Headquarters photo
Donna Berry retired as Caltrans' chief engineer and deputy director for Project Delivery.
Note: The Division of Human Resources sent this as an email to Caltrans employees on Oct. 14.
After more than three decades of service to Caltrans, Donna Berry, chief engineer and deputy director for Project Delivery, is retiring.
Donna’s career is a remarkable example of where dedication, curiosity and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead. What began as a steppingstone into engineering evolved into a journey through rotational programs, district assignments, emergency response, operational improvement and, ultimately, serving as Caltrans’ chief engineer.
Along the way, Donna has left her mark on the people and projects around her. She believes strongly in seeing things through, clarifying what needs to happen next, and making sure unfinished work doesn’t come back around.
She credits her teams, leadership colleagues and family for helping shape her career.
Her advice to others?
Stay focused on doing the work in front of you, rather than on the job you hope to have someday. She encourages people to find work that plays to their strengths, keeps them motivated, and allows them to be authentic.
Now, Donna is looking forward to a different kind of busy. Retirement will bring more time for family, rest, health, community work, travel, reading and golf (and some time to work on her barista skills as well).
We’re grateful for the more than 30 years Donna has given to Caltrans, for the expertise and leadership she has shared, and for the many people she has encouraged and influenced along the way.