The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has appointed Joel DeNunzio, P.E., as the new Staunton District Engineer. DeNunzio brings over 34 years of experience with VDOT, having most recently served as Maintenance Engineer for the Staunton District. In that role, he was responsible for managing the district’s maintenance program, which included emergency response, severe weather planning, budgeting for annual maintenance, and overseeing the interstate and bridge programs.
“This is a tremendous opportunity and challenge,” said DeNunzio. “Maintenance is at the core of VDOT’s mission, and we are very serious about providing a safe and reliable transportation network for all roadway users.”
In his new position as Staunton District Engineer, DeNunzio will oversee planning, design, construction, maintenance and operations across 11 counties and seven cities in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. The district covers an area with approximately 600,000 residents and employs more than 670 VDOT staff members.
“It is an exciting time to be part of what VDOT is doing,” DeNunzio said. “Our district has well over a billion dollars’ worth of new construction under way or about to be advertised. This includes four major construction projects on I-81 – the most work the interstate has seen since it was first built.”
DeNunzio began his career at VDOT as an Engineering Technician in Central Office before moving into various engineering roles there. He later worked as Area Land Use Engineer and Resident Engineer in Charlottesville Residency.
“Joel has excelled through a career with steadily increasing levels of responsibility,” said VDOT Chief Deputy Commissioner Cathy McGhee, P.E. “He combines engineering expertise with a tremendous ability to relate to people and a deep commitment to serving the Commonwealth.”
DeNunzio holds a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Virginia and is a licensed professional engineer. He assumed his new duties on December 25.
The Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
VDOT is responsible for planning, building and maintaining roads, bridges and tunnels throughout Virginia according to its official website. It manages one of the largest state-maintained highway systems in the country and provides services including traffic management.
