Joe Echelle, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, receives the 2022 Government Official of the Year Award

The 2022 Government Official of the Year award went to Joe Echelle, Assistant Executive Director, Maintenance, Engineering & Construction, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). The Government Official of the Year award recognizes leadership in transportation with special emphasis on grooving, grinding and concrete pavement preservation (CPP).

In his role with the OTA, Echelle is responsible for maintaining 630 miles of turnpikes throughout Oklahoma and is responsible for day-to-day operations. He was chosen to receive the Government Official of the Year Award because he has been a continuous champion of improving pavement conditions, making them more safe and efficient for Oklahoma motorists. His approach of maintaining pavements before they deteriorate, rather than addressing problems when the pavements are already at the end of their life, has resulted in millions in dollars of savings for Oklahoma residents.

“Joe has been an exceptional advocate for concrete pavements as well as the importance of pavement preservation techniques to optimize the taxpayer’s investment. We are thrilled to see his efforts recognized on a national level as the way DOT leaders can and should approach highway maintenance.” said Brent Burwell, Executive Director of the Oklahoma/Arkansas ACPA Chapter.