NYSDOT CNY director David Smith retires

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — David Smith has been among the officials providing information on the ongoing Interstate 81 viaduct-replacement project — and he is set to retire on Friday, Aug. 1. Smith, Central New York regional director of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), will conclude 33 years of service with the department, Marie Therese Dominguez, NYSDOT commissioner, said in making the announcement. For the past nine years, Smith has led department operations in the six counties that make up region 3: Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, and Tompkins. His duties have involved overseeing hundreds of staff and working on numerous projects that will have an impact on the region, including the I-81 project, which is described as the “largest undertaking in Department of Transportation history.” “I have every confidence that our dedicated team will see Central New York’s projects through to successful completion,” Smith said in the NYSDOT announcement. “This community has long been my home, and I know the professionals that make up every component of the Department of Transportation in Central New York will continue to prioritize its needs, working to ensure our infrastructure remains modern, reliable, resilient, and safe for all. As I look forward to this next chapter, I do so with deep gratitude and pride in what we have accomplished together.” Smith began his career with NYSDOT in 1992, working as a junior engineer in the Long Island traffic and safety group. Smith steadily advanced through the ranks before making the move to Central New York in 2003, where he served as resident engineer in Cayuga and Seneca counties, and later, Onondaga County. Smith was promoted to regional director of operations for Central New York in 2006 and was named Central New York regional director in 2016. “After 33 years of outstanding service to the Department of Transportation and the Central New York community, we wish Dave Smith the very best as he transitions into retirement after decades of exemplary service,” Dominguez said. “Dave has tirelessly guided operations for DOT in Central New York through an unprecedented period of growth, and his insight, knowledge, and exemplary direction have proven to be invaluable.” Andy Stiles will serve as the acting regional director in Central New York until a permanent replacement is appointed. Stiles has worked for the NYSDOT for 27 years and has served as regional director in Binghamton since May 2024.