Sylva – N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins announces that Wesley Grindstaff is the new Division 14 engineer following the retirement of Wanda Payne, who served in that role for four years.
“We are fortunate to have someone with so much experience in Division 14 to take this leadership role,” Hopkins said in a release. “And we certainly wish Wanda all the best in her future endeavors.”
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Grindstaff has worked at the DOT since he graduated from N.C. State with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering in 2000. He is a registered professional engineer in this state.
The Cherokee County resident has worked in various roles during his career in the western mountains. He has served as assistant district engineer, county maintenance engineer, district engineer, staff maintenance engineer, division maintenance engineer and, most recently, deputy division engineer.
Grindstaff steps into the top position in Division 14 as the region continues long-term repairs from Hurricane Helene, including reconstruction of Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge and reconstruction of U.S. 74A in Bat Cave and Gerton.
His team, which includes about 425 permanent employees, conducts the planning, construction and maintenance of state-maintained roads, highways and interstates in the 10 westernmost counties.
Payne became the second female division engineer in DOT history in March 2021 and oversaw critical transportation operations and projects in the 10 western counties, including the response to Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Helene as well as the widening of Interstate 26 in Henderson County.