John M. Agrey Award
2004 Recipient
Ray Zink
During Ray Zink's more than 40 years with the North Dakota DOT, he worked effectively with three governors, four NDDOT directors, members of both political parties and the workers of the DOT.
During his career he implemented major reforms within the department. He created the "master equipment operator" position which was instrumental in slowing turnover in the ranks of equipment operators and reinstating pride with in the maintenance force. He also led the consolidation of maintenance sections leading to more efficient, productive employees and workstations. Finally, he established the low-load program to preserve the highway system by limiting the weight of tractor-trailer vehicles.
Originally from Bordulac, N.D., Zink earned a B.S. in engineering from North Dakota State University in 1959. He began his career with the N.D. DOT that same year as a draftsman and eventually became the department's chief engineer. He retired in 1999 as deputy director for engineering policy and director of the office of highway operations. After his retirement he was involved in transportation-related consulting work.
Zink also served as vice-chair of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standing Committee on Highways. He also served on the AASHTO Committee for National Cooperative Highway Research Programs.
Zink and his wife, Alita, have four children and live in Bismarck.
