Gov. Lee Announces Key Appointment at Tennessee Department of Transportation

NASHVILLE, TN - On July 2, 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Will Reid, P.E, as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), effective July 10. Reid will succeed TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley, who will step down from his role as commissioner but remain as Deputy Governor, continuing to advise Gov. Lee on long-term statewide projects until his departure later this year.

Reid’s appointment ensures the era of accountability, predictability, and increased transparency for the state’s infrastructure development and project delivery will continue.

“Will Reid is a proven leader whose unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation has elevated the work of TDOT and the future of transportation in Tennessee,” said Gov. Lee. “His deep understanding of our state’s infrastructure needs, coupled with a track record of driving efficiency and transparency, makes him the right person to lead TDOT into its next chapter of service to Tennesseans.” 

Will Reid has served as TDOT’s Chief Engineer and Deputy Commissioner since August 2022, and is a respected leader within the transportation community. A native of Bartlett, Tennessee, Reid began his career with TDOT in 2014 as Director of Construction and has since held a number of key leadership positions. Prior to his public service, he spent over 15 years as a transportation engineering consultant. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Memphis and is a licensed engineer in the state of Tennessee. 

Reid was a major contributor to the development of TDOT’s first-ever fiscally constrained 10-Year Project Plan, unveiled in 2024—a significant milestone made possible through the collaboration of many dedicated professionals across the agency. He also played a significant role in the reorganization of TDOT aimed at accelerating project delivery and maximizing taxpayer investment. By cultivating a culture of timely decision-making and results-driven performance, he has championed a standard of excellence that reflects the department’s core goal: “What gets started, gets finished.” 

As Commissioner, Reid will continue to advance TDOT’s mission to provide a safe and reliable transportation system that supports economic growth, enhances quality of life, and improves mobility for all Tennesseans.

Governor Lee expressed his appreciation to outgoing Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley for his service and leadership.

“Deputy Governor Eley has played an important role in advancing Tennessee’s infrastructure efforts, and his work has positioned the state for continued progress,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m confident that Will Reid will carry these initiatives forward, and TDOT will continue to advance in the years ahead under his leadership.”