WMATA seeks candidates for safety chief

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has begun a national search for a chief safety officer, who will report to the agency's general manager and chief executive officer.

The chief safety officer would be the first major hire for GM/CEO Paul Wiedefeld, who began serving as the agency's top leader on Nov. 30.

Wiedefeld has said that safety will be his top priority at WMATA, which has experienced a series of safety lapses and related problems over the past year. In October, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx ordered the Federal Transit Administration to temporarily assume safety oversight of the agency.

In a press release, WMATA officials said the chief safety officer will provide strategic leadership to ensure the day-to-day safety of the system, employees and riders.

The agency is seeking a "dynamic and experienced safety executive who has proven experience in leading an agency-wide safety program as CSO," according to the press release. "The scope of responsibility includes the direction, oversight, development, management, and implementation of all facets of a system safety management program."

Interested candidates are asked to send their resume to Gregg Moser at gmoser@krauthamerinc.com.