AUSTIN, TX  John Barton has retired as Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) effective the end of last month.

"Since my first day on duty in the Greer Building, John has been invaluable and unselfish in his efforts to support me and instruct me in the business of providing transportation services for our rapidly growing state," said TxDOT Director Joe Weber. "No one embraces the family feel of TxDOT more than John, as is evident when he speaks with employees throughout the state. There are few gatherings in TxDOT where John cannot call everyone by name. He played an integral role in building a culture of safety inside the department and helping keep drivers safe on our massive system."

Barton began his career at TxDOT before graduating from Texas A&M in 1986, working summers in his home district of Wichita Falls. He rose through the ranks of TxDOT supervisory roles to District Engineer and, ultimately, to his present responsibilities. Through those 29 years with the Department, Barton developed a strong leadership style characterized by his in-depth understanding of all aspects of operations involved in transportation infrastructure, his ability to communicate the needs and challenges of the department to public leaders and, always, his heartfelt concern for the well-being of every employee in the agency. 

In 2014 he was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the civil engineering department at Texas A&M and in January of this year, he was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Governor Rick Perry Leadership in Transportation Award. 

"I wish John and his family the best in the future and thank him for the positive impact he's made in this state and especially in this agency," said Weber. "Texas is indebted to his service."