The State Highway Commission, created by the State Constitution of 1963, came into being in 1964 and Ferguson was named its first chairman. With a solid background in business and public affairs, he became the principal leader in steering the Commission on a non-political course that built on the successful programs that had made Michigan's highway system one of the nation's best. Concurrently, he fostered efforts to improve the operating efficiency of the Department of State highways. Publicly and privately, he led in creating a positive image for the Commission and the Department. Ferguson gave unstintingly of his time and expertise during his service on the Commission and continued in later years to be a strong and vocal advocate of good transportation for Michigan.