Organization
Management Profiles
Director:
Lewis Cooksey, P.E.
Lewis.Cooksey@GwinnettCounty.com
Lewis Cooksey was appointed as director of the Gwinnett Department of Transportation in 2020. With a substantial career within the department, Cooksey's progression started in 2008 as a project manager. Over the years, he excelled in various roles, including engineering coordinator, deputy director, and assistant director. Beyond transportation, Cooksey contributed as an assistant director in the Department of Water Resources. Armed with a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering Technology from Kennesaw State University (Southern College of Technology), Cooksey brings a formidable educational background to his leadership. As a registered professional engineer with over 25 years of experience in civil engineering, his expertise significantly contributes to the success of the Gwinnett Department of Transportation.
Assistant Director:
Edgardo Aponte, P.E.
Edgardo.Aponte@GwinnettCounty.com
Edgardo Aponte assumed the role of Assistant Director of the Gwinnett Department of Transportation in 2023, building on his previous position as deputy director of Capital Program Delivery. Aponte's journey with the Gwinnett Department of Transportation began in 2016 when he joined as the preconstruction division director, bringing over 16 years of private sector expertise in transportation consulting for entities such as the Georgia Department of Transportation, cities, and counties. His dedication to public service is highlighted by five years of valuable contributions to the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority. Aponte holds a master's degree in engineering management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Marquette University. His commitment to professional excellence is underscored by his registration as a professional engineer in Georgia.
Director, Transit Planning and Capital Projects:
China Thomas
China.Thomas@GwinnettCounty.com
China Thomas was named director of Transit Planning and Capital Projects in 2021. For over two decades, Thomas has coached, motivated, and developed teams; established business systems, processes, and organizational structures; increased operational efficiency and system safety and service quality. Thomas has been a significant leader in connecting communities and moving people through her operational management background in the public sector. Her most significant career accomplishment was expanding a transit system from 27 routes to 35 routes in Long Beach, California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Redlands. Thomas is an alumna of the Eno Center for Transportation Emerging Leaders Program and a member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar Los Angeles Chapter and the California Transit Association.
Deputy Director, Roadways, Signals, and Aviation:
Britton Lockhart
Britton.Lockhart@GwinnettCounty.com
Britton Lockhart was named deputy director of Office of Roadways, Signals, and Aviation in 2023, after serving as Operations and Maintenance Division director since late 2020. Joining Gwinnett Transportation in 2016 as construction manager, he oversaw numerous SPLOST projects and later became resurfacing manager, handling a $25 million annual budget. With over 16 years of private sector experience, Lockhart excels in construction management, customer service, pre-construction estimation, and logistics. He holds a bachelor's degree in construction from Southern Polytechnic State University, highlighting his commitment to professional excellence.
Deputy Director, Safety, Mobility, and Business Services:
Natasha Tyler
Natasha.Tyler@GwinnettCounty.com
Natasha Tyler assumed the role of deputy director of Safety, Mobility, and Business Services in 2023, following her appointment as division director of Transit at Gwinnett Transportation in 2021. With a career spanning over 15 years in administration, safety, and operations within the transit sector, Tyler's expertise was honed through her previous position as general manager for Transit. In addition to her extensive professional background, Tyler holds an associate degree in business management. Actively engaged in fostering diversity and innovation within the transit industry, she aspires to contribute a diverse and innovative perspective to this dynamic field. As part of her commitment to diversity and inclusion, Tyler is a proud member of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). COMTO serves as the foremost national advocate for promoting diversity, inclusion, and contracting opportunities within the multi-modal, multi-billion-dollar transportation industry. Tyler's involvement with COMTO reflects her dedication to advancing these crucial principles in the realm of transportation.
Deputy Director, Transportation Planning, Design, and Construction:
Erica Brizzee
Erica.Brizzee@GwinnettCounty.com
Erica Brizzee was appointed deputy director of Transportation Planning, Design, and Construction in 2024. Bringing nearly 15 years of expertise to the role, she specializes in the design of land development, transportation, and water resources projects, along with robust experience in construction and design project management. Before joining Gwinnett Transportation, Brizzee successfully managed a transportation sales tax program in South Carolina. Her educational background includes a degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in building construction from the Georgia Institute of Technology, with a specific focus on integrated project delivery. As a registered professional engineer, Brizzee actively participates in professional organizations. She serves on the membership committee of the Southeastern Stormwater Association and is a member of the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
Division Director, Airport:
Matt Smith
Matthew.Smith@GwinnettCounty.com
Matt Smith assumed the role of division director of Airport. With a comprehensive background in both air-carrier and general aviation airports, Smith's aviation journey includes notable experiences with San Jose International Airport, Reno Air Airlines, and three general aviation airports operated by Santa Clara County. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in aviation operations with a minor in business. Actively involved in the aviation community, he is a member of prominent organizations such as the American Association of Airport Executives, the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, and the Georgia Airports Association. Recognized for his expertise, Smith holds a certified member status with the American Association of Airport Executives and is also a certified private pilot.
