Joel DeNunzio, P.E.

VDOT Names New Staunton District Engineer   Staunton, VA (Jan. 7, 2026) - The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has named Joel DeNunzio, P.E., as its new Staunton District Engineer. DeNunzio has more than 34 years of VDOT experience, most recently as Maintenance Engineer for the Staunton District. In that capacity he was responsible for delivering the district maintenance program to include emergency response, severe weather planning, development and tracking of the annual maintenance budget, and management of the interstate program. He also led the district safety program and bridge program. “This is a tremendous opportunity and challenge,” said DeNunzio. “Maintenance is at the core of VDOT’s mission, and we are very serious about providing a safe and reliable transportation network for all roadway users.” As Staunton District Engineer, DeNunzio will oversee planning, design, construction, maintenance and operations for 11 counties and seven cities in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. The district is home to about 600,000 people and over 670 VDOT employees. “It is an exciting time to be part of what VDOT is doing,” DeNunzio said. “Our district has well over a billion dollars’ worth of new construction under way or about to be advertised. This includes four major construction projects on I-81 – the most work the interstate has seen since it was first built.” DeNunzio began his VDOT service as an Engineering Technician in Central Office (CO). From there he took on multiple engineering roles with increasing levels of responsibility within CO before transitioning to the Charlotteville Residency as an Area Land Use Engineer and then Resident Engineer. “Joel has excelled through a career with steadily increasing levels of responsibility,” said VDOT Chief Deputy Commissioner Cathy McGhee, P.E. “He combines engineering expertise with a tremendous ability to relate to people and a deep commitment to serving the Commonwealth.” DeNunzio earned a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Virginia and is a licensed professional engineer. He began his new role on Dec. 25. The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties. Find the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X and follow VDOT statewide social media accounts. News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website.

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