Lonell Shalkowski never gives up. Whatever the task at hand is, it is neither too big nor too small for her to follow it through to the end.
As the Acting Maintenance Services Engineer at PennDOT District 4-0, she provides decision making leadership by directing the District’s six counties on budgeting, planning and scheduling of all department force maintenance work on state owned bridges and roadways.
She is responsible for the efficiency of the District Maintenance Services Unit and its supporting sections which include: Plant Maintenance, Fleet Equipment, Strategic Environmental Management Program (SEMP), Municipal Services and Roadside Rests.
In addition, Shalkowski serves as Emergency Management Coordinator and directs counties during emergency events and disaster recovery, while acting as a commander in the District Incident Command Center and coordinates with PennDOT central office and PEMA.
She ensures proper staffing for winter related events and decides the implementation of speed reductions on all area interstates during winter weather events.
The engineer earned her bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, and her professional engineer’s license in the state of Pennsylvania.
Currently her mentor is Jonathan A. Eboli, P.E., assistant district executive of maintenance at PennDOT District 4-0 who has taught her the importance of stepping outside of her comfort zone to grow professionally and personally. He also taught her how to lead others by setting a good example.
Shalkowski attributes her success in life to hard work, dedication, and support from her family and others in her life.
She was awarded the PennDOT 2021 Star of Excellence award; and the 2018 and 2022 PennDOT ERNIE (Employee Recognition for New Ideas, Initiative, and Excellence) awards. She completed PennDOT’s LEAD (Leadership Education Achievement and Development) program for women in the Department.
She successfully organizes PennDOT District 4-0’s Holiday Wish program each year for underprivileged kids at Christmas. More than $3,000 is raised each year for this program. She also has served as a co-organizer for a charity golf outing to raise funds for the Holiday Wish program.
The executive organizes multiple projects, initiatives, and customer care complaints in all six of the District’s counties.
She also provides customer service to all customers covering District 4’s 2,000 bridges and over 4,000 miles of roads.