Harrell hired as HRT president, CEO

William Harrell will begin his new job as president and chief executive officer of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) on April 2.

Harrell, the city manager of Chesapeake, Va., was approved last week by the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads to succeed HRT President and CEO Philip Shucet, who decided not to renew his contract.

Shucet was hired in February 2010 to help complete construction of The Tide light-rail project. After rail service began in August 2011, he initiated a series of internal reforms to improve HRT’s overall management practices and make the agency a more publicly accountable organization, HRT officials said in a prepared statement.

Although Shucet’s contract originally ended Jan. 31, he agreed to stay on the job until March 31, after which he plans to return to a private practice in transportation consulting.

Harrell has served as Chesapeake’s city manager since June 2007 and is credited with helping the city reduce spending while sustaining core services without an increase in taxes or fees. With 26 years in public service, he has spent much of his career focused on operations including public works, fleet maintenance, public utilities and transportation.