Outgoing NDOT director honored at White House

(AP) - The outgoing director of the Nevada Department of Transportation is being honored by the Obama administration as a "champion of change."

Susan Martinovich is among those who will be recognized at the White House today as a transportation innovator. The Champions of Change program is part of an initiative to highlight the service of people in various sectors.

Martinovich has been with the Nevada transportation department for 28 years and became the agency's first female director when she was appointed to the top job five years ago. Before that she served as deputy director and chief engineer.

She is retiring in September.

Martinovich is also past president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and serves on the National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board.