About Corren Johnson

Corren Johnson was appointed by Mayor Brandon M. Scott as the City’s second female Director of the Department of Transportation (DOT).  After serving as Interim Director for 8 months, she was sworn in on July 19, 2023.  As Director, Corren leads the agency’s mission to maintain and improve the transportation infrastructure providing a safe, reliable, accessible, and efficient system for all users.  She is committed to being responsive, instilling efficiencies and process improvements, empowerment of staff, making progress for change, and stewardship over city resources. 

Prior to her role as Interim Director, Director Johnson served as the DOT’s Chief Engineer and Deputy Director for Complete Streets where she led the Traffic, ADA, Right of Way, and Transportation Engineering and Construction Divisions, with the focus to elevate the priority and safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.  Before joining the City in September 2021, she held a long tenure with over 17 years at the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) that encompassed diverse leadership roles, including serving as the first Black female District Engineer for Maryland, overseeing roadway construction, operations, and maintenance for Anne Arundel and Southern Maryland counties.  Her other capacities with MDOT SHA include but are not limited to, Chief of Traffic Operations, Chief of Construction Support, and Access Permits Area Engineer for Montgomery County. 

Director Johnson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and her Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Maryland University College.  She served two terms as a Director-at-Large for the WTS Baltimore Chapter and four-years as Co-Chair for the MdQI Transportation Operations Subcommittee. 

Director Johnson values workforce development, building partnerships, and delivering great customer service.  Determined to aid in the growth and development of others, for decades she has been actively committed to coaching and mentorship programs for youth, young adults, and those seeking opportunities in their career development.  In 2023, she was honored by The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.  She resides in Baltimore City with her daughter who attends 5th grade, husband, a senior Non-Commissioned Officer on active duty status with the DC Army National Guard, and two sons who attend universities in Maryland.