New chairman joins Mobility Authority Board

New chairman joins Mobility Authority Board

Tuesday, 09 June 2009

Gov. Rick Perry this month appointed Ray Wilkerson to serve a two-year term as chairman of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.

The CTRMA is a local, independent government agency created to improve the regional transportation system, reduce congestion and create transportation choices that improve quality of life and economic vitality.

Toll 183A in Williamson County and five additional projects that will cost about $2 billion are currently under the Mobility Authority’s control.

“Chairman Wilkerson is a highly respected regional leader who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board,” said Mike Heiligenstein, CTRMA executive director. “His impressive record of regional service will be of tremendous value as we work to solve the transportation funding crisis facing our region.”

Wilkerson, a Travis County resident, formerly served as chairman of the Lower Colorado River Authority Board. He replaces Bob Tesch, a Williamson County resident who led the agency since it was founded in 2002.

Under Wilkerson’s leadership, the LCRA completed improvements to the flood management infrastructure and promoted water conservation through the Water IQ campaign.

In January, the LCRA honored Wilkerson for his leadership and stewardship of the Colorado River through dedication of The Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education.

Wilkerson is president of Ray Wilkerson Companies, Inc., a commercial real estate development company. He has served on the board of several financial institutions.

He has also been a guest lecturer for graduate courses at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. Wilkerson earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from UT Austin in 1971.

CTRMA board members are active community volunteers and leaders who are appointed to serve two-year terms without compensation.

Seven local residents make up the board, which sets policies, identifies priority projects and ensures the agency is operated in an efficient and effective manner.

Other board members include Lowell Lebermann Jr., Nikelle Meade, and Henry Gilmore representing Travis County and James Mills, David Singleton and Robert Bennett Jr., representing Williamson County.