Acting Secretary Kathryn Thomson participates in the opening of the A/B Connector at BWI Airport (David Trozzo/MDOT)
This new year we welcome Maryland’s newest transportation leader. Governor Wes Moore appointed Kathryn Thomson to lead the Maryland Department of Transportation. She started her role as Acting Secretary during a busy week of launching MTA’s new Metro Subway cars into service and celebrating the opening of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport’s new Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System. Amid all the exciting projects, we got to learn more about Acting Secretary Thomson’s experience and her plans for the future of transportation across Maryland. Below is our Q&A, edited for length and clarity.
Your background is in environmental and transportation law, what inspired you to go down this track?
Acting Secretary Thomson: I came to transportation in a bit of a background way. I was an environmental and energy lawyer for 19 years at a law firm in Washington, D.C. and thought that was going to be my track. Fortunately, I got pulled into transportation during the first Obama Administration to advise the Secretary on climate and sustainability. I came to greatly appreciate the importance of affordable, efficient, reliable and safe transportation for all Americans regardless of where they live. And I became passionate about all aspects of transportation.
MDOT Acting Secretary Kate Thomson rides a new MTA Metro Subway rail car on January 7, 2026. (Dave Trozzo/MDOT)
You have more than three decades of transportation experience including working at the federal level. How will your previous roles help you steer transportation in Maryland?
Acting Secretary Thomson: From serving as Deputy Director of the Federal Aviation Administration to the Director of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Implementation at the U.S. Department of Transportation, I’ve seen firsthand how federal dollars are critical to supporting state and local projects. The funding is vital to further enhancing safety and modernizing aging infrastructure. Through this work, I managed complex systems that are intertwined with all the ways we travel, from buses and trains to the roads, bridges, airports and seaports. I look forward to bringing these skills and delivering results for Maryland.
Any direction from Governor Moore on how to support the Moore-Miller Administration’s goals to make this Maryland’s Decade and Leave No One Behind?
Acting Secretary Thomson: The Governor and I are committed to ensuring Maryland’s transportation system connects Marylanders to opportunity. The system must be safe, reliable and efficient, but it must also be affordable, accessible and resilient. MDOT should strategically invest in economic opportunities for our citizens and businesses with the goal of making Maryland a role model for the nation. I look forward to helping deliver measurable results that people can feel and experience. My hope is to reach Marylanders where they are and show them how the decisions we make will improve their lives. I am dedicated to helping the Governor do this and working with everyone within MDOT to make transportation safer, easier, more efficient and more equitable across all of Maryland.
MDOT Acting Secretary Kate Thomson greets Maryland Gov. Wes Moore at the opening of BWI’s new A/B Connector on January 8, 2026. (Dave Trozzo/MDOT)
What are you looking forward to as you step into your new role?
Acting Secretary Thomson: I am thrilled to be part of the exceptional MDOT team. Maryland’s complex transportation network has immense potential. I love working with people to tap into that potential and deliver lasting solutions. I look forward to having conversations with the MDOT team and our local, state and federal leaders about ways we can achieve our shared goals.
Any fun facts about yourself that you’d like to share?
Acting Secretary Thomson: I am happiest when I am active and outdoors. I ran my first marathon when I was 40 years old. I’ve completed a total of 31 marathons (including three in Maryland), numerous triathlons and even one Ironman. I look forward to exploring more of Maryland’s great trail system and welcome all suggestions!
Meredith Devereux is a Senior Writer with the Maryland Department of Transportation.