Mobility Authority Executive Director Announces Resignation

(Austin, Texas)—The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) Executive Director Mike Heiligenstein today announced his plans to step down from his role with the organization this year. Heiligenstein officially submitted his resignation during the general meeting of the Board of Directors this morning, with plans to stay on through the transition to a new executive director, who has not yet been identified.

Created by the Texas Legislature in 2002 to develop a modern, regional transportation network, the Mobility Authority became operational in 2003, when Heiligenstein was selected to lead the agency. As a result of his leadership over the past 16 years, the Mobility Authority has delivered more than $2 billion worth in infrastructure investments in the region, serving more than two million Central Texans.

“Mike’s commitment to improving mobility and air quality will long be felt in the region,” said Senator Kirk Watson. “Involved in the Mobility Authority since its inception, he has been integral to shaping the organization and its commitment to effective community engagement that helps create projects the community not only wants but can be proud of. Mike has embraced our community values—from leading edge environmental standards to the inclusion of bike and pedestrian paths along the roads—and he ensured they have been integrated in each project the agency has delivered.”

In his distinguished 40-year career, Heiligenstein has led or been involved in shaping and building some of the most significant and critically-needed infrastructure projects and transportation policies throughout our region. Under his leadership, the Mobility Authority has delivered more than 230 lane miles, with another 155 lane miles currently under development.

“It has been a personal honor of mine as former Chairman of the Mobility Authority to have had the opportunity to work alongside Mike for more than 10 years,” said Ray Wilkerson. “Mike always took the ‘high road’ and his focus was always on what was most beneficial to Central Texas and the community as a whole, transcending politics and outside influence. He has an uncanny ability to bring people together and transformed a startup into a multi-billion-dollar agency.”

The Mobility Authority has made substantial progress by not only addressing our region’s needs today but planning for its future. Looking ahead, the development of the 183A Phase III and 183 North Projects will continue to build out the Mobility Authority system. Through all of this, Heiligenstein has ensured the agency is financially strong and will be leaving the organization well-prepared to begin its next chapter.

“Serving as Executive Director of the Mobility Authority has been the most meaningful and rewarding work of my professional career. I’m humbled to have served beside our board and staff, and I have never been more confident that the Mobility Authority is poised for incredible growth and continued success,” said Heiligenstein. “As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to applying the experience I’ve gained here and the best practices I’ve learned to successfully deliver major infrastructure projects, which could benefit many other organizations across the state and country.”

“Mike has been the absolute driving force behind the success of the Mobility Authority for more than 15 years,” said Bobby Jenkins, Chairman of the Mobility Authority. “His vision, knowledge and leadership have made the Mobility Authority an incredibly valuable organization that has made a significant impact in dealing with traffic congestion in Central Texas. We are all extremely grateful for Mike’s dedication and passion in leading the Mobility Authority and we wish him well as he enters retirement.”

About the Mobility Authority

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is a local, independent government agency created in 2002 to improve the regional transportation system in Travis and Williamson Counties. The Mobility Authority implements innovative and sustainable transportation options to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in Central Texas. The Mobility Authority operates 183A Toll, 290 Toll, the 71 Toll Lane, the MoPac Express Lane, the 45SW Toll Road, and the 183 Toll Road. The agency is finishing construction of the 8-mile 183 South Project and the 290/130 Flyovers Project. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.

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