Commission names Broeker MoDOT's interim director

Roberta Broeker, the state Transportation Department's chief financial officer for the last 10 years, will be MoDOT's interim director when Dave Nichols retires as director on May 1.

The state Highways and Transportation Commission announced the appointment Wednesday during their meeting in Jefferson City.

Broeker, a CPA, is a 35-year veteran state employee.

"Roberta has the skills and experience to guide the department while we search for a permanent replacement," Commission Chairman Stephen Miller said in the news release announcing Broeker's appointment.

"With Roberta's help, we are positioned for a seamless transition for employees, customers, and stakeholders."

The commission has hired Grant Cooper & Associates to assist with identifying potential candidates for Nichols' permanent successor, and plans to hire that person sometime this fall.

Broeker is a 1980 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau.

Nichols took over as MoDOT's director in April 2013, and announced his retirement earlier this year.