The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently named William "Bill" Panos, executive director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, to chair its Committee on Transportation System Operations or CTSO, which focuses on using technology to improve the safety, reliability, and performance of highway systems.

A native of California, Panos (seen at right) became the 17th director of WYDOT in 2013 after a 37-year career spent leading private and public sector organizations.

A graduate of California State University, where he studied physics and forensic science, Panos previously served in engineering and leadership positions with the TRW Corporation, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the State of Washington and other local governments.

His appointment to chair of CTSO is for two years; a term that will run until the end of AASHTO's 2020 annual meeting.