NET RMA appoints Simmons as engineering director

(Tyler, TX) – The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) today announced the newest personnel addition to the agency, and its first Director of Engineering, Deanne Simmons.

Deanne’s major responsibilities include directing and overseeing NET RMA’s engineering operations and helping to evaluate the viability of future projects that are presented to the agency for consideration. She will also assist in defining road strategies that optimize asset utilization while providing customers with the lowest possible cost, and developing a long-range plan for NET RMA, among other initiatives.

Deanne joins the agency with an impressive set of educational and professional experiences, including more than 30 years of service at TxDOT. Upon graduation from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1994, she started her TxDOT career in the Atlanta District’s Planning Office. Deanne obtained her professional engineering license in 2005 and became the Advance Planning Engineer in 2006. In 2018, TxDOT appointed her as the Atlanta District’s Director of Transportation and Development. Starting in 2022, she worked with the TxDOT Director of Project Development, where she helped many divisions and all the districts on initiatives to improve the delivery of transportation projects across the state.

“We’re confident that Deanne’s expertise will enhance NET RMA’s capabilities and help the agency achieve its goals of moving transportation and infrastructure forward in the East Texas region,” said Gary Halbrooks, Chairman of the NET RMA. “Deanne has proven that she is a well-respected leader in transportation and infrastructure initiatives in Texas. She brings a ton of knowledge and in-depth understanding of the industry which will ultimately further the NET RMA and its reach.”

“I’m honored and humbled to be working with the employees of the NET RMA,” said Simmons. “I’m looking forward to utilizing my experience to continue to make an impact on transportation in the region.”

Deanne has been married to her husband, Lance, for 32 years, and they have two children, Parker and Alyssa.

About the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) The NET RMA is an independent government agency created to accelerate the development of transportation projects in Northeast Texas.

The agency’s mission is in cooperation with its regional partners to provide solutions to expedite infrastructure and mobility projects that will improve the quality of life, enhance the regional economy and assure efficient mobility in the North East Texas Region.

The NET RMA is governed by a 21-member board of directors that represents each of the 14-member counties: Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Kaufman, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood. Texas RMAs were made possible through an initiative passed by the State Legislature in 2001.

The NET RMA was established in October 2004. For more information, visit NETRMA.org.