The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) team of nearly four dozen serving the Hollis Crossroads District relies on its leaders.
Administrator William Whaley believes they bring unity to the job and provide a high level of efficiency to the taxpayers.
“They’ll complete a goal and they’re not wasting time. They go out there with the same mindset, well, let’s go get it done,” Whaley said.
Visible accomplishments have always motivated Whaley, who came to ALDOT in 2002.
Always fascinated with construction projects growing up, he decided to tap into his math skills to oversee state highway projects. Serving as the District 44 Administrator since 2021, he takes pride in what he and his crew accomplish.
“Seeing something finished and being able to ride down the road and say, hey, yeah, I worked on that,” Whaley said.
For example, his team helped widen the I-20 ramps at Exits 199 and 205 this year.
He claimed by completing such significant jobs, he is continuing to show them how self-sufficient the district can be.
“I’m proud of them for that and just being like willing to try the new things to go out and be able to sustain the district without having outside help,” Whaley said.
District 44 covers all of Cleburne and Clay Counties, along with more than half of Randolph County. Serving such a large geographical area comes with its challenges, though.
Whaley said when a storm hits, the mostly rural region sees its share of trees knocked down by strong winds.
“We’re so spread out. So, when we get a tree go down in south Clay County, it takes me a little bit longer to get a crew up,” Whaley said.
He manages a total of 45 people in five areas, including 15 in maintenance.
Whaley touts his district as the only one with both a weigh station and a welcome center. Eddie Bolt is the Superintendent over each.
As one of his most veteran employees, Whaley spotlighted Bolt’s many years managing the award-winning I-20 welcome center.
“He kept that thing running. You know, he just got award after award, being able to maintain that welcome center and the weigh station.”
In fact, the prized welcome center is undergoing a major facelift through February 2027.
Mary Louise Minnifield is another priceless member of Whaley’s District 44 squad. With more than two dozen years as an Administrative Assistant, her wealth of knowledge has even earned her the nickname, Mama Minnifield.
“I don’t have to worry about having fuel, she’s over the warehouse, or ordering things for the warehouse. I don’t have to worry about those things,” Whaley said.
Moving forward, Whaley wants his district’s driving public to know he and those leaders under him strive to serve their needs daily.
“I like to be able to get a call from somebody in the public and if it’s something I can get to, I like to know that I’ve made a difference that day,” Whaley said.
