Tomlinson served as Transportation Secretary under Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry.
Despite this, Tomlinson did recommend that Oklahoma should continue to participate in the organization, citing future investment as his reason.
Tomlinson, who said he would continue to serve as Director of the Turnpike Authority, resigned due to his desire to reduce his workload.
Governor Henry appointed Gary Ridley, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, to succeed Tomlinson as Secretary.
[4] In October, 2009, Tomlinson resigned as Director of the Transportation Authority effective November 1, 2009.