Retired Gen. Joe Weber, a vice president at Texas A&M University, was selected April 4 as the new executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation.

Weber took over April 23 with a salary of $273,000, according to TxDOT documents. He replaces former Executive Director Phil Wilson, who left in December to lead the Lower Colorado River Authority to replace outgoing General Manager Becky Motal.

The Texas Transportation Commission—the governing body for TxDOT—voted to approve Weber as the new department head during a special-called meeting April 4.

"We are thrilled to have a leader with such stature and experience join the TxDOT team and be part of this great organization," TTC Chairman Ted Houghton said in a news release. "Gen. Weber is the right person at the right time to make a great agency even better."

Weber left his post as vice president of student affairs for Texas A&M, where he is also a graduate. In addition, he has a master's degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas.

At Texas A&M, Weber was in charge of strategic planning, direction and development of fiscal and human resources. He also was responsible for crisis management and oversight of more than 900 student organizations.

Weber served 36 years in the military and was a lieutenant general in the United States Marine Corps where he was responsible for more than 75,000 marines and sailors. His other duties involved training, education and combat readiness of those in the military.

"As TxDOT continues its transformation in becoming a best-in-class agency, Gen. Weber is the right fit for this department," Commissioner Jeff Moseley said in a news release. "The general's proven track record and collaborative nature will help the department work even more closely with the Legislature and other key transportation stakeholders."