The chairman of the Georgia Department of Transportation says Commissioner Vance Smith has resigned.

State Transportation Board Chairman Rudy Bowen says he accepted Smith's resignation on Wednesday. The Columbus, Ga., native served as a state representative from 1993 until he was elected DOT commissioner in 2009.

Prior to resigning, Smith appointed Operations Director Keith Golden as deputy commissioner in accordance with state law. Golden is a 25-year veteran of the transportation department and began his career with the agency in the planning department. He has held numerous management positions, most recently in traffic operations.

Golden will begin his new duties immediately, and Smith will remain as an advisor to the department until Dec. 31.

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