Metro Board Picks CEO With Transportation Chops

The Metro board has picked its next CEO and general manager: Paul Wiedefeld, a former CEO at Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

Wiedefeld is expected to be formally appointed Nov. 19.

WMATA Board of Directors Chairman Mort Downey noted Wiedefeld’s executive experience in announcing the pick.

“Paul brings to Metro a depth of transportation knowledge and regional experience and we are absolutely united in our support for him,” Downey said. “The Board will continue in our governance and oversight role in a manner that helps Paul succeed in running the day-to-day operations of Metro to better serve our riders, rebuild faith in management, and restore credibility with stakeholders.”

During his time as BWI’s CEO, Wiedefeld oversaw the largest expansion in the airport’s history. He had previously led the Maryland Transit Administration.

After a lengthy search, Metro stumbled out of the gate last week with the selection of executive Neal Cohen for the CEO job. Only days later, Cohen was out after very early negotiations failed.