Art Leahy officially jumps from Metro to Metrolink

The board of Metrolink announced today that Art Leahy will become the agency's CEO as of April 20 -- soon after he steps down as CEO of Metro. The move has been widely expected since Leahy disclosed he would leave Metro. His successor at Metro was just approved yesterday — it's Denver transit chief Phil Washington, as we reported on Wednesday that it would be.

From Metrolink's release today:

"When the position became available at Metrolink, I was immediately intrigued," Leahy said. "Having had the opportunity to work at both Metro and Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), I have witnessed first-hand the incredible diligence of the Metrolink staff, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to further grow and enhance Southern California's six-county rail system."

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), the agency that governs Metrolink, is made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. In addition to those counties, Metrolink provides service into northern San Diego County.

"As a board, we could not be more excited about Art deciding to take the helm of Metrolink," said Orange County Supervisor Shawn Nelson, chair of the Metrolink Board of Directors. "Given Art's leadership at Metro, along with his previous stewardship of OCTA, he brings a unique perspective of leadership at the highest levels of transportation that will be of tremendous value to Metrolink."

One of the nation's leading transit officials, Leahy served as chief executive officer of Metro for six years. During that time, he guided implementation of one of the largest public works programs in United States history, securing billions in federal and state dollars to help finance construction of dozens of transit and highway projects.