Justin Powell was appointed secretary of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) on January 18, 2024. Secretary Powell leads more than 4,000 employees and manages the agency’s daily operations, including the $6 billion construction program and the nation’s fourth-largest state highway system. He has led the response to numerous disasters and recovery efforts. Secretary Powell joined SCDOT in 2019 as deputy secretary for finance and administration, where he managed a $2.7 billion budget and helped expand the construction program from $3 billion to $5 billion. He has previously served as chief of staff and chief operating officer, advising the secretary and leading strategic initiatives. Before working for SCDOT, Secretary Powell held senior leadership positions in local government.