SEPTA names Burnfield deputy general manager

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has appointed Richard Burnfield deputy general manager.

He'll report to Jeffrey Knueppel, who last month was named general manager.

Burnfield will oversee SEPTA divisions and departments responsible for financial efficiency, resource management, business partnership development, employee development, labor relations, communications and information technology, agency officials said in a news release. He also will continue to serve as the agency's treasurer — a position he's held for the past seven years.

A 36-year SEPTA veteran, Burnfield has focused on transforming financial business practices, introducing strategic planning innovation and advancing investment in the agency's assets, SEPTA officials said.

Prior to becoming the agency's chief financial officer, he served as senior director of budgets and manager of capital budgets.

Under Burnfield's management, SEPTA has achieved balanced budgets for 16 consecutive years, agency officials said. Additionally, his staff has introduced many initiatives, including the largest station naming rights program in the United states, as well as an award-winning sustainability program.

Burnfield began his transportation career at New Jersey Transit Corp.