New ARDOT Director Jared Wiley Talks Infrastructure, Tech in Arkansas Transportation

Wiley is ARDOT’s sixth director since 1952. (Jason Burt)

What is your “wish list” for the department?

The list is too long to mention here. I plan to tackle this new role with a long-term vision — a marathon and not a sprint. I have many goals, of course. Successful agencies are always striving for improvement. My wish is that we continue to develop a culture that is great for our employees.

What have been the biggest changes in Department of Transportation work over the years?

During my time at the agency, I have seen us become more innovative through the use of technology. Embracing drone technology, employing advanced computer simulation modeling, deploying new surveying tools and the implementation of new computer systems are just a few examples of the department’s commitment to staying modern. We have also demonstrated a commitment to improving transparency, accountability and communication by rethinking our public involvement process and introducing virtual options during the pandemic that we still use today, being more involved and active in community meetings to share the latest about the agency, and deploying new systems for customer information like IDriveArkansas.com and Ask ARDOT. Both of these systems allow us to communicate more effectively with the public.

You’ve been with ARDOT your entire career. Did you ever consider a career in the private sector?

When I was growing up, I planned to become an architect. Later, I learned that civil engineering had some aspects of design combined heavily with mathematics, which I really enjoyed. When I started college, I planned to go into the private sector to work with vertical structures. I wanted to design buildings and troubleshoot problems associated with them. Structures classes were some of my favorites in college. Fortunately for me, the department hired me as an engineering student intern after my sophomore year of college.

What is your leadership style?

It’s hard to see yourself as others see you. I can tell you that my goal has always been to lead by example. I enjoy rolling my sleeves up and working alongside others to help get the job done. It has been my intention not to ask someone to do something that I would not do myself. I hope others would tell you that I am calm under pressure, an empathetic listener and encouraging when times are tough. I believe in two-way feedback. There is something to be learned from each individual we encounter, if we are willing to listen. n

What did you learn working under previous directors, including most recently Lorie Tudor?

Our previous directors have been giants in the transportation industry. I have worked under the leadership of three directors: Dan Flowers, Scott Bennett and Lorie Tudor. Each brought their unique experience, perspective and preferences to the position. I do not have the years of field experience that Director Flowers had. I am not the polished public speaker that Director Bennett was. I cannot outwork Director Tudor. You will see me relying on my own strengths and experiences as I lead the agency.