Washington named LACMTA's new chief; Metrolink eyes Leahy

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority's board (LACMTA) on Thursday officially named Phil Washington as its next chief executive officer. He joins the agency after serving as the general manager and CEO of Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) since 2009.

"Phil Washington is the ideal person to manage our $36 billion transportation infrastructure program to ease congestion, cut smog and boost our economy for decades to come," said Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti, who chairs LACMTA's board, in a press release. "Phil Washington's track record of maximizing project efficiency, securing much-needed funding and increasing customer service will well-serve Metro riders and taxpayers."

Washington expressed mixed feelings about moving on from RTD, which he called "a model for the nation" in transportation innovation and regional collaboration.

"I will always value the progress and positive outcome that will be ever present through our collective footprints as community partners," he said in an RTD press release.

As head of LACMTA, Washington will succeed Art Leahy, who announced in January that he would leave the agency. Later today, Leahy is expected to be named the new chief executive of Metrolink, according to Los Angeles area news media. Metrolink officials announced Thursday that its board would meet today to hire a new CEO, but did not identify that individual as Leahy.