Governor Wes Moore has announced that Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld will be stepping down from his role on August 1. Deputy Secretary Samantha J. Biddle will serve as acting secretary while Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller spearheads a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. Governor Moore praised Wiedefeld for his contributions, saying “Under Paul’s leadership, we’ve made it easier for Marylanders to get from where they live to where opportunity lies — and laid the foundation for a more competitive, affordable state for all.”
During his tenure with the Moore-Miller Administration, Wiedefeld oversaw significant initiatives including restoring progress on the delayed Purple Line project, leading emergency response efforts following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, and securing over $5 billion in federal transportation funding. These funds have supported major infrastructure improvements such as light rail vehicle replacement and upgrades, tunnel enhancements, and port reconstruction.
Wiedefeld, who turns 70 in August and has been transportation secretary for more than two years, cited personal reasons for his departure, noting the intensity of the role and his desire to pursue other opportunities. A seasoned leader with more than 40 years of experience in transportation, Wiedefeld has held high-level positions including leading the D.C. Metro, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and the Maryland Transit Administration.
Lieutenant Governor Miller commended his legacy, stating, “Secretary Wiedefeld comes from a family of servant leaders and has dedicated his life to public service, transforming how Marylanders move and connect.” As the state prepares for this transition, Governor Moore expressed confidence in Acting Secretary Biddle’s leadership and affirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining momentum in Maryland’s transportation systems.
