Adetokunbo Omishakin
Adetokunbo "Toks" Omishakin is an American government official currently serving as Secretary of Transportation for the state of California. He was previously the Director of the California Department of Transportation and held leadership roles at the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Omishakin is known for his work in multimodal transportation, active transportation advocacy, and infrastructure sustainability. He is the first person in the state’s history to serve in both roles and the first African American appointed and confirmed to the positions.
Early life and education
Omishakin was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Nigerian immigrant parents. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from Mississippi Valley State University and a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from Jackson State University. He obtained a PhD in Engineering Management from the University of Tennessee.Career
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
Omishakin started his career in transportation policy as Director of Healthy Living Initiatives under Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, focusing on multimodal transportation planning and pedestrian safety.He later joined the Tennessee Department of Transportation as Deputy Commissioner for Environment and Planning, where he oversaw environmental policies, multimodal transportation, and freight logistics.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
In September 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Omishakin as Director of Caltrans, where he managed a $17 billion budget and nearly 22,000 employees. His tenure focused on expanding public transit, improving highway safety, and advancing active transportation.During his time at Caltrans, he led Vision Zero initiatives to reduce roadway fatalities and pushed for sustainability efforts such as electrifying state fleet vehicles.
California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA)
In February 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Omishakin as California Secretary of Transportation, making him the first African American to hold the role.CalSTA has an annual budget exceeding US$30 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. It oversees eight departments and entities, including the California Department of Transportation, the California Highway Patrol , the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of Traffic Safety, the California [High-Speed Rail Authority|High-Speed Rail Authority], the California Transportation Commission, the New Motor Vehicle Board, and the Board of Pilot Commissioners.
As Secretary, he oversaw $125 million in rail infrastructure investments to combat coastal erosion along San Clemente rail corridors.
He played a key role in managing the 2023 I-10 Freeway emergency repairs, ensuring a rapid reopening after severe fire damage.
Professional Associations and Policy Influence
Omishakin has served as Chair of the AASHTO Council on Active Transportation and is a board member of America Walks, a nonprofit advocating for pedestrian-friendly urban planning.His leadership in sustainable infrastructure has been recognized in transportation policy circles, with coverage from Engineering News-Record, San Clemente Times, and major state publications.
Omishakin also serves on several transportation- and mobility-focused boards, including the Mineta Transportation Institute, Veloz, and the University of California Institute of Transportation Studies.