The North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division is officially under new leadership, but the man in charge has been at the helm for some time.
John E. “Jed” Dixon, of Manteo, who has been with the division for 21 years, moved Friday from his role as interim director to director.
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Dixon replaces previous director Harold Thomas, who retired in July after serving in the position since 2011. Dixon, who became interim director in August, has been division’s deputy director since 2012.
“I’m honored to be offered this opportunity,” Dixon said Friday in a statement. “I’ve been with the division a long time, so I know just how important the Ferry Division is to the people in this area. I’m happy to be stepping into this role so I can put my experience to use, providing the best service we can for all our customers.”
Dixon will oversee the operation of 23 ferries and about 400 full-time and 100 seasonal workers. The Ferry Division operates seven year-round routes across the Currituck and Pamlico sounds, the Cape Fear, Neuse and Pamlico rivers and Hatteras Inlet, as well as a seasonal passenger ferry route between Hatteras and Ocracoke.
Dixon, 48, has laid out priorities including improvements to the system’s efficiency, while maintaining routes and dependable service for the commuters, tourists and others who rely upon the state ferries.
Dixon said he’s also a strong believer in advocating for the division staff.
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“Our employees can expect to get a supportive leader who will make sure we are a professional organization and that everyone will have the tools to do their jobs successfully,” Dixon said.
Julie White, NCDOT’s deputy secretary for multimodal transportation, said that she chose Dixon for his institutional knowledge and experience.
“Jed has a keen understanding of the challenges facing the system including recruiting, developing and retaining a strong workforce, maintaining our vessels, facilities, and shore side assets, and keeping our routes safe and operable amidst many environmental challenges,” White said. “He has great vision for the future of the division and the investments needed to fulfill our mission of robust, reliable service.”
Dixon has a bachelor’s in marine transportation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Aside from his time with the Ferry Division, Dixon has worked as a general contractor and was the captain of an offshore supply boat supporting oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