Division Director, Construction:
Brittney J. Bulfinch
Brittney.Bulfinch@GwinnettCounty.com
Brittney Bulfinch was named division director of Construction in 2019. Her tenure with Gwinnett Transportation began in 2014 when she joined as a Construction Manager. Recognizing her capabilities, she was subsequently promoted to Program Coordinator for the Capital Program Delivery Preconstruction Division in 2016.Bulfinch's career in the public sector commenced as a Construction Inspector with the City of Roswell Public Works Department. Over the years, she has diligently honed her construction management skills in both public and private sector positions, with a focus on stormwater and roadway construction, permitting, and contract management. Holding a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy from Eckerd College, Bulfinch brings a wealth of knowledge to her role, contributing significantly to the success of Gwinnett Transportation.
Division Director, Finance & Performance Management:
John Ray, P.E.
John Ray was named division director of Finance & Performance Management in 2016. Gwinnett Transportation hired Ray as a project manager in 2007. He was promoted to division director of the Preconstruction Division in 2008. Ray has more than 20 years of experience in engineering, construction, and program management. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Georgia State University and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Division Director, Pre-Construction:
Michelle Arnold, AICP, PE
Michelle.Arnold@GwinnettCounty.com
Division Director, Roadways Maintenance & Construction:
Jeffery Charlton
Jeffery.Charlton@GwinnettCounty.com
Jeff Charlton was named division director of Roadways Maintenance & Construction in 2023. Prior to this, he served as a construction manager in the Department of Water Resources since 2021. His journey with Gwinnett began in 2019 when Planning and Development welcomed him as the development inspections coordinator. Bringing with him 25 years of experience from the site development and building industries, Charlton has made significant contributions. Notably, Charlton's diverse background includes military service as an active-duty field artillery surveyor in the United States Army, followed by a role as a Georgia national guard chaplain. His educational credentials comprise a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia and a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Furthermore, Charlton holds professional qualifications as a registered landscape architect and a certified arborist.
Division Director, Traffic Operations:
Kristin Phillips
Kristin.Phillips@GwinnettCounty.com
Kristin Phillips was named division director of Traffic Operations in 2022. Gwinnett Transportation hired Phillips as the chief engineer of Traffic Signals in 2018. In 2021, Phillips was promoted to section manager of Traffic Signals. Prior to joining Gwinnett, she worked in the private sector for more than 15 years performing transportation consulting work for local and state agencies in Georgia and Wisconsin. Phillips holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Michigan State University and a Master of Engineering from Texas A&M University. She is a registered professional engineer in the states of Georgia and Michigan and a member of several professional organizations, including the Georgia Section of the Institute Transportation of Engineers and the Intelligent Transportation Society of Georgia.
Division Director, Traffic Studies:
Sylvia Goalen
Sylvia.Goalen@GwinnettCounty.com
Sylvia Goalen was named division director of Traffic Studies in 2022. She started with the Department of Transportation in June 2019, serving as program delivery project coordinator before she was promoted to section manager of the Traffic Safety and Support Division in July 2021. Goalen has served Gwinnett for more than 13 years. Prior to joining the Department of Transportation, she served as a lieutenant for Community Risk Reduction with Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services and as community outreach coordinator for the County Administrator’s Office. Goalen holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and a master’s degree in business administration. She also volunteers and serves on various boards around the county, including the Hispanic Mentoring Priority, where she mentors middle school girls and encourages them to reach their full potential. Goalen was also awarded the Personajes Destacados award for her work in local government by Mundo Hispanico in 2016.
Division Director, Planning:
Jerry T. Oberholtzer, AICP
Jerry.Oberholtzer@GwinnettCounty.com
Jerry Oberholtzer was named division director of Planning in 2023. He initially joined Gwinnett Transportation as the section manager of Transportation Planning back in 2021. Throughout his 15-year professional journey, Oberholtzer has occupied a variety of roles encompassing land use, zoning, and development across Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, and the city of Dunwoody. Oberholtzer’s educational background comprises a bachelor’s degree in political science from Clemson University, complemented by a certificate in Local Government Leadership obtained from the University of Georgia. His affiliations include membership in the American Planning Association, and he bears the distinction of being a certified planner, acknowledged by the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Division Director, Transit:
Margo Moore
Margo.Moore@GwinnettCounty.com
Margo Moore was appointed transit division director in 2024. With more than 20 years of experience in transit, she began her career as a project manager overseeing the construction of call centers nationwide including Bancorp in Texas, Discover Card in Arizona, and Verizon in Georgia. In Seattle, Washington, Margo was the operations manager for a paratransit call center at First Transit and was responsible for scheduling, reservations, and dispatch. She was later promoted to senior general manager for First Transit in Portland, Oregon, managing a comprehensive accessible transportation program with 312 buses, commuter trains, light rail, and fixed routes. Margo was then promoted to director of Accessible Transportation Programs for Trimet, where she collaborated with contractors to establish new paratransit facilities, implement microtransit zones, deploy a BRT system, and procure transit vehicles and light rail trains. She is actively involved in the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, the American Public Transportation Association, and the National Minority Women Association in Transportation, Inc. Margo also holds four Sigma Belts — white, yellow, green, and black.
