Paul Wiedefeld named WMATA CEO

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has named Paul Wiedefeld general manager and chief executive officer. Wiedefeld will be formally appointed at WMATA's next board of directors meeting November 19.

 

“This board is very pleased to have a senior executive of Wiedefeld’s caliber who will help us build a new standard of safety, reliability and financial stability for our system,” said WMATA Board of Directors Chairman Mort Downey. “Paul brings to WMATA a depth of transportation knowledge and regional experience and we are absolutely united in our support for him. The board will continue in our governance and oversight role in a manner that helps Paul succeed in running the day-to-day operations of WMATA to better serve our riders, rebuild faith in management and restore credibility with stakeholders.”

Wiedefeld, brings 30 years of public and private sector transportation management experience, formerly serving as chief executive officer of the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where he managed the operations of an airport that served a record 22.7 million passengers in 2012. During his prior service as BWI CEO, Wiedefeld oversaw the largest expansion in the airport’s history including the design and construction of a 26-gate terminal for Southwest airlines; as well as providing air service, customer service and increasing airport revenues. He is credited with leading BWI’s growth as the busiest passenger airport in the Washington metropolitan region.

“I am humbled and excited to learn of the board’s unanimous support, but believe it is inappropriate to comment further until the board takes its final action at the November 19 meeting,” said Wiedefeld.

Prior to leading BWI, Wiedefeld’s career included service as administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration, where he managed day-to-day operations of the transit system, including commuter rail, subway, light rail, buses and paratransit services. He also spent a decade in the private sector with extensive experience in engineering project management for Parsons Brinckerhoff’s aviation practice.

WMATA expects to finalize a contract agreement with Wiedefeld in time for the board meeting, when it will vote to appoint him to the position and announce a transition plan. Meanwhile, Jack Requa will continue to serve as interim general manager until Wiedefeld comes on board.

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