WMATA resumes search for new CEO

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has resumed its search for a new general manager and chief executive officer, the agency announced yesterday.

WMATA temporarily put the search on hold in March, while officials determined what specific qualities were necessary in a new leader.

Before resuming the search, the agency gathered feedback from riders, community advocates, business leaders and other local stakeholders. WMATA's board then expanded the scope of its executive search to include candidates with financial management experience, as well as those outside government and the transit industry, agency officials said in a press release.

"The board is committed to re-energizing the search for a new chief executive who will provide [WMATA] with effective leadership emphasizing safety as the top priority, exceptional financial management and the first-class service delivery for our customers that the region deserves," said WMATA Chairman Mortimer Downey.

Following Richard Sarles' retirement in January, Jack Requa began serving as interim GM/CEO. He will continue to lead the agency until the search is finished, WMATA officials said.