GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS today named three new members to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) Board of Directors. They are entrepreneur Paul Morabito of Reno, businessman Frank Martin of Las Vegas and Humboldt County Commissioner Tom Fransway of Winnemucca.
"Nevada faces tremendous transportation challenges in the years to come as we build highways to keep pace with our state's growth. These people will provide innovative ideas to meet those challenges. Paul Morabito has experience ranging from being CEO of the largest petroleum company in Nevada to being chairman of one of the largest environmental preservation agencies in America. His unique perspective will help us protect the environment that we are entrusted to safeguard while building roadways with the efficiency of a business. Frank Martin also brings the entrepreneurial perspective of efficiency and customer service to state government, and he's built a successful construction business on the principle of 'telling it like it is.' Tom Fransway is a consensus builder who has experience bridging the gap between government and private enterprise, an important skill as we explore public-private partnerships on transportation projects. These men all care a great deal about their communities and about Nevada. I know they will join me and the other Board members in giving NDOT clear direction," said Governor Gibbons.
Paul Morabito was Chairman and CEO of Berry-Hinckley Industries, then Nevada's largest transportation fuel supplier. He has served on the California High Speed Rail Authority governing board. He also served as senior policy advisor to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and as chairman of the California State Coastal Conservancy. He is an honorary chief deputy of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and plays a major role in the Washoe County Sheriff's Foundation.
"During this past legislative session, Governor Gibbons made it clear that transportation was a high priority and he went a long way towards crafting solutions. I hope to contribute even more new ideas and to help tackle many of the complicated issues facing all areas of the state," said Morabito.
Frank Martin is president and CEO of Martin-Harris Construction of Las Vegas, general contractors specializing in industrial, commercial, public works and school construction. His company has completed transportation projects in the Las Vegas Valley, and Martin has served on local task forces studying water and transportation issues. He is active in the Las Vegas community, serving on the boards of Associated General Contractors and Opportunity Village as well as the UNLV Foundation Corporate Academic Council and the U.S. Bank Advisory Board.
"I have been very fortunate to live in Nevada since 1961," said Martin. "I believe in giving something back to this great state. I may not know how to be politically correct, but I know a little about construction, and I know how to treat customers. Nevada taxpayers are the Transportation Board's customers. They pay good money for roads. I intend to see to it that they get the good roads they deserve in return."
A lifelong Nevadan, Tom Fransway is currently serving his fourth term as a Humboldt County commissioner. After a 30-year career with Nevada Bell, Fransway owns and operates West Wind, LLC., which leases and manages commercial properties in Winnemucca. He chairs the Regional Transportation Commission of Humboldt County and has worked with the Nevada Department of Transportation on several road projects involving both the state and the county. He has served on the Nevada Legislature's Interim Committee on Public Lands and is active in community events.
"Whether you live in Las Vegas or Winnemucca, safe, efficient transportation is a major factor in determining your quality of life. It's also the lifeblood of the state's economy. I am honored to bring my common-sense approach to problem solving to bear on some of our state's biggest challenges," said Fransway.
The NDOT Board is comprised of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, controller and three members appointed by the governor. Terms of current appointed members expire on June 30th. The new members' appointments take effect July 1st.
