JOPLIN – Becky Baltz of Springfield has been named district engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Southwest District, based in Joplin.

Baltz, who currently serves as assistant district engineer in MoDOT’s Springfield Area District, will assume her new duties Jan 2.  She replaces Richard Walter, who is retiring.

“We’re very pleased that Becky has agreed to lead our Southwest District,” said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn.  “She’s a highly regarded leader who has done great work for the department for many years.  I know Becky will serve our customers well.”

MoDOT’s operations are divided geographically into 10 districts, each headed by an engineer who is responsible for overseeing the area’s transportation operations.  Baltz will handle transportation issues in Bates, Vernon, St. Clair, Cedar, Barton, Dade, Jasper, Lawrence, Newton, McDonald and Barry counties.

Baltz joined MoDOT in 1984 and has served in a variety of engineering positions, including highway design, traffic studies and transportation planning, before becoming assistant district engineer in MoDOT’s Springfield Area District.

She is a registered professional engineer with degrees in civil engineering and engineering management from the University of Missouri-Rolla.

"I am looking forward to the challenges of my new responsibilities," Baltz said.  "I plan to continue the tradition established by Richard (Walter) of building strong relationships with local communities and government leaders."

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