An Iowa State graduate was recently appointed director of the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Mark Wandro, who received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from ISU in 1984, worked for the DOT after graduation until 1989 and currently is assistant engineer for Polk County.

John Norris, chief of staff for Gov. Tom Vilsack, said a number of people applied for the DOT director position, but the department liked Wandro’s “energy and enthusiasm.”

Vilsack appointed Wandro to the position, which will take effect in October.

“[Wandro] is well-respected among the people he works with,” Norris said.

As assistant engineer in Polk County, Wandro played a role in making the Ankeny Airport the third-largest and fourth-busiest airport in the state, he said. He also has worked with other modes of transportation, including CyRide.

Wandro said he has been very fortunate with his career.

“I work with cities, counties and the state daily,” he said.

The biggest change between Wandro’s county and state positions will be the size of the budget; the DOT has a $722 million budget, he said.

Wandro would not comment on future goals for the DOT until he has discussed them with his colleagues.

While at ISU, Wandro lived in Friley Hall on a floor with 67 other students majoring in engineering. He said this group of students provided support for each other.

During college he worked at the Floyd County Engineer’s Office, which gave him “practical application” for his career, he said.

Norris said Wandro’s extensive experience helped win him the job.

“Mark has done a good mix of work for both state and county government and has a good background in civil engineering,” he said.