Valley Metro names Pal chief transportation officer, Boyles chief of staff

Valley Metro in Phoenix has hired Mike Pal as chief transportation officer and Melissa Boyles as chief of staff.

Pal has nearly 30 years of experience managing large-scale transit operations. He began his career as a bus operator with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City, where he served in leadership responsible for delivering bus, bus rapid transit and paratransit services. Most recently, he was the deputy chief operating officer at Metro Transit in Minneapolis, overseeing bus, light-rail and commuter-rail operations.

In his new role, Pal will lead teams tasked with developing and delivering light-rail, streetcar, bus and paratransit, Valley Metro officials said in a press release.

Boyles has 25 years of experience in transportation program management and civil rights program development and compliance. She also has experience in developing diversity, equity and inclusion and social equity programs. She has served 12 years in executive leadership at transportation-related private sector organizations.

In her new role, Boyles will assist Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller and coordinate with internal team members and city partners to advance transit initiatives.