engineering and Operations. Commissioner Bernhardt is a 1984 graduate of the University of Maine at Orono, where he earned Associate's and Bachelor of Science degrees in civil engineering.