Friday, November 17, 2017
Public Transportation Leader Paul P. Skoutelas to Take Helm
In a unanimous vote today, the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) Board of Directors named Paul P. Skoutelas to serve as its new President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 8, 2018.
Skoutelas has been a highly successful and respected national leader in the public transportation industry for more than 40 years. He served as CEO of public transit systems in Pittsburgh and Orlando, and most recently as Senior Vice President of WSP USA, one of the world's largest architectural and engineering firms. View his bio here?.
APTA Chair Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., who is CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority said, "Paul Skoutelas' strong leadership skills, vision and energy are ideal to lead APTA in these transformational times for public transportation. He is a collaborative leader who brings the right blend of expertise and passion to ensure that the public transportation industry continues to play a critical role in connecting people to economic opportunities and a better quality of life."
"I am honored to be appointed to lead APTA, a great association that has played an important part in my career," said Skoutelas. "Every day public transit connects millions of people to jobs, family, vital services and new opportunities. I pledge to work together with APTA members, our stakeholders, and elected officials so that we make the necessary transportation policy decisions and investments to grow our communities and our nation."
The appointment is the culmination of an extensive search process by a task force of APTA members chaired by Immediate Past Chair Doran J. Barnes, CEO of Foothill Transit.
Ford also commended Richard A. White, APTA's acting president and CEO, for his strong and steady leadership during the last 19 months. White will remain at APTA for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition.
Skoutelas, who resides in Pittsburgh, will relocate to Washington DC.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 public and private sector organizations, engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services, and intercity and high-speed passenger rail. This includes: transit systems; planning, design, construction, and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; transit associations and state departments of transportation. APTA is the only association in North America that represents all modes of public transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical transit services and products.