Organization
Management Profiles
Director:
Lewis Cooksey, P.E.
Lewis.Cooksey@GwinnettCounty.com
Lewis Cooksey was named Director of the Gwinnett Department of Transportation in 2020. He began his career with the department in 2008 as a Project Manager and advanced through various roles, including Engineering Coordinator, Deputy Director, and Assistant Director. In addition to his work in transportation, Cooksey contributed as Assistant Director in the Department of Water Resources. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Technology from Kennesaw State University (formerly Southern College of Technology). With over 25 years of experience as a registered professional engineer, Cooksey's expertise plays a key role in the continued success of the Gwinnett Department of Transportation.
Assistant Director:
Edgardo Aponte, P.E.
Edgardo.Aponte@GwinnettCounty.com
Edgardo Aponte was named Assistant Director of the Gwinnett Department of Transportation in 2023, after serving as Deputy Director of Capital Program Delivery. He joined the department in 2016 as the Preconstruction Division Director, bringing over 16 years of private-sector experience in transportation consulting, working with the Georgia Department of Transportation and various cities and counties. Edgardo’s commitment to public service is further demonstrated by his five years with the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority. He holds a Master’s in Engineering Management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Marquette University. A registered professional engineer in Georgia, Edgardo is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence in his work.
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. With more than 20 years of experience in public sector operations, she has led teams, developed business systems and organizational structures, and improved operational efficiency, safety, and service quality. China has been a key leader in connecting communities and enhancing mobility through her transit management work. One of her most notable accomplishments was expanding a transit system from 27 to 35 routes in Long Beach, California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Redlands and is an alumna of the Eno Center for Transportation Emerging Leaders Program. China is also an active 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 the Office of Roadways, Signals, and Aviation in 2023, after serving as Director of Operations and Maintenance since 2020. He joined Gwinnett Transportation in 2016 as Construction Manager, overseeing numerous SPLOST projects, and later became Resurfacing Manager, managing a $25 million annual budget. With over 16 years of experience in the private sector, Britton brings expertise in construction management, customer service, pre-construction estimation, and logistics. He holds a bachelor's degree in construction from Southern Polytechnic State University, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence.
Deputy Director, Safety, Mobility, and Business Services:
Natasha Tyler
Natasha.Tyler@GwinnettCounty.com
Natasha Tyler was named Deputy Director of Safety, Mobility, and Business Services in 2023, after previously serving as Transit Division Director for Gwinnett Transportation in 2021. She brings more than 15 years of experience in administration, safety, and operations within the transit industry, having also served as general manager for Transit. Natasha holds an associate degree in business management and is an active member of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), the leading national advocate for diversity and inclusion in the transportation sector. She is committed to fostering innovation and advancing diversity within the industry.
Deputy Director, Transportation Planning, Design, and Construction:
Erica Brizzee, P.E.
Erica.Brizzee@GwinnettCounty.com
Erica Brizzee was named Deputy Director of Transportation Planning, Design, and Construction in 2024. With nearly 15 years of experience, she specializes in the design of land development, transportation, and water resources projects, alongside extensive expertise in construction and project management. Prior to joining Gwinnett Transportation, Erica successfully managed a transportation sales tax program in South Carolina. She holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Building Construction from the Georgia Institute of Technology, focusing on integrated project delivery. As a registered professional engineer, Erica is actively involved in professional organizations, serving on the Membership Committee of the Southeastern Stormwater Association and as 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 Operations, bringing a wealth of experience in both air-carrier and general aviation airports. His aviation career includes significant roles at San Jose International Airport, Reno Air Airlines, and three general aviation airports operated by Santa Clara County. Matt holds a bachelor's degree in Aviation Operations with a minor in Business. Actively engaged in the aviation community, he is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives, the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, and the Georgia Airports Association. Matt is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives and a licensed private pilot, recognized for his industry expertise.
