Valley Metro names Smith permanent CEO

Valley Metro's board has chosen Scott Smith as the Phoenix agency's permanent chief executive officer. He's held the position on an interim basis since February.

A former mayor of Mesa, Ariz., Smith has worked as a private-sector CEO, attorney and certified public accountant. As mayor, he reduced government spending and trimmed his workforce by 10 percent, Valley Metro officials said in a press release.

Smith also recently served as a resident fellow in the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.

"During [Smith's] time here, we have experienced the value of his combined public and private sector leadership experiences and determined they are a perfect fit for this vital public agency and its future," said Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority Chair Thelda Williams.

Smith has been offered the CEO position for two years. Salary and other contract details are still being finalized, agency officials said.

In Progressive Railroading's June cover story, Smith discussed Valley Metro's plan to expand its existing 27-mile light-rail system to 66 miles.