The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has announced Kendal Theisen as the agency’s new State Traffic Engineer, a leadership role responsible for shaping the future of traffic engineering, enforcement, education, safety, and operations programs statewide.
In her new position, Theisen will develop and implement traffic-related engineering programs designed to improve safety and mobility across Oklahoma’s transportation system. The role places her at the center of efforts to manage traffic flow, reduce crashes, and strengthen infrastructure that supports commerce, emergency services, and daily travel.
Career Path Built Inside ODOT
Theisen began her career with ODOT in 2015 as part of the Oklahoma State University Design Squad, an engineering pathway that places students directly into real-world transportation projects. From there, she transitioned into construction management at the Tulsa Residency, where she took on a major responsibility early in her career.
Leadership on Tulsa’s Largest Highway Project
At the Tulsa Residency, Theisen oversaw the first phase of the I-44/US-75 interchange project, which stood as the largest highway construction contract in Tulsa at the time. That project involved major traffic reconfiguration, long-term construction sequencing, and safety coordination across one of the region’s busiest travel corridors.
Her leadership on the project led directly to promotion into higher engineering roles, including:
-
Stillwater Resident Engineer
-
Assistant State Traffic Engineer
Each position expanded her responsibilities across project management, safety oversight, and statewide traffic operations.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Engineers
Beyond her project leadership, Theisen also serves on ODOT’s Engineering Development Council, where she:
-
Helps mentor and recruit future engineers
-
Supports professional growth across the department
-
Assists with strengthening Oklahoma’s long-term engineering workforce
Education and Personal Background
Theisen holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University. She and her family reside in Stillwater, where she previously served as resident engineer.
Why This Role Matters for Oklahoma’s Energy & Infrastructure Sector
The State Traffic Engineer plays a critical role in:
-
Highway safety systems
-
Freight mobility
-
Energy industry transport corridors
-
Emergency response routing
-
Rural and urban traffic operations
With Oklahoma’s continued growth in energy production, manufacturing, and logistics, traffic engineering decisions directly impact economic performance and public safety statewide.