L.K. Nandam named FDOT District 1 secretary, replacing Hattaway

Former director of operations began his new job on Nov. 4

L.K. Random. File photo
L.K. Random. File photo

L.K. Nandam, a professional engineer, has been named the new District 1 secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), effective Nov. 4, the department has announced.

FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold appointed Nandam to replace Billy Hattaway who has taken the position of director of transportation for the City of Orlando after many years of service to FDOT, a news release says.

Nandam previously served as director of operations with FDOT, the release notes. Prior to that, he was the district traffic operations engineer for a number of years, the release adds. He served earlier in other positions, as well, including at the local government level and with a private sector engineering firm, the release continues.

“In my time as secretary, I have been impressed with L.K.’s commitment to excellence, passion for our work and focus on our employees,” Boxold said in the release.

On Sept. 27, Hattaway notified local government leaders in the district that his resignation from FDOT formally would become effective on Nov. 23.

“While we all know that there is no ‘perfect’ place to work,” Hattaway wrote, “I can tell you that during my forty years in the industry, both in the public and private sector, the Department and our current leadership team is the best I have been fortunate to work with and the Department is an excellent place to work.”

He added that in his new position, he will be just a 10-minute commute from his home “on the days that I can bike to work.” He added, “While I will miss all of you, I won’t miss my daily three hour round trip commute to Bartow!”