The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has a new Deputy Director.
Joni Seymour, formerly the Chief Innovation Officer for the Oklahoma Transportation Cabinet where she worked to promote innovation that streamlined organizational and technological processes, was promoted by the Turnpike Authority.
Seymour will oversee IT, Customer Service and Human Resources for the Authority. In addition to her new role, Seymour will continue to support ODOT in certain IT and Innovation initiatives to ensure continued collaboration and cooperation between the two agencies.
She began her career at OTA in 2004 as a technology analyst and then transitioned into a software development manager. She worked in that role until 2013 when she briefly left to work in the private sector before returning to OTA in 2017 as the Chief Information Officer.
While at OTA, Seymour oversaw the successful implementation of a system to provide interoperability with partner tolling agencies in Kansas and Texas, allowing PIKEPASS users and users of similar devices from the surrounding states ease of use on multiple turnpike systems. She also supervised multiple system developments and changes to upgrade OTA’s tolling infrastructure and backend systems, including the ongoing switch to all electronic tolling.
In addition to Seymour’s new role, OTA has named Kelly Ford as Director of Human Resources. Ford will be responsible for leading a comprehensive human resources management program, overseeing multiple HR functions within the organization with responsibility for investigating and resolving complex, sensitive HR issues.
She also will contribute to the preparation of the agency’s budget, conducting staffing assessments, and recommending changes in organizational structure to optimize efficiency.
Kelly has 20 years of experience in human resources from various industries.