Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to confirm Richard R. Sarles as general manager/chief executive officer of the transit agency, to continue the work he began as interim general manager in establishing a safety-first culture, modernizing the system and improving service for riders. 

Catherine Hudgins has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of WMATA effective immediately. Hudgins, a Board member representing Fairfax County, Va., succeeds Peter Benjamin, whose one-year term as chair has ended.

Four new members have joined the board, Tom Downs, Tommy Wells, Mary Hynes and Kathy Porter.