Houston's METRO, California's Metrolink name new executives

Board members for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) and Metrolink announced yesterday the hiring of top executives at their respective agencies.

Houston's METRO named Tom Lambert, who has been leading the agency on an interim basis for more than a year, as president and chief executive officer.

He began his transportation career in 1979 when he joined METRO. During his tenure, Lambert served as police chief and chief administrative officer before being asked to temporarily take charge of the agency in January 2013. As president and CEO, Lambert will lead 3,500 employees and oversee a $1.24 billion annual budget.

Meanwhile, Metrolink selected Sam Joumblat, chief financial officer for the Port of Long Beach since 2006, as CFO and treasurer, effective March 17.

After serving three years as deputy city auditor for the city of Long Beach, Calif., Joumblat managed the port's debt issuance, accounting, revenue operations, financial reporting and analysis, along with the organization's accounts payable and budget coordination and oversight.

"Our agency has made significant strides in its financial controls and procedures, but having someone of Sam's expertise and experience to build upon these efforts is extraordinarily important," said Metrolink CEO Michael DePallo.