Justin P. Powell

Justin Powell is the Secretary of Transportation for the South Carolina Department of Transportation. As Secretary, he is responsible for leading the more than 4,000 employees of SCDOT and managing the day-to-day operations of the agency including its $6.5 billion construction program and maintenance of the nation’s fourth-largest state highway system.
Secretary Powell has played a key role in delivering major interstate infrastructure projects across South Carolina, including significant improvements along I-26, I-95 and I-85, enhancing connectivity and economic growth throughout South Carolina. During his tenure as Secretary of Transportation, Secretary Powell has led the response to numerous disasters and subsequent recovery efforts. He has fostered a culture of innovation, driving numerous initiatives aimed at making South Carolina a hub for infrastructure solutions that support the success of people and businesses throughout the Palmetto State.
Secretary Powell joined SCDOT in 2019 as Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration with responsibility for SCDOT’s $2.7 billion budget and oversaw the growth of the construction program from $3 billion to $5 billion. He served as both Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer, serving as the senior advisor to the Secretary of Transportation. Before working for SCDOT, he worked in a variety of senior leadership roles for local government organizations.
Secretary Powell was raised in Charleston, South Carolina and is a graduate of James Island High School. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wofford College.