Division Director, Construction:
Brittney J. Woodside
Brittney.Woodside@GwinnettCounty.com
Brittney Woodside was named Division Director of Construction in 2019. She joined Gwinnett Transportation in 2014 as a Construction Manager and was promoted to Program Coordinator for the Capital Program Delivery Preconstruction Division in 2016. Brittney began her career in the public sector as a Construction Inspector with the City of Roswell Public Works Department. Throughout her career, she has honed her expertise in construction management, with a focus on stormwater and roadway construction, permitting, and contract management. Brittney holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy from Eckerd College and 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. He joined Gwinnett Transportation as a Project Manager in 2007 and was promoted to Division Director of the Preconstruction Division in 2008. With over 20 years of experience in engineering, construction, and program management, John brings a wealth of expertise to his role. As a registered professional engineer, he holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Georgia State University and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Division Director, Pre-Construction:
Michelle Arnold, AICP, P.E.
Michelle.Arnold@GwinnettCounty.com
Michelle Arnold was named Division Director of Pre-Construction in 2023. She joined Gwinnett Transportation in 2022 as Senior Engineer for the Transportation Planning Section. During her tenure, Michelle made significant contributions by reviewing traffic impact studies, managing grant pursuits, and supporting various planning efforts. With dual bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Science and Civil Engineering from Calvin University and Florida State University, respectively, and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University, Michelle’s educational background is highly impressive. Additionally, her affiliations with the American Institute of Certified Planners and her licensure as a Professional Engineer in both Florida and Georgia highlight her commitment to excellence in her field.
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 starting in 2021. Jeff joined Gwinnett in 2019 as the Development Inspections Coordinator for Planning and Development. With 25 years of experience in site development and the building industry, he has made significant contributions to the department. Jeff’s diverse background also 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 include a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Additionally, Jeff holds professional qualifications as a registered landscape architect and a certified arborist.
Division Director, Traffic Operations:
Kristin Phillips, P.E.
Kristin.Phillips@GwinnettCounty.com
Kristin Phillips was named Division Director of Traffic Operations in 2022. She joined Gwinnett Transportation in 2018 as the Chief Engineer of Traffic Signals and was promoted to Section Manager of Traffic Signals in 2021. Prior to her tenure at Gwinnett, Kristin spent over 15 years in the private sector, providing transportation consulting services for local and state agencies in Georgia and Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Michigan State University and a Master of Engineering from Texas A&M University. Kristin is a registered professional engineer in both Georgia and Michigan and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Georgia Section of the Institute of Transportation 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 joined Gwinnett’s Department of Transportation in 2019 as a Program Delivery Project Coordinator and was promoted to Section Manager of the Traffic Safety and Support Division in 2021. With more than 13 years of service to Gwinnett County, Sylvia previously worked as a lieutenant for Community Risk Reduction with Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services and as a Community Outreach Coordinator for the County Administrator’s Office. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and a master’s degree in business administration. Sylvia is actively involved in community service, mentoring middle school girls through the Hispanic Mentoring Priority program and serving on various local boards. In 2016, she was honored with the Personajes Destacados award by Mundo Hispanico for her contributions to local government.
Division Director, Planning:
Jerry T. Oberholtzer, AICP
Jerry.Oberholtzer@GwinnettCounty.com
Jerry Oberholtzer was named Division Director of Planning in 2023. He first joined Gwinnett Transportation in 2021 as the Section Manager of Transportation Planning. With over 15 years of experience, Jerry has held various roles in land use, zoning, and development across Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, and the city of Dunwoody. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Clemson University and a certificate in Local Government Leadership from the University of Georgia. Jerry is a certified planner, recognized by the American Institute of Certified Planners, and is an active member of the American Planning Association.
Division Director, Transit:
Margo Moore
Margo.Moore@GwinnettCounty.com
Margo Moore was appointed Transit Division Director in 2024, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the transit industry. She began her career managing national call center projects before advancing into leadership roles with First Transit in Seattle and Portland, overseeing paratransit operations, commuter trains, light rail, and fixed routes. At TriMet, she served as Director of Accessible Transportation Programs, leading initiatives in paratransit facility development, microtransit expansion, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) deployment. Moore is actively involved with several industry organizations and holds White, Yellow, Green, and Black Sigma Belts.