MnDOT announces Kim Collins as new deputy commissioner

- by MSR News Online
Kim Collins

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDot) announced the appointment of Kim Collins to serve as the agency’s new deputy commissioner and chief administrative officer. Collins will replace Scott Peterson, who retired from MnDOT in January after 29 years in state service.

Deputy Commissioner Collins most recently served as the director of MnDOT’s Office of Civil Rights, where she oversaw the department’s external programs that promote equity in employment and small business contracting opportunities. Collins first joined MnDOT as an affirmative action investigator in 2004, and later worked as a staff attorney in the Office of Chief Counsel.

Her work at MnDOT has advanced equitable approaches to public engagement and managing stakeholder relationships in diverse communities. Prior to joining MnDOT, she worked in the private sector as an accountant and auditor.

“I’ve relied on Kim’s insight and leadership in my time as commissioner, and I am grateful for her continued commitment and partnership in this new role,” Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher said. “Her fresh perspective and experience uniquely qualify her to serve as our next deputy commissioner at a time of great opportunity for this agency. As we look to the future and prioritize building a transportation system that most equitably serves the people of Minnesota, Kim will be an invaluable partner and bridge-builder.”

With Collins’ appointment, MnDOT is one of the only state transportation agencies with women in the majority of leadership roles. Deputy Commissioner Collins is also the first woman of color to serve in this role at MnDOT. Collins joins Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Deputy Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, Chief of Staff Sara Severs, and Chief Financial Officer Kristi Schroedl on the agency’s Executive Leadership Team.

Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a juris doctorate from Hamline University School of Law. She was admitted to the Minnesota State Bar in 2009.

–Information provided by MnDot.