In early January, Governor Josh Shapiro nominated Michael (Mike) Carroll to be PennDOT Secretary, noting that he was among the leaders who will "…help make us a national leader in innovation, manufacturing, and job creation." Carroll has committed to drawing on his experience and department knowledge to make our state safer for Pennsylvania drivers while supporting jobs and our economy.
Mike was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006 and subsequently re-elected for seven additional terms, and he worked on transportation throughout his time in public office. Mike was Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee from 2018 through 2022.
Related to his legislative experience, in a message to employees Mike said "I saw and was a part of many significant changes in transportation laws and how our system is funded. I knew the importance of and voted for Act 89 of 2013 to invest in transportation and worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and efficient transportation network. As chair of the House Transportation Committee from 2018-22 I heard firsthand this agency's accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities across transportation modes, licensing and vehicle services, and more."
Not only has he had experience in PennDOT's many business areas and the many transportation modes it supports, but he also has a commercial driver's license (CDL) so he "…has a personal understanding of the commitment of [PennDOT's] thousands of team members who work around the clock to keep our roadways safe."
Additionally, his legislative service gave him a front-row seat to PennDOT's ongoing funding discussions to support ongoing and future, expanded investments. He noted that "we are at a unique moment in time where we have significant federal funding coming to Pennsylvania for the first time in years, and…I'm committed to working on solutions to address our funding reliability and ensuring that every dollar that should be used on our roads and bridges will be."
In 2010, Mike was awarded the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council Distinguished Citizen Award for his work to rehabilitate the Stillwater Dam in Tobyhanna Township. In 2014, he was awarded the Jean Yates Award from the Pittston Memorial Library Board of Trustees based on his dedication and service to the library and the Joseph Battisto Award for his legislative service to the citizens of Monroe County. In 2015, he received the Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries (PCBL) State Elected Official Award. In May 2016, he received the BAYADA Home Health Care Champion award, and in June 2016 he was presented with the Silver Bayonet Award by AMVETS in grateful appreciation of services rendered to the community, state, and nation.
Mike formerly worked as the chief of staff for then-state Rep. John Yudichak, served as legislative liaison for PennDOT under Gov. Robert Casey and served as district office director for Congressman Paul Kanjorski. A graduate of Pittston Area High School, Mike earned a bachelor of arts in liberal studies from the University of Scranton. A lifelong resident of Avoca, he is a member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick in Pittston, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Avoca Division. Mike is father of three adult children, Matt, Mackenzie, and Ali.
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