RALEIGH — Transportation Secretary Tony Tata’s new motor vehicles commissioner is James Forte, who previously worked as an assistant commissioner at the state Division of Motor Vehicles.

Tata also announced Wednesday that La Nica Allison, who advised Gov. Pat McCrory’s transition team on transportation issues, will join DOT as deputy secretary for intergovernmental affairs.

“Both James and La Nica bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience from the public and private sectors. I am confident they will be assets to the department as we work to fulfill Governor McCrory’s vision to be more efficient, effective and customer-focused,” Tata said in a news release.

Forte’s career includes 25 years in state government. He will be paid $110,868 to oversee DMV.

Tata has not said how DMV will respond to a state attorney general’s opinion, issued Jan. 17, that said DMV should issue driver’s licenses to young illegal immigrants who have received work permits in a federal program that postpones their deportation for two years. DMV asked Attorney General Roy Cooper for the legal ruling in September.

Allison will be paid $106,754 to oversee policy, transportation planning and budget coordination for DOT. Her career includes 17 years in private business and consulting, including work as contractor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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