Thank You Secretary Hopkins, Welcome Secretary Johnson
- October 2, 2025
- Posted by: Jacob Rigg
- Category: Blog
Let’s welcome new NC Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson, and let’s thank Secretary Joey Hopkins for his leadership
It has been a momentous week for transportation in North Carolina, as we celebrate the work of two great leaders for our state.
First, we honor and applaud NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, who retired this week after two years as transportation secretary, and after completing more than three decades of dedicated service to North Carolina. On Wednesday, October 1, the Department officially handed over the reins to incoming secretary Daniel Johnson, who has previously served as NCDOT deputy secretary and general counsel.
To say that the regional business community is grateful for Secretary Hopkins’ outstanding service to the Research Triangle region and the entire state is understatement. Joey has been a thoughtful, approachable, supportive, and common sense leader. A fellow civil engineering graduate from NC State, he is someone that I have had the honor of working with, learning from, and elevating successes with for many years. RTA has been honored to have him as a terrific partner, as he has progressed through his roles at NCDOT over the decades.
RTA is very pleased to welcome North Carolina’s new transportation secretary, Daniel Johnson. We applaud his recent leadership roles at the Department as general counsel and deputy secretary, as well as his service to the nation in the U.S. Navy and as a past assistant district attorney in Wake County. We look forward to working with him, the NCDOT executive leadership team, and all members of the Department of Transportation on our shared goals of improved mobility and safety to ensure North Carolina’s continued prosperity.
RTA appreciates our ongoing partnership with NCDOT. The Research Triangle region and all of North Carolina could not execute our economic development and restoration, economic mobility, and transportation objectives without the commitment and dedication of the Department. From the highway divisions to integrated mobility, rail, aviation, turnpike, mobility and safety, and so many more business units, NCDOT deploys expertise and excellence in service to our state.
North Carolina continues to be blessed with outstanding leaders and champions for transportation. Secretary Hopkins, Secretary Johnson, and each of their fellow NCDOT colleagues are true public servants and patriots for North Carolina and our nation.
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