Will Kempton, assistant city manager of Folsom, CA, has been named to head the California Department of Transportation, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office announced recently.

“An extensive and reliable infrastructure, especially in transportation, is essential to a strong economy and a favorable business climate – top priorities of mine for California,” the governor said in a written statement. “Will brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and practical experience to the Department of Transportation.”

Kempton, 57, is a Democrat with an extensive background in transportation issues. He previously worked at Caltrans and served as executive director of the Santa Clara County Traffic Authority in San Jose, CA.

Before he took the position with Folsom, he served as a partner in the firm of Smith, Kempton & Watts, a consulting firm that works with transportation issues and other infrastructure programs.