Jimmy Wriston '96
Jimmy Wriston, P.E., graduated from WVU Tech in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in
civil engineering after obtaining his general equivalency diploma (GED) in his
30s. Prior to finishing his GED and bachelor’s degree, he had a varied career in
everything from running machinery, being a construction superintendent and even
managing a pizza restaurant.
Wriston began his career with the West Virginia Division of Highways as a Regional Design Engineer in District 9. He was appointed in October 2021 by Governor Jim Justice to serve as Secretary of Transportation and Commissioner of Highways. Previously, he’s served as the Deputy Secretary and Deputy Commissioner, as Chief Transportation Engineer/Special Projects Manager/Engineering Advisor to the Secretary of Transportation and as Structures Project Manager for the engineering division.
Wriston is a champion for education and believes the West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) has the capability to be the best-educated DOT in the country. His life story is one of overcoming the stigma of a young man who dropped out of high school to go to work at a young age. The role he now holds is a progression made possible both by hard work and by seeking continuous education.
Wriston began his career with the West Virginia Division of Highways as a Regional Design Engineer in District 9. He was appointed in October 2021 by Governor Jim Justice to serve as Secretary of Transportation and Commissioner of Highways. Previously, he’s served as the Deputy Secretary and Deputy Commissioner, as Chief Transportation Engineer/Special Projects Manager/Engineering Advisor to the Secretary of Transportation and as Structures Project Manager for the engineering division.
Wriston is a champion for education and believes the West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) has the capability to be the best-educated DOT in the country. His life story is one of overcoming the stigma of a young man who dropped out of high school to go to work at a young age. The role he now holds is a progression made possible both by hard work and by seeking continuous education.