32 SPRING/SUMMER 2023 GETTING TO KNOW VDOT’s Deputy Chief Engineer, Shane Mann The following is a brief Q&A with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) new Deputy Chief Engineer. Before his fourteen years with VDOT, Shane Mann built a career in engineering and construction-related design with a number of local associates and brings to the role a penchant for project management and problem solving. I felt that I had a solid grasp on how the districts operate. I wanted to bring the practical district knowledge I had gained to improve our agency’s policies, ensure consistency across the Department, and help deliver the largest program in VDOT’s history. VAA→ As Deputy Chief Engineer, how do you envision working with the paving industry? In what areas do you see VAA and VDOT partnering to serve the Commonwealth? MANN→ As Deputy Chief Engineer, I envision expanding the industry relationships I developed in Richmond District to the statewide level. I plan to work together with the Virginia Asphalt Association (VAA) to resolve concerns as we all work toward meeting our goals. I see VAA and VDOT continuing to partner on advancing our paving program to be the best in the nation. Whether it be balanced mix design, contract dates, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), or other items—we should openly share our positions and develop the best path forward for the program. VAA→ What is one thing people who do not know you will find interesting? MANN→ Most people that do not know me personally would not know that I served 12 years as an auxiliary police officer in Chesterfield County. I began in the police academy in 2004 and retired from service in 2016. Auxiliary Police Officers are volunteers but carry full police powers. I responded to calls for service along with paid officers, conducted traffic stops, wrote summonses, arrested offenders, and helped with special events. There is no better way to test a paving job than responding to a call in a Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor at 100+ mph! VAA→ Any other thoughts you would like to share with our readers? MANN→ I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts with VAA. VDOT’s industry partners are crucial to our success in delivering one of the largest programs in the nation. Working together, we can continue to improve the quality of our pavements for the traveling public. VAA→ With over 25 years in the transportation industry, what project had a big impact on your career? MANN→ Having started my career working for a contractor, then working for a consultant, and finally working for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), I have touched quite a few projects and I believe the most impactful project of my career thus far was the I-95/Temple Avenue roundabout project in the city of Colonial Heights. This project was quite unique in adding a two-lane roundabout to an existing interstate ramp. There was a great deal of citizen, locality and business input to the project during design and construction, which resulted in a very dynamic project. I learned a lot about resolving issues and working with numerous stakeholders to achieve success. I also learned that surrounding yourself with quality staff makes all the difference. VAA→ Recently you were appointed as Deputy Chief Engineer. What inspired you to move from the district to the central office? MANN→ I wanted to have a larger impact on the Department. Having progressed through the Richmond district from area construction engineer to district engineer, I wanted to have a larger impact on the Department. I wanted to bring the practical district knowledge I had gained to improve our agency’s policies, ensure consistency across the Department, and help deliver the largest program in VDOT’s history.
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