Kimberly Zimmer-Janeczko

Kimberly Zimmer (Janeczko) is the division administrator of transportation systems
management and operations with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Her connection to Michigan Tech began in high school when she attended Tech’s Summer Youth Program for Women in Engineering. She later graduated from Tech in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Following graduation, Zimmer spent three years working as a design engineer at a private firm in Midland, Michigan, before beginning her career in 1999 with MDOT. In 2001, Zimmer successfully completed her MBA from Central Michigan University, and in 2002, was promoted to MDOT’s cost and scheduling engineer for Bay City, Michigan. After eight years in Bay City, and seven more in Saginaw as traffic, safety, and operations engineer manager, Zimmer was promoted to manager of the MDOT’s Davison Transportation Service Center. In 2021, while serving as associate region engineer for operations, Zimmer received the Michigan Department of Transportation Director's Award, the department's highest employee honor for outstanding service.

"Kim's outstanding leadership and commitment to quality make her a cornerstone of public service," said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba, "Director's Award recipients like Kim help make MDOT the dynamic and responsive organization that it is, and we are all grateful for her service."

Zimmer, honored in the officials and administrators category, played a critical role in MDOT's response to the historic flooding in Midland and Gladwin counties. Still engaged in ongoing restoration efforts more than a year later, she maintained communication with the Federal Highway Administration to ensure MDOT and local agencies received all possible federal funds. Her efforts laid the groundwork for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to complete dam analysis and coordination with several other MDOT operations.

Beyond her professional work, Zimmer is an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of Michigan Tech. She has served two terms on the Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) Professional Advisory Board, frequently supported Tech’s College of Engineering, and actively promoted Michigan Tech to the next generation.

“Throughout my career, I have promoted STEM education, civil engineering, and MTU,” Zimmer said. ”I didn't have the exposure to engineering or MTU growing up. I want to help and inspire students by sharing my knowledge and experience, where they can choose a career that they are passionate about—and has impact and purpose.”

In January 2025, Zimmer was elected by the CEGE department to join the Distinguished Academy of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineers, which honors outstanding graduates of the department. Through volunteer outreach, Zimmer has served as one of the department’s most effective recruiters, participating in several student recruitment events, admissions virtual parent events, making classroom and Summer Youth Program visits, and attending numerous elementary, middle school, and high school events to encourage future Huskies to explore engineering.

Zimmer will be inducted into the Michigan Tech Presidential Council of Alumnae in November 2025.

Updated September 2025