Longtime Georgia Department of Transportation executive Russell McMurry was elected Tuesday to be its new commissioner, effective immediately.

McMurry, a Hart County native, has worked for Georgia DOT for 25 years — joining in 1990 as a civil engineering trainee. In his new post, he will oversee a budget in excess of $2 billion and more than 4,100 employees.

“I will give my best to continue the great teamwork we have here at Georgia DOT — and it is a truly great team, 4,110 people strong — to put our best foot forward and do our very best always for the people of Georgia,” McMurry said.

McMurry served in a variety of roles, from construction project manager to design engineer to Northeast Georgia district engineer for five years.

He succeeds Keith Golden who served as commissioner for nearly three years.