Shawn Wilson (politician)

Shawn D. Wilson is an American politician and transportation official serving as the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development since 2016.

Shawn Wilson
Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Assumed office
January 11, 2016
GovernorJohn Bel Edwards
Preceded bySherri LeBas
Personal details
BornNew Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Children2
EducationUniversity of Louisiana, Lafayette (BA)
Southern University (MA, PhD)

Life

Wilson is from New Orleans.[1] He intended to pursue nursing but changed his path after the death of his father.[1] In 1993, Wilson completed a bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.[2][1] He was president of the student government association and was the student member on the University of Louisiana System board.[3] Wilson earned a master's degree and Ph.D. in public administration from the Southern University.[2][1] His 2015 dissertation was titled, A comparative study of transportation decision making by state and locally elected officials in Louisiana. James S. Larson was Wilson's doctoral advisor.[4]

Wilson was executive director of the Louisiana Serve Commission and served as the deputy legislative director for governor Kathleen Blanco.[3] In 2005, Wilson joined the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development as a confidential assistant to secretary Johnny Bradberry.[1] In 2008, Wilson was a candidate for Lafayette Parish Council.[5] He lost in a runoff.[5] Wilson served as chief of staff to transportation secretary William Anker and Sherri LeBas.[1] Wilson was appointed secretary by governor John Bel Edwards, beginning his term on January 11, 2016.[1][6] In 2021, Wilson was elected president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.[2] He is the first African-American to serve in the role.[2]

In December 2022, Wilson established an exploratory committee for the 2023 Louisiana gubernatorial election.[7] On February 15, Wilson announced that he would be resigning as secretary effective March 4, which has been taken as confirming that he will run for governor.[8][9]

Wilson and his wife, Rocki, live in Lafayette, Louisiana.[3] They have two children. He is a Progressive Baptist.[3]

References
  1. Sentell, Will (January 5, 2016). "New DOTD chief Shawn Wilson boasts experience, ready to take on job stacked with about $12 billion road, bridge project backlog". The Advocate. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  2. McLoud, Don (2021-11-05). "Shawn Wilson elected AASHTO's first African-American president". Equipment World. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  3. "Dr. Shawn Wilson". College of Engineering. 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  4. "Southern University graduates almost 500 students on Friday". The Advocate. December 12, 2015. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  5. O'Donoghue, Julie (2023-01-30). "What potential Louisiana governor candidates are saying". Louisiana Illuminator. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
  6. Sentell, Will (December 30, 2015). "Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards makes key cabinet appointments, including DOTD chief". The Advocate. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  7. Sentell, Will (December 7, 2022). "DOTD chief sets up exploratory committee as he considers bid for governor". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  8. Sentell, Will (15 February 2023). "Shawn Wilson quitting transportation post ahead of likely bid for Louisiana governor". The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate.
  9. Hilburn, Greg (15 February 2023). "Democrat Shawn Wilson sets stage to launch campaign for Louisiana governor". The Daily Advertiser.
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