Jerry Wray 

Director
Ohio Department of Transportation

Biography  

Jerry Wray is the first to be named director twice in ODOT’s 100-plus year history. Wray first served as director of ODOT under Governor Voinovich from 1991 to 1999. He was instrumental in helping the department become leaner and more efficient, saving future payrolls more than $50 million annually.

As the leader of the department, Director Wray has a proven record of increased innovation and customer service. During the 1990s, he oversaw the installation of numerous software systems on several of ODOT’s computer networks to improve the management quality of its projects. He initiated suggestion campaigns to learn how to improve the department from his employees, and championed new management practices to concentrate on meeting customer needs.  As a result, ODOT increased its construction program by a record $300 million while simultaneously reducing its operating costs by $200 million.

Director Wray began his career at ODOT as an Engineer-in-Training from 1969 to 1977.  He then left to become deputy Licking County engineer. He was elected Licking County engineer in 1980 and re-elected in both 1984 and 1988.

Director Wray earned his civil engineering degree from the University of Akron.  He resides in Newark, Ohio with wife Eva. They have four grandchildren.