LUBBOCK, TX Recently retired TxDOT District Engineer Doug Eichorst of Lubbock, Texas, joins the AGC of Texas staff, as West Texas Area Manager, which will allow the Chapter to develop closer relationships in a part of Texas where Eichorst spent 29 years as a leader in the highway construction world.

"Doug's background as an engineering graduate from Texas A&M and district engineer in the Lubbock area uniquely qualify him to work in the industry as we move forward with our increased highway funding program," AGC Executive Vice President Tom Johnson said. "We're fortunate to have Doug Eichorst join the Chapter staff."

Eichorst had several career opportunities since his recent retirement from TxDOT but chose the AGC staff offer. He has been the Lubbock District Engineer for 7 years, following Randy Hopmann, who is now TxDOT's Director of District Operations. While considering the AGC offer, Eichorst mentioned to Hopmann that he saw "this as an opportunity to extend the bond between TxDOT and AGC and to continue to develop that relationship."

Eichorst started at TxDOT immediately following his 1987 graduation from Texas A&M with a civil engineering degree. His mother suggested he check with the TxDOT district office in Abilene for any job openings. The receptionist indicated there were none available, but Bob Lindley, a Deputy District Engineer, happened to walk by and invited the young graduate into his office. A 45-minute discussion followed with a tour of the office. By the time Eichorst returned to his mother's house, TxDOT had called with a job offer for him to start the following Monday. His first project involved a highway interchange - conceived on the back of a napkin.