WMATA names Requa interim GM, CEO

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) board yesterday appointed Jack Requa interim general manager and chief executive officer to succeed Richard Sarles, who is retiring Jan. 16.

Requa, who joined WMATA in April 1998, is the assistant general manager for bus services.

"We are confident that Mr. Requa will effectively partner with the board to advance our safety programs including fatigue management, move forward on fiscal-year 2016 budget and capital funding discussions, and advance [our] customer care initiative, as well as ensure that we stay on track to strengthen our compliance efforts," said WMATA Chairman Tom Downs in a press release.

The executive search to find a permanent replacement for Sarles is "well underway," and the board expects to make a final selection early this year, he said.

The board also commended Sarles for his service to WMATA since 2010. A resolution recognized that under his leadership, the agency rebuilt its safety culture; reduced employee injuries for four consecutive years; advanced capital investments that improved safety, reliability and increased escalator availability to a five-year high; opened the Silver Line; and greatly improved WMATA's communication with customers.