Technology is no longer just an IT function, It’s the backbone of strategic leadership in state Departments of Transportation.

In this episode of The Rawlins Way Podcast, Dr. James Bryant sits down with April Blackburn, former Chief Technology Officer at the Florida DOT and now a senior consultant at Rawlins Infra Consult. With more than 35 years of experience bridging public sector service and private sector innovation, April shares how DOT leaders can use technology to drive mission-focused change. From modernizing legacy systems to using AI responsibly, this conversation covers the mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and leadership strategies that state transportation agencies need to thrive in a complex, tech-driven world.

Whether you’re a CIO, engineer, or executive in the transportation space, this episode will help you rethink how technology can help your agency lead with purpose—not just process.

🧭 What You’ll Learn

• Why “technology as a strategy” is more than just a buzzword—and how it can reshape your entire agency
• The importance of translating technical language into business outcomes
• How to align tech investments with mission-critical goals, workforce development, and cultural transformation
• The role of AI in public sector innovation—and how to use it responsibly
• Why data governance is foundational for modernization and performance

00:00 – Pre-roll Insight
April sets the tone: “You can’t do transportation without technology.”

00:16 – Welcome & Guest Introduction
Dr. Bryant introduces April Blackburn and her leadership journey.

01:30 – From IT Operations to Strategic Leadership
April shares how her career evolved and what state DOTs must rethink.

06:00 – Technology as a Mission-Aligned Strategy
The mindset shift: technology is not a support tool—it is the strategy.

10:40 – Using AI and Data Responsibly
Aligning tech innovation with purpose, people, and governance.

15:20 – How Rawlins Helps DOTs Lead Change
April explains how Rawlins supports agencies through practical, tailored strategies.

24:30 – Final Reflections
Leading with clarity, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Article: How State DOTs Can Use Technology as a Strategic Driver: Insights from April Blackburn (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gcSTKYsFemJ3VUbYWV1Cw-h12r21bM2a/view?usp=sharing)

Video: https://share.descript.com/view/jLqwxruVzhP

🎧 This episode of The Rawlins Way Podcast was produced by Engineer Your Success LLC, a trusted partner in helping organizations amplify leadership, culture, and communication through strategic podcasting. To learn more about how podcasting can support your goals, visit EngineerYourSuccessNow.com.