MassDOT Board names DePaola interim MBTA GM
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
The Massachusetts Department of Transporations(MassDOT) Board of Directors voted unanimously to make Frank DePaola, currently serving as highway administrator and MassDOT's chief operating officer, interim general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), effective March 4, 2015.
“I am pleased to announce that the board of directors has unanimously agreed to appoint Frank DePaola interim general manager as we undergo a period of transition with the MBTA,” said Secretary Pollack. “With the depth and breadth of Frank’s experience as an engineer, a manager and a problem-solver, I have full confidence that he has the skill sets and capabilities to serve as interim general manager.”
Starting in the field of engineering nearly 38 years ago, DePaola’s career track includes experience in several disciplines within the field. One of those disciplines started in May 2009, when DePaola was named MBTA assistant general manager for design and construction. DePaola served in that capacity until April 2011, when he was named MassDOT’s highway administrator, responsible for the operations, maintenance and capital investments on the State Highway System. In November 2014, DePaola was named acting secretary of MassDOT until Jan. 13, 2015, when a permanent placement was made.
“I want to thank the Board of Directors for their trust in my abilities and I am excited to take on this critical role at the MBTA,” DePaola said. “I also look forward to assisting with the Special Panel’s search to get to the root cause of the issues our transit system faces. Once the issues are diagnosed, I look forward to helping implement a strategy to restore our system to full strength and restoring our customers’ faith in our ability to provide safe, reliable, efficient transit service.”
“I cannot think of a better, more qualified person to take the reins immediately and provide the necessary leadership to move our transit system in the right direction,” said MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott. “I can leave this job I’ve loved, knowing that MBTA customers as well as employees are in very capable hands and I look forward to working with Frank during the transition process.”
