DOT Director Richardson feels the love at final meeting

Iowa Department of Transportation Director Nancy Richardson pledged to stay retired this time at her final meeting of the Iowa Transportation Commission Tuesday, April 12, in Cedar Rapids.

Richardson, of Coralville, is scheduled to retire as leader of the DOT on April 28, after serving on the DOT staff since 1982.

Richardson announced her retirement last November after Terry Branstad was elected governor, saying she didn't intend to seek reappointment under his administration. She agreed to extend her retirement date at Branstad's request, and has also agreed to work on a volunteer task force appointed by Branstad to seek answers to the state's transportation funding challenges.

“I really am retiring this time,” Richardson said. “It's fun to work with the commission and we had to work together to be effective.”

Richardson was peppered with praise throughout the meeting for her abilities and hard work.  Highway 30 Coalition spokeswoman Edith Pfeffer said she cried as she wrote a brief tribute to Richardson to deliver at the meeting.

“Everywhere I go I hear people compliment her and congratulate me on being lucky enough to work with her,” commission Chairman Donald Willey said.

Leaders from Iowa City and Coralville joked about a bid to recruit Richardson away from Coralville to Iowa City.

“I don't think words can express how important Nancy Richardson has been to our community,” said Jeff Davidson, Iowa City's planning and community development director.

Richardson said she has worked with Davidson since the beginning of her career, when she was a transit district representative for the DOT covering the Iowa City area.

Commission members also praised Wayne Sawtelle of Marshalltown, a Vilsack appointee who was attending his last meeting after serving for six years.