MBTA GM appointed MassDOT Secretary and CEO

Written by jrood

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has appointed Richard Davey as Secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, effective September 1. Davey will replace outgoing MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan, who last month announced his decision to resign in order to return to the private sector. "Rich has a proven record of commitment to safety and customer service, along with an energetic leadership style that will allow him to hit the ground running in continuing to implement transportation reform at MassDOT," said Governor Patrick. "I look forward to working with Rich and want to express my deep appreciation for Jeff Mullan's passion and outstanding service to the citizens of the Commonwealth." Since March 2010, Davey has served as MassDOT's rail and transit administrator and as general manager of the MBTA. As GM, Davey has overseen an increase in MBTA ridership that hit a record 379 million unlinked passenger trips in the year ending June 30. He has made safety for customers and employees his highest priority, starting an MBTA Safety Hotline to encourage employee reporting of safety concerns. Davey started customer service programs including "Where's the Bus, Subway, and Commuter Rail" Open Data Initiative to encourage development of smart phone applications at minimal cost to the MBTA. The Open Data Initiative alone has led to the creation of more than two dozen apps for smart phones and other hand-held devices, giving thousands of commuters real-time information on transit services. Davey also convened regular "Join the GM" customer outreach visits to MBTA stations and other facilities across the state in an effort to bring transparency and openness to the T. "I am honored by Governor Patrick's appointment and promise to build on the demonstrated commitment of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to create a unified transportation enterprise that puts safety first, serves the customer and makes the most efficient use of our resources," said Davey. "I am fortunate to follow Jeff Mullan and benefit from his mentorship in taking on this responsibility. As the first Secretary of MassDOT, Jeff has brought a depth of knowledge and boundless energy to the task, and I join the Governor and Lieutenant Governor in wishing him well." In his role as Secretary and CEO of MassDOT, Davey will be responsible for day-to-day management of the transportation organization created by the Transportation Reform legislation signed by Governor Patrick in June 2009.

Tags: