New Toward Zero Deaths coordinator named for South Central Minnesota

MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has named Jessica Devens-Rodning as the new Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) coordinator for the South Central region, which includes 13 counties in south central and the southwest corner of Minnesota.

Toward Zero Deaths is a traffic safety program that works in partnership with members from education, enforcement, emergency services, and engineering, as well as everyone in the community, to implement programs and activities with the common goal of reducing serious injury crashes and traffic fatalities in Minnesota. As regional coordinator, Devens-Rodning will represent the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety in promoting the TZD program’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.

Devens-Rodning holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and applied organizational studies from Minnesota State University Mankato. She most recently worked as a consultation services provider for MRCI in Mankato, serving as a primary relationship manager for clients and families. She also served as a regional outreach manager for the Epilepsy foundation of Minnesota where she provided education, advocacy, and access to services.

“Jessica comes to this TZD coordinator position with an excellent background in education, cultivating relationships, and leadership,” said Greg Ous, district engineer for MnDOT District 7. “Her experience will be valuable as she works closely with coalitions, stakeholders, and community groups to reduce serious and fatal crashes in our region.”

Devens-Rodning will serve as the primary contact for the public seeking information about the Toward Zero Deaths program in South Central Minnesota. She can be reached at 507-720-2101 or jessica.rodning@state.mn.us.

For more information about TZD, visit www.minnesotatzd.org.

###