Susan Surdej, P.E.
Troy,OH
Summary
Dynamic Public Information Officer and Professional Civil Engineer with proven expertise in media relations, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in project management and effective communication, ensuring impactful public interactions and enhanced operational efficiency.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Regional Director/Public Info Officer
New York State Department Of Transportation
Buffalo, New York
11.2003 - 04.2025
- Supervised staff and coordinated daily operations for Regional Director's Office in Western New York.
- Coordinated public meetings, programs, and communications for Regional Office with Main Office, elected officials, consultants, and public.
- Regional spokesperson for the Department and handled all media inquiries and interviews in Western New York.
- Drafted and distributed all Regional Office press releases, travel advisories, and policies.
- Oversaw regional web content and social media strategies.
Civil Engineer II
New York State Department Of Transportation
Buffalo, New York
03.1999 - 11.2003
- Effectively led a team of civil engineers and technicians in planning and designing contract plans for highway infrastructure projects.
- Prepared detailed technical reports and documentation for project stakeholders.
- Conducted site inspections to assess project progress and adherence to specifications.
- Mentored junior engineers, fostering skills development and knowledge sharing within the team.
Civil Engineer I
New York State Department Of Transportation
Buffalo, NY
04.1992 - 03.1999
- Collaborated with teams to assess project requirements and specifications for various highway improvement and maintenance projects.
- Prepared technical reports detailing project progress and findings.
- Prepared drawings, specifications, calculations, sketches, diagrams and final plans for highway infrastructure projects.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
State University of New York At Buffalo
Amherst, NY05-1991
Skills
- Media relations
- Public speaking
- Communication planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Staff management
- Employee engagement
Accomplishments
- 2025 Distinguished Career Award from New York State Department of Transportation
- 2016 Transportation Professional of the Year for the New York State Association of Transportation Engineers Section 5
- 2011 Graduate of the New York State Department of Transportation Leadership Academy
- Member of the New York State Department of Transportation Program Management Team - Region 5
Certification
- New York State Licensed Professional Civil Engineer - License Number 076362
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Regional Director/Public Info Officer
New York State Department Of Transportation
11.2003 - 04.2025
Civil Engineer II
New York State Department Of Transportation
03.1999 - 11.2003
Civil Engineer I
New York State Department Of Transportation
04.1992 - 03.1999
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
State University of New York At Buffalo
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