Montco Commissioner Will Lead PennDOT

By Alison Smith:

Montgomery County Commissioner Leslie Richards will be the next secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Gov.-elect Tom Wolf announced Wednesday.

“I am happy to announce Leslie Richards will run the Department of Transportation,” Wolf said. “Leslie Richards will work with me to continue to grow and modernize our transportation system by taking advantage of our location. As a business owner, I know that a strong transportation system is necessary to move people and goods efficiently and effectively, and I look forward to working with Leslie Richards to expand our thinking and grow a 21st century, statewide transportation system.”

Richards, who has degrees from Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania, currently serves as vice chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners; chair of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission; and is a member of the SEPTA Board, Wolf’s office said. She lives in Whitemarsh Township.

Current Secretary of Transportation Barry Schoch will continue to advise the governor on transportation issues as a senior advisor to the governor, Wolf’s office said.

“Secretary Barry Schoch will continue his work to improve Pennsylvania’s transportation system,” Wolf said. “He will play a key role in the continued implementation of the transportation bill, and he will work across agencies to make sure implementation is efficient and cost effective.”

Wolf will be inaugurated Jan. 20.