HARTFORD, CT (AP) Gov. M. Jodi Rell on July 28 nominated Ralph J. Carpenter, the Motor Vehicles Department (DMV) commissioner, for the top job at the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT).

She also chose Deputy DMV Commissioner William Ramirez of Waterbury to succeed Carpenter at ConnDOT.

Carpenter will replace DOT Commissioner Stephen E. Korta II, who is returning to his former position as aviation administrator at the DOT’s Bureau of Aviation and Ports.

Korta submitted a letter of resignation in early July. He said July 28 that it was always his intention to return to aviation.

Carpenter, of Canton, a 25-year veteran of the state police, was named DMV commissioner in 2005. He held a variety of positions for the state police, including trooper, department spokesman and head of the agency’s administrative services division.

“Ralph Carpenter has proven himself to be a smart, reform-minded leader,” Rell said. “I know he will be especially effective as we continue to implement our transportation improvement initiatives across our state.”

Carpenter said he looked forward to a new challenge at the DOT, which has 3,200 employees.

“I am eager to work with the talented, dedicated employees of this agency and know that they share my belief in serving Connecticut citizens in the most fair, open and trustworthy manner,” he said in a statement.

Rell also said she has “strong confidence” in Ramirez, who will oversee an agency with 850 employees.

All three will begin their new positions on Aug. 4.

Rell’s nominations of Carpenter and Ramirez must be approved by the legislature.

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