Governor Baker Appoints Russell Gittlen to MassDOT Board of Directors

Governor Baker Appoints Russell Gittlen to MassDOT Board of Directors BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today announced the appointment of Russell Gittlen to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).  The MassDOT Board was expanded to 11 members by the Legislature this year based upon a recommendation by Governor Baker’s Special Panel of transportation leaders that was assembled to review structural problems with the MBTA and deliver recommendations for improvements.  “With Mr. Gittlen’s appointment, all of the seats on the Board of Directors are now filled with members who bring to the table skillsets that are diverse, experienced, and well-rounded,” said Governor Baker.  “I want to thank Russ for joining the Board and look forward to the full Board engaging in a thoughtful, constructive dialog about how we move our transportation system forward in a way that benefits the Commonwealth’s economy and our quality of life.” “I am happy to welcome Russ Gittlen to the Board and look forward to his contribution, including his experience in negotiating large contracts with major global transportation companies throughout New England,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “I am looking forward to working with Russ to address the challenges we have faced in delivering efficient, transportation services throughout the Commonwealth.” About Russell Gittlen: Russell Gittlen is the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) New England Area Director and Assistant Business Manager for Local 447. He has been an active member of the IAMAW for nearly three decades. Gittlen, a former mechanic with United Parcel Service, coordinates all of the activity among the IAMAW’s five District 15 lodges, including negotiating large contracts with many major global transportation companies throughout New England. He also serves as vice president on the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Board of Directors, Chairman for the District 15 New England Health Fund, Trustee on the IAM/UPS annuity fund, and as a delegate to the Massachusetts State Council. Each year, Gittlen heads up the New England Region of District 15's annual Charles W. Foley Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Guide Dogs of America (GDA), helping to raise nearly $400,000 since its inaugural outing in 2004. In 2014, Gittlen received the GDA's highest honor, the Gift of Sight award. Gittlen joins the following members of the MassDOT Board: ·       Stephanie Pollack, MassDOT Secretary, Board Chair ·       Dominic Blue ·       Ruth Bonsignore  ·       Lisa Calise ·       Dean Mazzarella ·       Robert Moylan, Jr.  ·       Steve Poftak ·       Joseph Sullivan ·       Betsy Taylor ·       Monica Tibbitts-Nutt About MassDOT Board of Directors: The MassDOT Board of Directors is comprised of 11 members appointed by the Governor and oversees all MassDOT operations including the Highway Division, Mass Transit, Aeronautics, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), Office of Planning and Programming and the Office of Performance Management and Innovation.