Dara Wheeler

Acting Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer

Dara Wheeler serves as the Acting Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer at Caltrans, bringing over 34 years of distinguished public service in California. Her career spans a broad spectrum of leadership roles, including service under two California Governors and with a state legislative land use commission.

At Caltrans, Dara has held numerous key positions, including Chief of Staff, and has led major programs such as Rail and Mass Transportation and Research, Innovation, and System Information. Her experience also includes leadership in Transportation Planning, where she has consistently advanced strategic initiatives that support the Department’s mission.

Dara holds multiple national leadership roles, including serving as an appointed voting member of the AASHTO Special Committee on Research & Innovation, Co-Chair of the AASHTO Innovation Management Committee, Co-Chair of the AASHTO Innovation Community of Practice, and Co-Chair of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America’s Workforce Development Community of Practice.

She earned her degree in Political Science from San Diego State University and recently completed certification in Prompt Engineering to further support her leadership in emerging technologies.