The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board Of Directors recently named Randy Clarke as the agency’s next general manager and CEO.
“With the current challenges facing Metro, we knew we needed to find an accomplished and innovative executive who has a track record of effective leadership,” WMATA’s Board Chairman Paul C. Smedberg said. “It was obvious to the Board that Mr. Clarke was clearly the one candidate who most demonstrated his ability to be a transformative, strategic thinker who would redefine how the organization moves forward over the next several decades, ensuring Metro’s important role in driving future regional mobility.”
Clarke currently serves in Austin, Texas, as president and CEO of Capital Metro. He previously served in numerous roles at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. In addition, he served for two years as American Public Transportation Association vice president of operations and member services.
Clarke, who is expected to assume the role in late summer, will replace Paul Wiedefeld, who will retire on June 30.
Following the announcement that Clarke had been selected, U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA) issued the following joint statement supporting the hire.
The WMATA Board Of Directors conducted a nationwide search.