Employee news
D8 State Aid
Bill Knofczynski
Bill Knofczynski, District 8 State Aid Assistant, will retire on February 3rd after nearly 40 years with MnDOT. Bill began his career in Golden Valley Construction in 1986 and moved to District 8 in 1997. He has served as a construction inspector, office manager, construction supervisor, and DSAA since 2015.
We thank Bill for his many years of service and wish him the best in retirement!
Irene Aguilar
We are pleased to announce Irene Aguilar as the new District 8 State Aid Assistant (ESS). Irene will transition into this role following Bill Knofczynski's retirement.
Irene brings nine years of construction engineering experience, including seven years with MnDOT, along with prior work at Bolton & Menk and Mathiowetz Construction. Her background includes construction contract administration, design, surveys, and project management. Irene holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Please join us in welcoming Irene to her new role!
Metro State Aid
Phil Bergem
Phil Bergem, State Aid Cooperative Agreements Engineer, will retire on February 5th after more than 16 years with MnDOT. Phil began his career as a Design Engineer in District 2 in 2009 and joined Metro State Aid in 2012.
Following retirement, Phil plans to move to Fergus Falls to a property homesteaded by his great-grandfather and enjoy traveling with his wife. Their first big adventure will be a trip to Spain in August to witness a total solar eclipse.
We thank Phil for his dedication and wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter!
Ken Slama
We are excited to welcome Ken Slama as Metro State Aid’s new Cooperative Agreements Engineer. Ken started on January 13 and will take over for Phil Bergem following his retirement.
Ken brings extensive experience from his work in Districts 1, 3, and Metro in Construction and Project Management. Outside of work, Ken enjoys fishing, hunting, cooking, gardening, and staying active at the gym.
Please join us in welcoming Ken to the team!
State Aid Bridge
Beth Klemann
State Aid Bridge is pleased to announce Beth Klemann as the new State Aid Bridge Hydraulics Engineer. Beth brings over 25 years of experience as a professional engineer with extensive experience in highway design, environmental documentation, research, and maintenance.
For the past two years, Beth has worked in the Bridge Office as a Hydraulics Support Engineer, where she updated the MnDOT Drainage Manual, represented Hydraulics on the MnDOT Digital Delivery Committee, and advised hydraulic design staff statewide on complex projects.
Please join us in congratulating Beth on her new role!