SALEM, Ore. — The leader of the troubled Oregon Department of Transportation announced he will step down at the beginning of next year.

Kris Strickler announced Wednesday that he will step down as of Jan, 2, 2026, with Lisa Sumption, the director of Oregon Parks and Recreation, stepping in as interim director that very day.

After serving six years, since fall 2019, Strickler has been the second-longest-serving ODOT director in state history, according to a statement from the agency.

“The decision to leave ODOT did not come easily to me, but with funding for the maintenance and operations of our transportation system secured, now is the time for new leadership to lead ODOT’s next chapter,” said Strickler in a statement. “The employees of ODOT are dedicated to improving the lives of Orego

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