Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
For Release: Immediate Contact: Cari Hepp
Date: January 25, 2001 Phone:
919/733-5612
EASLEY NAMES TIPPETT/CONTI TEAM TO HEAD D.O.T.
(Raleigh, NC) Governor Mike Easley today named Lyndo Tippett as Secretary of the Department of
Transportation. Eugene A. Conti, Jr. will serve as the Department’s Chief Deputy.
“I am excited about this pairing for D.O.T.,” Easley said. “Tippett’s accounting and board experience will
fit well with Mr. Conti’s broad transportation policy expertise and budget background.”
“We have been looking for someone to head D.O.T. who knows transportation, knows the Department and
its budget and who has high ethical standards,” said Easley. “Mr. Tippett is, without question, the best
candidate for the job.”
“Mr. Conti is a transportation professional with a national reputation. He has broad experience with
creative solutions to the transportation challenges facing our State. Working with Tippett, Conti will help
us aggressively address transportation in North Carolina from a statewide systematic approach which is
essential for the wise use of our limited resources.”
“Both Tippett and Conti know transportation and budget. In the current fiscal environment, it is critical
that the Secretary and Deputy understand finance and propose new and better ways to fund transportation,”
said Easley. “Conti, as Assistant Secretary for U.S. Transportation, dealt with troubled urban transportation
plans nationwide. He can ensure that we do not get caught behind the curve in our urban centers.”
Tippett, age 61, is a native of Emit, North Carolina (Johnston County near Fayetteville). He is a 1957
graduate of Corinth-Holders High School and earned his B.S. from Barton College. Tippett served on
active duty for six months in the U.S. Army and earned the rank of Sergeant E-5 in the Army Reserves.
Tippett is a Certified Public Accountant and partner with the firm of Tippett, Padrick and Bryan in
Fayetteville, North Carolina where he has worked since 1976. Prior to that, he was the Vice President and
CEO of Bybon, Inc. and a staff accountant with Ernst & Young. He is currently a Trustee with Methodist
College and serves on the boards of the UNC-Pembroke Foundation, the Fayetteville State University
Foundation, the Airborne and Special Operation Museum, the Museum of the Cape Fear, the Fayetteville
Aiiport Commission, the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Transportation Advisory Committee, the
Cumberland County Community Health Care Council, First Citizens Bank, Dawson Builders, Inc and
Remit Corporation. Tippett has served as a State Board of Transportation member for the past eight years.
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
