After more than two decades serving the citizens of Texas through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Ken Roberts is retiring this month.
"Ken Roberts faithfully served TxDOT for over 20 years as the Waco District's Public Information Officer (PIO)," notes the district's deputy engineer, Michael Bolin. "A TxDOT PIO is consistently called on to convey TxDOT's commitment to the traveling public, build public trust by conveying credible information, and maintain open lines of communication with TxDOT's stakeholders. Ken took all these responsibilities seriously and performed them admirably. It is because of employees like Ken that TxDOT continues to carry out its trusted public duties at the highest of levels."
In his twenty-plus years as the district's PIO, Roberts has witnessed the rapid evolution of I-35 through Waco and beyond.
"Over time you can see the impact of changing technology," he says, citing an emphasis on how the rise of social media has enabled him to better inform the public as one example. From the beginning of a construction project to the current travel conditions along the corridor, helping travelers "know before you go" is now a fundamental strategy for keeping them mobile (and safe) on the district's roadways.
Roberts notes the importance of communicating openly and clearly with the public. As Waco District PIO, it's been his job to field concerns (and a few complaints) from folks in dealing with roadway construction or other transportation-related challenges. The key, Roberts says, is to understand them on their own terms, which happen to be his own terms, too—getting to destinations efficiently, without undue delay; keeping family members safe while driving; helping local businesses flourish.
"Sometimes it can feel like 'us' and 'them' when things aren't going to your liking, and I get that," he says. "But the fact is, we all have a boss who wants us to get to work on time. We eat at the same restaurants. Our children attend the same schools. We're all in this together."
Roberts joined the Waco District in 1999 after more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, where he first learned to connect constituents who need information with an employer who answers to them. He served in the 3rd Armored Division in Germany, as an instructor of military science at Murray State University in Kentucky, and then spent 10 years as a public affairs officer (PAO) with the U.S. Southern Command in Panama and in media positions at Fort Hood. Roberts was deployed as deputy director of the Joint Information Bureau in Somalia, East Africa as part of Operation Restore Hope in the early 1990s. The U.S. operation successfully provided security and support to humanitarian efforts intended to address the widespread starvation tied to civil war in the country.
"You might say, I learned my trade under fire," he says half-jokingly, referring to the daily press conferences, interviews, media opportunities, and in-country escorts he provided in Somalia for more than 500 members of the U.S. and international media.
After he left the army, Roberts joined CBS affiliate KWTX-TV News 10 in Waco as a broadcast journalist and worked as a radio advertising sales associate with K-I-I-Z in Killeen before joining TxDOT, where he put his professional skills to work in a new, if familiar, way.
"I served in the army at home and abroad and I worked in the media, and I put all those lessons to work at TxDOT," Roberts says. "What I learned, regardless of job, is that most people are just trying to get through their day, and they'd really like your help to do that. And if you take your job in that spirit — as an opportunity to help others — you can't help but walk away at the end of the day satisfied."
The My35 project—TxDOT's public-driven approach to transportation planning—has effected dramatic changes in Waco. With the public's input, TxDOT has been working since 2008 to increase capacity, enhance safety, and improve mobility along the 96-mile corridor from Hillsboro to Salado. The project is ongoing as Roberts retires, and he marvels at how the PIO's job has changed in some ways.
"Used to, when giving construction updates, we'd issue a press release someone might or might not read or hold a sparsely attended public meeting," he reminisces. "Now, everything is instantaneous and transparent—through social media. Now the department can be closer to the people it serves. Communication is less impersonal, and that's a good thing."
One of the most satisfying things, Roberts notes, is seeing how building out Waco's transportation network has encouraged growth in the community.
"It's a bit cliché to say it, but 'if you build it, they will come,' he notes. "We did, and they did. Waco's a thriving community, more so than ever before—and there's a direct relationship between the evolving transportation system and the community's growth."
That commitment to public service—to the public good—Roberts has demonstrated throughout his 50-year career won't stop in retirement. He plans to continue pursuing activities that leave him with the knowledge that, at the end of the day, he knows he's made a difference.
"I'd urge anyone looking for that kind of fulfillment to pursue a career with TxDOT," he says. "You don't have to be an engineer. The department needs all kinds of skillsets, all kinds of people, to fulfill its mission of serving Texans."
Any lessons to pass along as he steps into retirement?
"Don't force it," Roberts says. "Some folks think 'I have to do this and this and this…' You don't, really. Don't plan out everything; part of the fun of life is dealing with it as it comes."
Asked about specific plans, Roberts is somewhat coy but earnest in his enthusiasm. What was once a daily demand in the army—to be ready to move at a moment's notice—is now a calling to hit the road. He's looking forward to traveling the United States to experience new places and meet new people.
"I plan to take it easy for a while, but then I've got things I want to do," he says, smiling. "Like, spend time with friends and family, especially my grandchildren. I want to travel to other states." His smile broadens, and he winks. "But I'll try not to judge their roadways too harshly compared to Waco's."
Jake Smith
I-35 Public Information Officer
254-867-2705
Contact My35
