SEPTA names new deputy GM
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has promoted Richard Burnfield to deputy general manager. He will also continue to serve as SEPTA's treasurer, a position he has held for the past seven years. He will report directly to General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel.
Over the course of his 36-year career at SEPTA, Burnfield has focused on transforming financial business practices, introducing strategic planning innovation and advancing critical investment in SEPTA’s assets. Prior to becoming chief financial officer, he served as senior director of budgets and manager of capital budgets. Burnfield’s career in public transit began when he started working for the New Jersey Transit Corp.
Under Burnfield’s leadership, SEPTA has achieved balanced budgets for 16 consecutive years – often in the face of uncertain funding support. With a focus on business innovation, his staff has introduced many initiatives including the largest station naming rights program in the United States and an award winning sustainability program.
“The skills, talent and expertise Rich brings to the general manager team, and the authority as a whole, are invaluable,” said Knueppel, who was named the new general manager last month. “I’m thrilled to have Rich as our new deputy general manager.”
In his new role, Burnfield will oversee SEPTA divisions and departments responsible for financial efficiency, resource management, business partnership development, employee development, labor relations, communications and information technology. His treasurer duties include managing the authority’s financial interests, such as the $1.3 billion operating budget and $534 million capital budget.
