Justine Sydello

Justine Sydello is the Deputy Secretary for the Illinois Department of Transportation, where she is responsible for agency-wide strategic planning and policy development, with direct oversight over the Offices of Planning and Programming; Communications; and Legislative Affairs. Sydello advises the Secretary of Transportation on key policy and innovation issues, as well as organizational change and improvement. Most recently, Justine has led the State of Illinois’ efforts to facilitate the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles. Justine also served as the Secretary for the Mid-America Association of State Transportation Officials from 2016-17. She organized a summit for top Midwest DOT leaders to foster collaboration around intermodal freight. Sydello also developed a resolution highlighting the region’s alignment with the White House’s infrastructure principles and priorities.

Justine graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Northwestern University. She received her master’s in public administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

*non-voting appointment