MBTA GM DePaola to retire

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Frank DePaola, who has served as general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) since February 2015, plans to retire after his current appointment expires on June 30.

 

Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack thanked DePaola in a letter to MBTA employees and announced that MBTA Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve would step into the role of acting general manager, effective July 1, with MBTA Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Gonneville assuming additional responsibilities at that time.

Secretary Pollack said, “I have already begun consultations with the members of the Fiscal and Management Control Board on how best to ensure that during the coming transition the MBTA continues to serve its customers safely and reliably, builds on the progress that has been made on financial stability and increases its investment in maintenance and capital assets.”

“It has been an honor to serve as general manager during this critical period and to work with so many dedicated colleagues and employees who have helped the MBTA improve service, become more resilient and fix the T’s aging assets,” DePaola said.

DePaola called the job of general manager “rewarding and relentless.” Referring to his battle with cancer, he added, “My decision to retire is a difficult one, but I cannot continue to spend the countless hours that the job demands while continuing needed treatment and focusing on my health.”

“Frank has been the kind of general manager that the MBTA needs, someone whose management style has helped the MBTA to increase the public’s confidence in the transit system’s performance while also leading the T workforce during a period of change,” said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. “On behalf of the Baker-Polito Administration, I want to express my appreciation to Frank for his work ethic and dedication.”

“Frank has always stepped up when his management and engineering skills were needed,” said Pollack.

Since assuming the leadership role of the MBTA in February 2015, DePaola has shared responsibility with Chief Administrator Shortsleeve, overseeing the MBTA departments responsible for operations, safety, systemwide accessibility and capital program delivery.

His accomplishments as general manager include improving service for MBTA riders, designing and implementing an $83-million Winter Resiliency program and ensuring that the renovation of Government Center Station was completed on time and on budget.

DePaola also supervised the Interim Project Management Team that re-designed the Green Line Extension Project after massive cost overruns led the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board and MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board to call for comprehensive changes in the project.

 

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