Valley Metro's Banta honored as 'most admired' leader

Valley Metro Chief Executive Officer Steve Banta has been named one of Phoenix’s "Most Admired Leaders" by the Phoenix Business Journal.

Banta was honored at an awards dinner on May 29. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership serves as inspiration for other companies and business leaders to achieve similar success, according to a Valley Metro press release.

"True leadership means standing firmly on your convictions despite outside pressure to move or step off," said Banta in a prepared statement.

He oversees a 20-mile light-rail system and bus network that has an annual budget of $364 million. Banta also is charged with the planning, design and construction of 40 additional miles of future high capacity/rail extensions.