Caltrans chief hired as O.C.'s new transportation director [UPDATED]

The Orange County Transportation Authority hired a new chief executive officer today -- the head of Caltrans.

Will Kempton has headed the California Department of Transportation for the last five years, overseeing 50,000 miles of state highways and directing $10 billion worth of transportation projects. He was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Kempton has worked in the transportation industry for 35 years. He lives in Folsom but indicated he will move to Orange County. He will earn $255,00 a year to head OCTA. As the head of Caltrans, he earned roughly $150,000 a year.

He replaces former OCTA Chief Executive Art Leahy, who now heads the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

-- My-Thuan Tran