Maryland Transportation Secretary Announces Leadership Appointment

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Maryland Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs

Oluseyi Olugbenle to Join the Department as Deputy Secretary

HANOVER, MD (September 14, 2026) - Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson announced today that she has appointed Oluseyi Olugbenle to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation. Olugbenle currently serves as the Acting Director of the Prince George's County Department of Public Works and Transportation. She will join the department in mid-October.

"I'm thrilled that Oluseyi will be coming back to the Maryland Department of Transportation," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. "Her broad experience in the industry, extensive knowledge of our state's transportation system and proven track record in management will be a wonderful addition to our senior leadership team. I look forward to partnering with Oluseyi to advance the Moore-Miller Administration's priorities to improve the safety and connectivity of our transportation network and increase access to economic mobility and opportunity for all Marylanders."

Raised in Prince George's County, Olugbenle has served in senior leadership roles at the County's Department of Public Works and Transportation since 2022. In her capacity as Acting Director, she leads the daily operations of the 450-person department for Maryland's second-most populous jurisdiction, overseeing a complex public works and mobility enterprise spanning highway and stormwater infrastructure, engineering and capital delivery, multimodal transportation services and operations. Prior to her role with Prince George's County, Olugbenle was Director of the Maryland Transit Administration's Office of Planning and Capital Programming, overseeing the $12.6 billion Asset Management Program for the 13th largest multi-modal transit system in the country.

"I am deeply honored to return to MDOT and to serve all Marylanders," said Oluseyi Olugbenle. "As a Marylander for nearly all my life, I have seen firsthand how transportation creates pathways to opportunity, connecting people to jobs, education, families and communities. As the daughter of Nigerian immigrants who came to America in pursuit of the American Dream, I know how powerful those pathways can be. Maryland is moving forward with tremendous momentum, and I am honored to help build on that progress, advancing opportunity and building a stronger Maryland for generations to come."

Olugbenle received both her bachelor's degree and master's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. She recently served as the Elected President for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Maryland. Olugbenle has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Women Who Elevate Award from Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy for excellence in transportation and infrastructure, as well as the National Jerry Moore Leadership Award, the highest honor given to a COMTO Chapter President. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to community service, dedicating over 20 years to youth mentorship.